Inventory check

Check to see if you have everything you need? For example, are there enough nets for bales? Is the pruner ok? Of course, you can buy more when you need it, but sometimes 1-2 days of delay can cost you dearly due to missed opportunities. For example, if the already cut herbs are rained heavily and you do not pack them on time.

It is advisable to have at least two bolts for each pruning machine, additional packing materials and preservatives, and a basic set of tools or consumables. For example, knives for the cutting system of a baler. It is better that all this is carried out by an operator in the field, and does not require several hours of delivery from the warehouse.

Daily check

We strongly recommend that you check all machines before going into the field. If there is a lot of crop matter accumulated on the baler, be sure to clean it. This way, you will quickly and promptly identify problems so that you can quickly eliminate them and avoid wasting valuable mowing time.

On machines that are equipped with automatic lubrication systems or remote lubrication fittings, the lines should be monitored and checked for breaks. Also be sure to check if everything is in order with the oil supply in the gearboxes. Before going into the field, you should also check the level of all liquids that are displayed on the sight glass or dipstick. Top them up on time if this is already required.

Attention! Promptly lubricate all fittings and chains that require this manual procedure. It is best to lubricate chains when they are still warm.

Check the sharpness of the baler blades if equipped with a cutting system.. When operating a machine with dull knives, fuel and electricity consumption increases, as well as wear and tear on the entire cutting system. Sometimes sharpening knives when working with certain types of feedstuff is required more often than once a day.

Before going into the field, you need to check not only the baler itself, but also the tractor. Does it have enough gasoline? Are the lights working? Are there any extraneous sounds during operation? It is better to run the round baler at least for a short time on the farm to check the belts and make sure there are no errors on the machine controller.

Between mowing

During pressing, the operator should note any problems that interfere with his work day. This is necessary so that after returning to the farm, they can be eliminated in a timely manner. There may be a separate journal specifically for this with records of the technical condition of the machine.

Between mowing, it is advisable to check the drive shaft joints, couplings, bearings, cutting knives, guides, etc. This is an ideal time to replace broken and bent baler teeth and straighten uneven belts. You can familiarize yourself with some of the possible problems that sometimes arise during operation and how they can be eliminated in these 4 articles:

Part 1. Fixing 10 common problems when wrapping bales with hay netting

Part 2. Fixing 10 common problems when wrapping bales with hay netting

Part 3. Fixing 10 common problems when wrapping bales with hay netting

Part 4. Fixing 10 common problems when wrapping bales with hay netting

Check the baler chains and sprockets. Chains can lengthen as they wear, causing incorrect tension and uneven wear on equipment later. If the chain elongation exceeds 3%, it should be replaced. This is important, because otherwise the sprockets will wear out faster. You can check this important machine component for wear using this picture: