You’ve cut and raked your hay into perfect windrows. You’re ready to bale that hay, making tight, dense, well-shaped bales. And now the crowning touch on the baling process is to wrap those round bales properly. There are multiple options for doing that, but today we’re going to focus on how to load net wrap.
Loading net wrap is a pretty simple process. But as always, follow the instructions closely found in your machine’s Operator’s Manual. And on this round baler, you’ll also find basic instructions inside the net wrap loading area on how to load net wrap.
For this demonstration, we’re using CoverEdgeTM Net Wrap.
After disengaging the tractor PTO, shutting off the engine, and disconnecting the bale monitor power plug, open the net wrap cover.
Release the net wrap brake on the left side of the baler and move the brake lever out and up to release the brake band. Raise the lever until it rests on top of the latch tab.
Remove and discard the plastic wrapper from the roll of net wrap before loading. To load net wrap, swing the lower tension arm out and load the roll onto it, making sure the wide green stripe on the roll is on the right-hand side. We’ve also loaded a replacement roll in the storage position on the baler, running it in the same direction, and secured it with the rubber straps. Because we don’t want to have to head back to the equipment shed to get a fresh roll right in the middle of hay baling.
Next, apply some fine talc on the rubber feed roller and spread it thinly and evenly by hand over the entire roller to make sure it stays dry and smooth during operation. The roll should be a greyish color once rubbed in by hand. This helps ensure the net wrap won’t get caught and wrap around the roller instead of around the bale. Then drape the net wrap between the cross member and the rubber feed roller, and lift the lower tension arm, placing the roll of net wrap in the operating position.
From underneath the loader arm, pull the net wrap end down, grab it together, twist it several times, and push the twisted portion between the rubber feed roller and the steel roller.
While holding the twisted wrap in place, crank the feed roller brake a few times to feed the wrap in until it’s snug. Make sure that no more than 1 inch of net wrap material extends beyond the rollers.
Engage the net wrap brake by pulling the lever out and pushing it down. Then cut off any excess net wrap material, being very careful not to cut or scratch the rubber or metal rollers. Cutting the rollers can also cause net material to wrap around the rolls. A good tip is to always cut away from the rubber roller.
Close the wrap cover, and you are ready to bale some hay.
And here’s another tip. On any day before you start baling, take time to release the net wrap feed roller brake and reset it to avoid wrapping net wrap around the rubber roller.
You’ll find several other videos here on Tips Notebook on various aspects of the haymaking process and other pieces of equipment you might want or need to use in your operation.
Now don’t forget, always read the Operator’s Manual before storing or operating any piece of equipment and follow all operating and safety instructions.
And remember, if you’re looking for equipment that’s built to get the job done season after season, year after year, you’ll find it – and all kinds of advice on how to use it – every day at your John Deere dealer.
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