Precision Processor For Big Round Bales

Precision processor for big round bales MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 9-2-24 A big bale processor that precisely feeds hay into grinder-mixers or feedbunks has been developed by researchers at the Agriculture Canada Research Station, Melfort, Sask. En-Zen Jan, who headed up the research, says the idea was to develop a machine that would more evenly cut up bales for mixing into feed rations. "It'll evenly feed out hard or soft core bales due to the roller system used to unroll them," says Jan, explaining that the machine uses eight large rollers arranged in a semi-circle to cradle the bale, turning it in either direction to unroll it. A counter-rotating shaft at the bottom of the rollers peels off hay onto a conveyor below that elevates it into grinder or bunk. The bale rollers vary in size,with the largest ones at the bottom. They're driven hydraulically, although Jan says he plans to develop a mechanical drive to keep costs down. "The problem is getting enough power economically to chew up the bales," says Jan, noting that he's been working on a development contract for the processor with the University of Saskatchewan agricultural engineering department. One goal is to keep power requirements down so that any small tractor with a pto can drive it. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, En-Zen Jan, Research Station, P.O. Box 1240, Melfort, Sask. SOE 1AO Canada (ph 306 752-2776).

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