THE distinct red Bale Baron hay handling system generated plenty of interest among the fodder industry as an efficient method of packaging traditional small bales into more manageable larger units ready for transport.
On display at the Warwick-based Southern Downs Ag site at CRT FarmFest, the impressive Canadian built machine takes bales direct from the paddock to create nine, 18 or 21 bales bundles.
Rob Collman from Southern Downs Ag said the machines had created plenty of interest, particularly from producers wanting to sell equine friendly bales in the retail produce industry.
“The big advantage is the reduction in bale handling,” Mr Collman said. “One in a tied bundle up to 21 bales can be handled as a single unit. The bales are then able to be delivered as a unit direct to the produce store.
“The merchant just has to cut a few strings to sell to the customer, rather than having to unstack trucks and restack the bales in his shed. It’s certainly quicker and a lot more efficient.”
The Bale Baron uses an 80cm long bale to create a 90cm long bale after being compressed into the bundle. The machine is said to work well with the most common weight bales ranges of 18-25kg.
The Bale Baron is available in two versions: the 4240T, a trail behind unit, or the 4240P, an in-paddock pick up machine. The 4240P model grabs bales in-paddock with its hydraulic conveyor. The 4240T version uses an articulated chute to guide the bales directly off the baler.
A perforated turntable then rotates each bales into position. A mechanical regular prevents the bale from jamming. A hydraulic ram loader pushes each bale into the chamber, tightly packing three bales in a row. Multiple rows are compressed to create a single large bundle.
The bundle is then tied with heavy duty twine using a Raspe Knotter. Upon completion the unit’s rear doors open and the tied bundle slowly exits the chamber on a sloped roller ramp.
The 4240T is powered by the tractor’s remote hydraulics or an optional diesel power unit. The 4240P is powered by remote hydraulics, a diesel powered unit, or PTO.