Increase Baler Uptime

Gary Berrington knows the importance of keeping his balers in top condition. Based near Wellington, Nevada, Berrington uses 10 Hesston and Hesston by Massey Ferguson three-twine small rectangular balers to handle 6,000 to 7,000 acres of alfalfa—going through 80 to 100 pallets of twine in the process.

“I have two mechanics plus myself who go through the balers every year,” he explains, noting that he buys any needed parts from Ott’s Farm Equipment, his Massey Ferguson dealer in Fallon, Nevada. “We generally start by checking all the wear parts in the bale chamber, including the plunger bearings. After that, we move to the knotters, where we check everything from the bill hooks to the tensioners and guides.”

Berrington insists any grooves worn into the twine guides can impair the flow of twine from the twine box to the knotters, potentially leading to a miss-tie, which, in turn, leads to lost time. He has also found through years of experience that some brands and types of twine cause more wear than others. So it’s important to check knotter components often.

“Finally, we’ll move to the front of the machine where we check the stripper plates, cam bearings, pickup tines, etc.,” he continues.

It’s not that Berrington doesn’t trust his dealer to make the necessary repairs, though. He insists distance is one factor, since Ott’s Farm Equipment is nearly 80 miles away. However, he believes the customer is in the best position to know his equipment and the types of wear to expect, based on conditions and use.

“The dealership may have plenty of experience with repairs,” he says. “But their mechanics aren’t the ones out here doing the baling. I feel you have to have some experience with maintenance on your own to know what needs to be replaced and what can wait.”

To help with maintaining your balers, check out our list of 20-plus checkpoints for round and/or square balers at
http://www.myfarmlife.com/advantage/baler-maintenance-tips-from-hay-producers/.