Bale shears, as loader attachments, are seen as labour saving devices for thousands of farmers who are feeding round bales of silage. These machines, with their plastic and net retaining devices, are proving popular on livestock farms. Stripping the wrapped bale of its plastic and net usually requires a number of stages. First you have to get out of the tractor to remove the plastic, then back into the tractor. You are then back out again to remove the net when over round feeder, feed passage or silage wagon. Finally, the plastic and net have to be gathered for disposal.
That is a lot of work if you consider the number of times you may have to get in and out of the tractor. We timed one operation and found that in a two-operation cycle it took two minutes per bale, with a minute each time on the ground. This means that you get up and down the tractor’s steps four times, just to strip the bale.
Five bales per day means 20 times in and out of the tractor. Over a seven-day week, that is 140 times up and down the tractor’s cab steps. So we set out to see if the bale shear devices which strip the plastic and the net could save you time.
Simple loading tasks
In the group test we set out a couple of simple tasks. These involved picking a bale from a stack of wrapped bales and slicing one half of the bale over the side of a trailer to simulate a diet feeder.
The load-over height of the trailer was 3.05 metres (10ft. 2in.), roughly the height of many paddle and tub feeders.
The second half of the bale was retained in the slicer and dropped into a round feeder. The plastic and net were then dropped into another smaller trailer for disposal.
We set out to see if the bale shear devices could pick a bale from the stack without damaging the neighbouring bale.
What was required to position it correctly in the unit and effectively grab the plastic and net?
We looked at how the tractors handled the weight of the bale and slicer at what would be the loader’s maximum height while slicing the bale into the trailer.
We examined its ability to hold onto the second half of the bale and successfully transport it to the round feeder some distance away. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we set out to examine how well it retained the plastic and net for final disposal.
The bale shears were carried on a four-cylinder Case IH Maxxum 100hp tractor with Case IH (Stoll) LRZ 100 loader with parallel linkage. We also had a six-cylinder 140hp Case IH Maxxum 140 variant with the latest MX T410 loader with hydraulic parallel linkage.
Models on test
While the Irish Farmers Journal invited several manufacturers to the test, four companies, Tanco Autowrap Ltd, Cashels Engineering, Keltec Engineering and Rohan Engineering, participated. All of their machines used a lateral type blade to shear the bale and ‘capture’ the inside half of the bale.
For each machine the bale was picked from the stack, then placed on the ground and then turned through 90 degrees before it was picked up and sliced.
As a precaution the smaller 100hp tractor carried an 850kg ballast weight for ‘insurance’ because all operations were carried out in-field and not on a level concrete surface. The Case IH Maxxum 140 did not feature any kind of ballast, three-point linkage or water in the tyres.
All the machines on test required a loader with ‘third service’ to operate their hydraulic functions. All have two hydraulic functions, one for bale shear and one for plastic retainer.
Tanco Bale Shear 170
The Tanco Bale Shear 170 was originally designed by Liam Murphy of Unique Inventions, Co Kilkenny. Its design is very smart in that its weight is kept to a minimum and as far to the rear as possible.
Bale shear hydraulic ram and pivot point were at or behind its mounting brackets.
While it was the lightest machine in our group test at 390kg, Liam clearly recognised the importance of keeping as much of the weight of the bale shear as close as possible to the tractor while handling what is usually a very heavy silage bale.
This theory caters for smaller tractors with smaller loader capacity. Tanco, based at Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, claims that its Tanco Bale Shear 170 is suitable for tractors of 80hp upwards.
The Bale Shear 170 was paired with the smaller 110hp tractor. It successfully picked the bale from the stack without coming in contact with other bales. The five-tine arrangement means that single bales can be picked from between two bales without damaging those beside it.
Verdict: The clever design worked well and we found this machine to be ideal for smaller tractors. Service requirements were minimal with just six grease nipples. The machine has a bucket option for adding grain and concentrates to the diet.This can be locked in place from the tractor seat.Keltec Bale Slice KT44
The Keltec Bale Slice KT44 was the largest of all the bale shear devices on test. Keltec, based at Kilmallock, Co Limerick, quoted a weight of 480kg for the KT44 which makes it just 90kg heavier than the lightest machine on test, the Tanco Bale Shear 170.
It is different from all the other machines in the group test in that it cuts upwards and retains the plastic and net above the bale. Because of its weight, we paired it with the larger tractor and loader.
Verdict: This is a bigger machine than the rest and is a little more complicated to operate. In operation it had perhaps the best plastic wrap and net retainer. Holding the bale wrap and net up high reduced the risk of plastic or net ending up trapped by the sliced bale.The upside-down blade could also be used to bulldoze silage in a passageway without risk of damaging the cutting edge on the concrete floor. A bucket attachment is also available for loading meal or concentrates. Sixteen grease nipples means it has the greatest service requirement of those on test.
Cashels Bale Cutter
and Film Catcher
The Bale Cutter and Film Catcher from Cashels Engineering, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, is proving popular in Scandinavia, Iceland and pretty much any where the winter climate drops well below freezing. In these countries, where temperatures typically drop well below -10 degrees Celsius, the external area of the bale freezes solid and presents difficulties for some devices to grip the plastic and net.
Using a series of hook-like spikes, Cashels Bale Cutter and Film Catcher can penetrate frozen bales to grip plastic and net. Powerful hydraulic rams power the shearing blade through the bale.
It is only 10kg heavier (without brackets) than the Tanco but adopts a more conventional bale shear design shape. Its folded design provides the strength required for frozen slicing, claims Cashels, while a curved rear plate with inspection holes helps the bale sit into it and the operator to see it. The one piece shearing blade has been designed to cut the bale through to the tines.
Verdict: Cashels Engineering Bale Cutter and Film Catcher incorporates some very clever features, from single piece blade to a retainer designed for climates much colder than ours. The hook retainer design works very well in our more moderate climate as well. It is only marginally heavier than the Tanco. Cashels claims that it is suitable for tractors 80hp and upwards. Our 100hp tractor handled it well with the rear ballast weight. It was easy to see whether or not the bale was in position through the inspection holes.From a service perspective, there are 10 grease points in total on the Cashels Bale Cutter and Film Catcher. A bucket is available as an option for loose materials or concentrates.
Rohan Bale Slicer
The Bale Slicer from Rohan Engineering, Adare, Co Limerick, was equipped with seven tines. It uses an open-type design to provide a good view of the bale.
The plastic and net retainer, designed by Rohan’s, is a very aggressive ‘alien’ looking device.
It is claimed to operate on all shapes of bales, including sunken bales. It uses the slicers’ arms as guides which ‘drop’ the retaining device on the bale for the aggressive jaws to grip the plastic and net.
Another feature of the retainer, according to Rohan’s, is that it will hold onto very little silage during operation.
Verdict: Despite being the youngest machine in the pack, Rohan Engineering seemed to have a good handle on the design of its machine. Its ‘floating’ bale wrap and net retainer makes it a little more flexible regarding ‘loading’ the bale into the machine’s jaws. It is heavier than both the Tanco and Cashels machine. The price certainly makes it an attractive option.What did we learn?
There is a certain level of operational skill needed to use most of these machines effectively. This skill is easy to get used to.
When loading a feeder a good degree of height and reach are needed for down-cutting machines so the plastic wrap and net does not get trapped in the machine.
Various hydraulic valves operate the plastic and net retaining devices.
You have to be careful not to release the waste plastic too early by operating the hydraulic controls for too long.
Again, it would be no fun digging the plastic out of a feeder.
We found that using the bale shears we were able to halve the time taken to load a bale into either a diet feeder or a round feeder.
The only factor that added to the process was the need to remove the bale from the stack and then turn it through 90 degrees for shearing. This process requires a certain level of operator skill and yard space.
The use of the bale shear machines when loading diet feeders means a faster mixing time compared with loading a fully intact bale.
This will save tractor power and reduce fuel usage.
New MX loader used in Irish Farmers Journal testing
John Stafford of John Stafford Plant Solutions helped out during our Bale Shear Group test.
Based at Ballyelland, Davidstown, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, John (Tel: 087-2792747) is a specialist MX loader agent.
Specifications of the T410 include a lift height under horizontal bucket of 3.75m and a payload capacity of 2,080kg, 600mm out on pallet forks.
Specification on John’s loader includes hydraulic self-levelling which MX calls its PCH System and Flex Pilot joystick controls. The latter is low-pressure pilot operated joystick controls.
A useful feature of the updated loader series is the MX Fitlock-2 System.
This allows the driver to drive the loader in and lock it into position. An indicator tells the driver whether the loader is fully locked in. We found that removal and fitting of the loader was quick and simple.
The servo-joystick control was one of the nicest features of the loader. These were smooth, responsive and overall excellent to use. They are a cheaper option than electro-hydraulic controls. Buttons for third function and powershift controls are incorporated into the joystick.
T400 loader prices start at €5,250 plus VAT.
Bale shears, as loader attachments, are seen as labour saving devices for thousands of farmers who are feeding round bales of silage. These machines, with their plastic and net retaining devices, are proving popular on livestock farms. Stripping the wrapped bale of its plastic and net usually requires a number of stages. First you have to get out of the tractor to remove the plastic, then back into the tractor. You are then back out again to remove the net when over round feeder, feed passage or silage wagon. Finally, the plastic and net have to be gathered for disposal.
That is a lot of work if you consider the number of times you may have to get in and out of the tractor. We timed one operation and found that in a two-operation cycle it took two minutes per bale, with a minute each time on the ground. This means that you get up and down the tractor’s steps four times, just to strip the bale.
Five bales per day means 20 times in and out of the tractor. Over a seven-day week, that is 140 times up and down the tractor’s cab steps. So we set out to see if the bale shear devices which strip the plastic and the net could save you time.
Simple loading tasks
In the group test we set out a couple of simple tasks. These involved picking a bale from a stack of wrapped bales and slicing one half of the bale over the side of a trailer to simulate a diet feeder.
The load-over height of the trailer was 3.05 metres (10ft. 2in.), roughly the height of many paddle and tub feeders.
The second half of the bale was retained in the slicer and dropped into a round feeder. The plastic and net were then dropped into another smaller trailer for disposal.
We set out to see if the bale shear devices could pick a bale from the stack without damaging the neighbouring bale.
What was required to position it correctly in the unit and effectively grab the plastic and net?
We looked at how the tractors handled the weight of the bale and slicer at what would be the loader’s maximum height while slicing the bale into the trailer.
We examined its ability to hold onto the second half of the bale and successfully transport it to the round feeder some distance away. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we set out to examine how well it retained the plastic and net for final disposal.
The bale shears were carried on a four-cylinder Case IH Maxxum 100hp tractor with Case IH (Stoll) LRZ 100 loader with parallel linkage. We also had a six-cylinder 140hp Case IH Maxxum 140 variant with the latest MX T410 loader with hydraulic parallel linkage.
Models on test
While the Irish Farmers Journal invited several manufacturers to the test, four companies, Tanco Autowrap Ltd, Cashels Engineering, Keltec Engineering and Rohan Engineering, participated. All of their machines used a lateral type blade to shear the bale and ‘capture’ the inside half of the bale.
For each machine the bale was picked from the stack, then placed on the ground and then turned through 90 degrees before it was picked up and sliced.
As a precaution the smaller 100hp tractor carried an 850kg ballast weight for ‘insurance’ because all operations were carried out in-field and not on a level concrete surface. The Case IH Maxxum 140 did not feature any kind of ballast, three-point linkage or water in the tyres.
All the machines on test required a loader with ‘third service’ to operate their hydraulic functions. All have two hydraulic functions, one for bale shear and one for plastic retainer.
Tanco Bale Shear 170
The Tanco Bale Shear 170 was originally designed by Liam Murphy of Unique Inventions, Co Kilkenny. Its design is very smart in that its weight is kept to a minimum and as far to the rear as possible.
Bale shear hydraulic ram and pivot point were at or behind its mounting brackets.
While it was the lightest machine in our group test at 390kg, Liam clearly recognised the importance of keeping as much of the weight of the bale shear as close as possible to the tractor while handling what is usually a very heavy silage bale.
This theory caters for smaller tractors with smaller loader capacity. Tanco, based at Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, claims that its Tanco Bale Shear 170 is suitable for tractors of 80hp upwards.
The Bale Shear 170 was paired with the smaller 110hp tractor. It successfully picked the bale from the stack without coming in contact with other bales. The five-tine arrangement means that single bales can be picked from between two bales without damaging those beside it.
Verdict: The clever design worked well and we found this machine to be ideal for smaller tractors. Service requirements were minimal with just six grease nipples. The machine has a bucket option for adding grain and concentrates to the diet.This can be locked in place from the tractor seat.Keltec Bale Slice KT44
The Keltec Bale Slice KT44 was the largest of all the bale shear devices on test. Keltec, based at Kilmallock, Co Limerick, quoted a weight of 480kg for the KT44 which makes it just 90kg heavier than the lightest machine on test, the Tanco Bale Shear 170.
It is different from all the other machines in the group test in that it cuts upwards and retains the plastic and net above the bale. Because of its weight, we paired it with the larger tractor and loader.
Verdict: This is a bigger machine than the rest and is a little more complicated to operate. In operation it had perhaps the best plastic wrap and net retainer. Holding the bale wrap and net up high reduced the risk of plastic or net ending up trapped by the sliced bale.The upside-down blade could also be used to bulldoze silage in a passageway without risk of damaging the cutting edge on the concrete floor. A bucket attachment is also available for loading meal or concentrates. Sixteen grease nipples means it has the greatest service requirement of those on test.
Cashels Bale Cutter
and Film Catcher
The Bale Cutter and Film Catcher from Cashels Engineering, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, is proving popular in Scandinavia, Iceland and pretty much any where the winter climate drops well below freezing. In these countries, where temperatures typically drop well below -10 degrees Celsius, the external area of the bale freezes solid and presents difficulties for some devices to grip the plastic and net.
Using a series of hook-like spikes, Cashels Bale Cutter and Film Catcher can penetrate frozen bales to grip plastic and net. Powerful hydraulic rams power the shearing blade through the bale.
It is only 10kg heavier (without brackets) than the Tanco but adopts a more conventional bale shear design shape. Its folded design provides the strength required for frozen slicing, claims Cashels, while a curved rear plate with inspection holes helps the bale sit into it and the operator to see it. The one piece shearing blade has been designed to cut the bale through to the tines.
Verdict: Cashels Engineering Bale Cutter and Film Catcher incorporates some very clever features, from single piece blade to a retainer designed for climates much colder than ours. The hook retainer design works very well in our more moderate climate as well. It is only marginally heavier than the Tanco. Cashels claims that it is suitable for tractors 80hp and upwards. Our 100hp tractor handled it well with the rear ballast weight. It was easy to see whether or not the bale was in position through the inspection holes.From a service perspective, there are 10 grease points in total on the Cashels Bale Cutter and Film Catcher. A bucket is available as an option for loose materials or concentrates.
Rohan Bale Slicer
The Bale Slicer from Rohan Engineering, Adare, Co Limerick, was equipped with seven tines. It uses an open-type design to provide a good view of the bale.
The plastic and net retainer, designed by Rohan’s, is a very aggressive ‘alien’ looking device.
It is claimed to operate on all shapes of bales, including sunken bales. It uses the slicers’ arms as guides which ‘drop’ the retaining device on the bale for the aggressive jaws to grip the plastic and net.
Another feature of the retainer, according to Rohan’s, is that it will hold onto very little silage during operation.
Verdict: Despite being the youngest machine in the pack, Rohan Engineering seemed to have a good handle on the design of its machine. Its ‘floating’ bale wrap and net retainer makes it a little more flexible regarding ‘loading’ the bale into the machine’s jaws. It is heavier than both the Tanco and Cashels machine. The price certainly makes it an attractive option.What did we learn?
There is a certain level of operational skill needed to use most of these machines effectively. This skill is easy to get used to.
When loading a feeder a good degree of height and reach are needed for down-cutting machines so the plastic wrap and net does not get trapped in the machine.
Various hydraulic valves operate the plastic and net retaining devices.
You have to be careful not to release the waste plastic too early by operating the hydraulic controls for too long.
Again, it would be no fun digging the plastic out of a feeder.
We found that using the bale shears we were able to halve the time taken to load a bale into either a diet feeder or a round feeder.
The only factor that added to the process was the need to remove the bale from the stack and then turn it through 90 degrees for shearing. This process requires a certain level of operator skill and yard space.
The use of the bale shear machines when loading diet feeders means a faster mixing time compared with loading a fully intact bale.
This will save tractor power and reduce fuel usage.
New MX loader used in Irish Farmers Journal testing
John Stafford of John Stafford Plant Solutions helped out during our Bale Shear Group test.
Based at Ballyelland, Davidstown, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, John (Tel: 087-2792747) is a specialist MX loader agent.
Specifications of the T410 include a lift height under horizontal bucket of 3.75m and a payload capacity of 2,080kg, 600mm out on pallet forks.
Specification on John’s loader includes hydraulic self-levelling which MX calls its PCH System and Flex Pilot joystick controls. The latter is low-pressure pilot operated joystick controls.
A useful feature of the updated loader series is the MX Fitlock-2 System.
This allows the driver to drive the loader in and lock it into position. An indicator tells the driver whether the loader is fully locked in. We found that removal and fitting of the loader was quick and simple.
The servo-joystick control was one of the nicest features of the loader. These were smooth, responsive and overall excellent to use. They are a cheaper option than electro-hydraulic controls. Buttons for third function and powershift controls are incorporated into the joystick.
T400 loader prices start at €5,250 plus VAT.
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