Agricultural stretch wrap
Successful round or square bale formation depends on a number of factors. For high-quality forage, the mowing and wrapping time is just as important as a good stretch film. When making round bales, the machine settings and a stretch wrap with the correct stretch percentage are crucial. The optimum mowing time and machine settings, the right stretch wrap and correct bale transport all contribute to forage quality.
Products
A good start...
Everything starts with good grassland maintenance, optimum regrowth and a dense, strong sward. This is the basis of good grass. It is important to identify the right time for mowing by looking at the ripeness (of the ear) and length of the grass. Mowing at a height of 6-7 cm ensures that the maximum amount of grass is mown without affecting regeneration. You should also ensure that the crude ash content is low. For round bales, aim for 35-45% dry matter content.
Wrapping tips and advice
Use a baler which wraps the bales tightly. The wrapper should rotate the bales neatly and evenly. The bale must be removed vertically. Wrap the bales as soon as possible after baling. Do not wait longer than 1-2 hours. Do not wrap bales when it is raining as the film layers will not stick together properly. Wrap at least 6 layers of film round the bale, with 55% overlap. For dry grass, wrap at least 8 layers of film round the bale, preferably 10. This minimises the risk of gaps in the film and guarantees high-quality forage. Stretch wrap in white / bright colours is preferable as it reflects the light and reduces heating of the bale.
Remove the bales from the field as soon as possible. Use a grab to load the bales. Bales should be transported and stored vertically. Transport bales as little as possible.
Tips for storing bales
Ensure that the floor in the storage area is clean. Check the floor for stones, etc. which can damage the film. If necessary, cover the bales with a net to protect them from birds, etc. If you notice a gap in the film, seal it immediately using the appropriate tape.
Types of agricultural stretch wrap
MegaStretch is a very versatile stretch wrap which is suitable for any wrapper and for round or square bales. MegaStretch also has a very good price / quality ratio. The cardboard tube is easily disposed of in the paper collection bin.
Triowrap is a higher-quality stretch wrap. This is due to the raw material used to make Triowrap which gives it a higher stretch percentage. Triowrap comes on a PVC tube with ensures that it rotates smoothly on the baler/wrapper.
Trioplus has the same quality as Triowrap but there are more metres on the roll. The standard length is 1500 metres, but Trioplus has 1900 metres per roll. This means more bales per roll and less installation of new rolls, which saves a lot of time.
Additional tips
- Always store the film vertically in a cool, dry environment.
- Bring the film up to temperature before use.
- If packed in a box, do not remove the film until just before use.
- Install the rolls on the machine carefully to prevent damage.
- Remove any dirt particles and adhesive residues several times a day.
- Wrap the bales within 2 hours of baling.
- Heavy rain reduces adhesion of the glue on the stretch wrap. Always take this into account during wrapping.
- Bales can be stored for a maximum of 12 months after wrapping.
- If bales are stored for a long time, it is advisable to cover them with a Meganyl protection net for protection against birds, branches and extreme weather.