CLAAS Rollatex Classic

When using Round Bale Netwrap, a few moments must be taken to ensure correct preparation of your machine in order to achieve the best results. The most common problems of net splitting, tearing, or fouling on feed rollers arise from the net ‘laddering’, where threads become broken, leading to a running stitch in the net running opposite to the direction of the net, eventually causing the net to separate where the ‘ladder’ has occurred. This can be caused by many different and varying circumstances but will always have the same ‘ladder’ effect.
Check that the area in which the roll sits is free from dirt and debris. Ensure that all metal surfaces the net comes into contact with are free from rust or sharp edges or weld spots (net box sides, spreader bars and rollers etc.), or dried paint ‘lumps’ on any surfaces which could damage the net. Clean up with emery paper if necessary. Also, check that the path for the net to the bale behind the feed mechanism is not dirty or rusty, which could restrict the net’s passage when feeding – often identified by a ‘lump’ of net at the start of the wrapping cycle. This is especially important when starting baling after winter storage.
Ensure the net is threaded correctly. Incorrect feeding of the net will cause incorrect tension being applied, leading to feeding and cutting difficulties which, in turn, will cause problems on subsequent net feed cycles. Where the net is fed through a series of fixed tension bars, always make sure these are clean and polished to avoid excessive friction. Excessive net friction or an uneven surface will cause the net to tear.
Where two rollers are used to feed the net, it is imperative these are correctly aligned and tensioned against one another, to enable the net to feed in evenly and under the correct tension. Incorrectly aligned rollers will produce a corresponding uneven net feed and subsequent cutting action at the end of the wrapping cycle. This will result in poor bale coverage and possible net fouling on the feed rollers at the start of the next cycle. The rollers’ surface should also be closely inspected for abrasions or damage, which could snag the net when feeding.
Ensure the feed rollers are clean of any moisture or residue. Never use an aggressive cleaning agent such as petrol or turpentine to clean rubber rollers.
Always dust rubber rollers down with French chalk or talc powder when loading a new roll of Netwrap, or use anti-static spray to reduce net static when operating. This avoids the net fouling and wrapping around the rollers when feeding in.
Carefully inspect the condition of the belt joiners on variable chamber balers for damage or worn connections, as this will snag the net and cause a tear, which will split the net on the bale.
Make sure the knife or cutting surface is clean and undamaged. Poor cutting action will result in an uneven ‘tail’ to the net, which can become tangled in the rollers and feed mechanism.

Round baling with Netwrap is the most convenient and least expensive way of wrapping your bale. Wrapping with Netwrap reduces costs by being faster than using twine and offers much better protection to the crop than twine ever could.
The main points include:
Less wear and tear on the baler
Fewer revolutions of the bale are needed when net wrapping, dramatically reducing wear and tear on the baler.
Greater speed of operation
Netwrap needs fewer revolutions, reducing the wrapping time and allowing up to 15-20 more bales per hour.
Better coverage on the bale
Net wrapped bales maintain a more uniform shape, making transporting and handling easier, particularly important when wrapping silage bales on an automatic bale wrapper. Bale coverage from edge to edge is also essential when silage wrapping, eliminating air from the bale to ensure better quality forage.
Better weathering capability
Net wrapped bales offer much better weathering capability, allowing outdoor storage and reducing loss from crop wastage.
Easier to remove
Opening a net wrapped bale is a simple and straight-forward operation. The use of net eliminates the difficult and tiresome task of removing baler twine, especially in frosty conditions, and is also less likely to be picked up by livestock or machinery.

This depends upon bale diameter and crop type, Tama has recommendations on how many wraps should be applied, which can be found on the sleeve, in the booklet attached to the roll, and on our website www.tama.co.il.