Tama Assist The Challenges and Solutions for Baling on Hilly or Uneven Terrain
You’ll know it can be tricky if you’ve ever baled on slopes or rough ground. Managing rolling bales and unstable machines can be stressful. Safety is even more important with heavier silage bales. With the right approach, baling in hilly terrain doesn’t have to be a headache. Let’s talk about where things usually go wrong and what you can do to make baling on slopes more manageable.
Bale Rolling and Safety Risks
Sloped ground can make silage and hay baling unpredictable. Once a bale is ejected, it can roll faster and further than expected. Rolling bales can damage fences, equipment and put people at risk.
Machine Stability
Running heavy kit on uneven land always creates stress. Tractors and balers aren’t designed for dramatic angles, so stay sharp and keep movements controlled to avoid tipping.
Troublesome Bale Handling
You don’t just produce bales, you’ve got to move them too. On flat ground, it’s simple but working on slopes, every move needs careful consideration. The right attachments and careful planning make bale handling safer and less tiring.
Baling Twine Performance
Baling twine and knots have to withstand rough baling conditions. Poor quality twine won’t hold, and broken bales mid-move are frustrating at best.
Bale netwrap and Twine Tension Issues
Working bales on slopes can put strain on bale netwrap and twine tension. Poorly wrapped bales can split, adding to the headache of working on rough terrain. Use baling twine suitable for tough baling conditions, holds tight knots and is designed to hold extreme pressure.
Our top tips if you’re doing hillcrest farming or baling on slopes:
Be smart about bale placement. If possible, aim to eject bales in flatter areas. If not, bale handlers or chutes can help guide them safely. Planning where bales land saves a lot of handling hassles later on.
Choose gear that suits the job. Trailers with low clearance and bale handlers designed for uneven ground can reduce risk. Wide, low-pressure tyres make a noticeable difference too by keeping your kit steady and reducing ground pressure. Read more about common baling mistakes to avoid when using balers here.
Adjust how you work. When picking up bales, approach from the uphill side. Stay in lower gears and lean on engine braking to stay in control. It’s slower, but safer.
Stay on top of netwrap and twine performance. Rough ground will test every part of your baler. Check your tension regularly. Products like Tama CoverNet Preferred 3000m Netwrap for all models of round balers offer great reliability, especially when weather and terrain aren’t on your side.
Consider bale grazing. Moving bales isn’t always necessary. If it suits your operation, bale grazing allows livestock to feed from the bales on the field. It reduces handling and simplifies things on tricky terrain.
Need help? Tama UK is ready with advice to keep your baling operation running smoothly.
