How Bale Wrapping Transformed Forage Storage
Machinery and Products editor Mark Daniel takes a look at the history of bale wrapping.
Waiting around for natural dew is a thing of the past, the company says. Its DewPoint 6110 dew simulator for big square balers applies steam to dry hay at the baler. Hay may then be baled any time the crop is dry enough.
The machine, developed by grower Dave Staheli, is made by Staheli West Inc, Cedar City, Utah.
The DewPoint 6110 sits between the baler and tractor as part of a one-pass operation.
Steam is injected through manifolds into the hay as it is lifted from the windrow to the baler pickup and further as it passes through the feed chamber of the baler.
Four litres of water will produce about 6500L of steam, allowing an operator to add 19-26L of water to one tonne of hay.
When the injected steam contacts the dry crop material it condenses and bonds with other water molecules in the vicinity. Unlike when water is sprayed on hay to simulate dew, steam is absorbed instantly, retaining leaves and softening the hay.
The DewPoint 6110 makes higher quality, denser bales and increases baling capacity, says Dave Staheli. A grower baling 16-20ha/day with one baler can easily cover 80-100ha/day with a baler and a DewPoint machine, he claims.
Product consistency is said to be high. While in the cab, the operator can customise the steam application depending on how dry the hay is. Each manifold can be controlled separately.
“Moisture content is consistent in each bale, and the bales tend to be higher in quality because of higher leaf retention,” says Staheli.
The company seeks a New Zealand buyer or distributor.
