ROUND BALER

Last updated 1/16/03

The round baler has replaced the conventional square baler on many farms since it reduces the labor requirements of producing, storing and feeding hay. These balers produce bales which range in size from 5' dia. x 4’ long weighing about 900 pounds to 6' dia. x 5' long and weighing 2,000 pounds or more.

The pickup mechanism of the balers is essentially the same as on other balers, except that it is positioned somewhat underneath the front of the machine. There is a set of compression rollers to flatten the layer of hay between the pick-up and the baling chamber. A large round baler may feature one of three methods of forming the hay into a large roll - large flat belts, chains and bars or steel rollers. There may be several powerful springs which should be treated with caution because sudden release of the energy stored by these springs could cause serious injury or death.

Entanglement in the pick-up assembly or the belts and chains used to compress the crop account for most injuries with the large round baler. However, a person could be caught by the rear gate as it closes or be caught by other mechanisms.

Injuries to Expect

Injuries to victims entangled in the pick-up assembly or the belts or chains may include lacerations, puncture wounds, fractures and abrasions. The victim may have been pulled in so tightly that it is difficult to breath. A person caught by the rear gate as it closes may suffer fractures and other crushing injuries. It is possible that a person could be trapped in the baling chamber itself.

Rescue Procedures

Shut off power and stabilize the scene. Support the pickup assembly to prevent settling or lowering.

Determine the seriousness of the injuries and plan the extrication.

If the patient is caught in the rollers immediately behind the pickup, relieve tension by loosening spring or hydraulic pressure on one of the rollers. DANGER: The springs are very strong and sudden release of stored energy can cause serious injury or death.

A patient caught in the belts or chains can be freed by cutting the belts or steel bars involved. It is also possible to relieve belt tension by lifting the tensioning roller. Some of the hay surrounding the patient can be cut or pulled out to relieve pressure and assist the rescue.

Fire is a risk throughout the rescue. Clear loose hay from the area and keep a fire hose or fire extinguisher ready.

If a large round bale of hay starts rolling down a hill, even at a very slow speed, stay out of its path! A person is no match for a roll of hay weighing from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds.

CONVENTIONAL BALER

The conventional baler is a more complex machine than the large round baler. The basic components include the pickup, cross auger or feeding fork, baling chamber and the knotter. Hay is lifted from the ground by the pickup and fed into the baling chamber by a cross auger or a fork. A reciprocating ram compresses the hay into a rectangular chamber. As the ram compresses the material, a knife on its side shears the hay at the opening of the baling chamber. When the bale reaches a set length, a knotter mechanism ties the twine.

Most of the injuries with the conventional baler are associated with the pickup and the knotter. However, a person could be pulled into the baler far enough to become entangled in the cross auger or fork and even the baling chamber.

Expect lacerations, puncture wounds, fractures and amputations.

Rescue Procedures

Shut off power and stabilize the scene. If the patient is caught in the pick-up or cross auger, support the machine to keep h from lowering during the rescue.

Determine the seriousness of the injuries and plan the extrication.

A farm equipment mechanic or a farmer familiar with conventional balers can disassemble a knotter quickly. If a knowledgeable person is not readily available, close examination of the knotter components will make the disassembly procedure apparent. (Check the tool box or twine box for the operator's manual.)

The patient is sometimes entangled in the cross auger behind the pick-up assembly of some balers. The cross auger is usually supported on only one end and can be lifted or removed easily.

The baler can be reversed, if necessary, after disconnecting the PTO shaft from the tractor. Rotate the large flywheel at the front of the baler by hand. NEVER use power from the tractor to attempt any extrication.

If a hand or other part has been amputated by the ram/shear, open the baling chamber by manually rotating the flywheel in the appropriate direction. Block the ram in the forward (open) position and remove the contents of the baling chamber. Also check the contents of the last couple of bales formed for any missing body parts.