Tama Assist How many bales will a roll of netwrap make?
If you’re among the UK farmers and contractors baling 22 million bales yearly, you’ve probably calculated how many round bales can be baled from one roll of netwrap. But it is not just about wrapping hay or silage, it’s about efficiency, cost saving and ensuring the quality of your feed.
Watch: How many revolutions of net are needed to secure a bale
A standard 1230mm x 3800m roll of baler netwrap typically yields:
- 390 bales at 1.23m (4ft) diameter
- 320 bales at 1.5m (5ft) diameter
- 265 bales at 1.8m (6ft) diameter
The net used above is all based on 2.5 turns (layers) of netwrap applied to the bales.
It’s an obvious statement but the larger the bales you make the more netwrap you will use, there is no avoiding this simple fact.
Most farmers apply 2 layers of round bale hay net, depending on the type of crop that is baled. While it’s tempting to add more layers for extra protection, each extra layer reduces the total number of bales per roll of bale wrap, you should only be applying the number of wraps that are relevant for your crop. If you are unsure what this should be, Tama Assist is here to help answer your questions.
Look for innovations to improve your wrapping efficiency. Tama’s Bale+ technology, for instance, offers longer roll lengths, increasing your total bale count. TamaNet+ ROYAL requires just 2.5 wraps for high density straw crops, compared to the usual 4 to 5 wraps. This translates to significant savings: up to 26% cost of netwrap per bale, 40% less downtime, and 45% less plastic used. That’s 1,000m less plastic for every 100 bales.
Cheaper netwrap is often a false economy. Not UV resistant or weaker, it may tear more easily, requiring extra wraps and reducing your overall bale count. High quality options like TamaNet+ might cost more initially but often work out significantly cheaper per bale when you do the sums. Plus you get the added peace of mind a high quality product buys you.
Different crops need different amounts of wrap. Tama recommends:
- Grass bales (1.2m): At least 2 to 3 full wraps
- Straw Bales (1.5m -1.8m): At least 3 to 4 full wraps
- Harsh-condition bales (1.5m+): More than 4 full wraps
For high density bales, very dry crops, and baling in extreme temperatures, add an extra layer of wrap, possibly two if you are using a low quality net. It’s better to use a bit more wrap than risk bale integrity.
If you’re consistently getting fewer bales than expected:
- Check your baler settings, it might be applying more wrap than needed
- Check that the net is being applied to the bale correctly
For further guidance reach out to Tama Assist. Don’t forget you can also view the booklet attached to each roll to view our recommended number of bale wrap layers for your application.