The process starts with an automated feed table on which the loader operator places the incoming large bales. The machine accepts both 32" x 35" and 46" x 35" large bales. This table then advances the large bales into the cutter box which tilts them on their edge to allow for the proper cut. Once the bale has been sliced into sections of 16" x 35", the bottom slab is slid over, allowing the next slab to fall down behind.

 

These slabs are then pushed forward into the weigh chamber while the operator removes the old twines. Here the simple adjustable beam scale determines the proper amount of hay, which is sectioned off by the feed forks. At this time, the weighted slab is split and advanced onto the lift table. The lift table then raises the slab into the actual compression chamber. The main compression ram now applies pressure against the slab reducing its length to either 24" or 18" depending on the selection made for the finished bale length.

 

Once compressed, the eject cylinder forces the bale horizontally into the banding chamber. The bale is held with two steel plates, while the banding unit places bands transversely along its width. The number of bands is selectable, but normally would be six. Once this process is complete, the next bale extrudes the finished banded bale out and it expands to its finished length of 24" or 30", depending on the selection, then is fed into the secondary cutting box. This cutter slices the bales from one 16" x 36" into two 16" x 18" bales. After slicing, the bales are fed into the accumulation stacking table which groups them into proper configurations for mechanically handling into storage or onto a trailer.

 

The entire process happens in approximately 30 seconds with the standard machine, or 15 seconds with the higher power option. The power for this operation comes from an electric driven hydraulic power station consisting of multiple 30hp motors, each driving hydraulic pumps. The automation is controlled by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), with full operator manual overrides. All manual functions are protected by the PLC to prevent operator damage. All necessary guarding is supplied and safety shutdowns and lockout systems are integrated via the PLC.

 

Large Bale cutting system consists of:

» 9' wide x 16' long hydraulic powered automated feed table

» Twin cylinder tilting table to place bales on edge

» 6" x 114" 2500 psi rated cutting cylinder

» Two S-7 heat treated tool steel blades

» Cut slab unstacking system

 

Feed system consists of:

» Chain driven in-feed table to advance slab

» Operator station to remove old twines

» Weigh platform with manually adjusted weights

» Separation forks to split slab

» Lift table to raise weighed slab

 

Compression system consists of:

» 6" main ram rated to 2500 psi, rigid mounted

» 5" eject ram rated to 2500 psi, rigid mounted

» High strength steel banding plates

» Chamber sidewall is 1" steel plate

» Automated Strapak RQ8Y plastic banding unit

 

Finishing system consists of:

» Secondary slicer with 5" cylinder

» Secondary slicer blade heat treated S-7 tool steel

» Accumulation table with 24 bale capacity

 

Electronic system consists of:

» Twin Automation Direct D0-06 controller

» Fully fused systems

» Motor starters

» Fully automatic with full manual override

 

Hydraulic system consists of:

» Three 30hp electric motors

» 180 gallon reservoir

» High performance piston pumps operating at 2200 psi

» Relief valves

» Large capacity filtration system

» Air to oil large capacity cooler unit