Tama Assist Netwrap Best Practice: Top Tips for Effective Round Baling
Netwrap has become the industry standard for producing dense, well-formed round bales. It saves time compared to twine, protects forage quality, and makes handling easier. But like any technology, it only works at its best when used correctly.
In this article, we’ll share netwrap best practices and top tips to help you get the most out of your round baler, avoid costly mistakes, and deliver bales that store well, transport easily, and hold their shape right through to feeding.
Not all netwraps are the same, and not all balers handle net the same way. Before the season starts:
- Check your baler’s manual for recommended net specifications (width, roll length, and core type).
- Match the net to the crop: Some nets are designed to cope better with dry, sharp straw, while others perform best in wetter, heavier silage crops.
- Premium nets may cost more per roll but often save money overall by reducing breakages, improving coverage, and minimising waste.
Tip: For consistent results, stick to proven, quality brands and avoid mixing nets of different widths or construction in the same season.
One of the most common causes of net issues is incorrect tension.
- Too tight: The net can break during application or fail to spread properly across the bale.
- Too loose: The net may bunch up, slip, or fail to secure the bale properly.
Check your baler’s tension settings before starting and adjust according to the crop. Wet silage often needs slightly more tension than dry straw.
Tip: Always recheck tension when switching between crops or after long storage periods, as springs and rollers can lose calibration.
Proper coverage is critical to keeping bales tight, protecting them during storage, and reducing spoilage.
- Use a netwrap that offers true edge-to-edge coverage, extending fully across the bale width.
- Poor coverage (short of the edges) leads to loose bale shoulders, higher handling losses, and reduced protection.
- Over-coverage (net extending beyond the edge) may cause snagging during handling.
Tip: Check the first few bales of every session to ensure full and even coverage. It’s easier to fix issues early.
Your netwrap’s performance is linked to bale density and crop conditions.
- High density: Produces better-shaped bales but increases pressure on the net; make sure your netwrap is up to the job.
- Lower density: Reduces net strain but may compromise handling and storage efficiency.
Tip: Don’t always aim for maximum density. Match bale settings to crop type and storage method (e.g. very wet silage may not need extreme density).
Even the best netwrap can’t compensate for a poorly maintained baler.
- Clean net applicator parts daily during heavy use to prevent dust, chaff, and crop build up.
- Check knives/blades that cut the net at the end of each wrap cycle. Blunt knives lead to frayed edges or failed cuts.
- Inspect rollers and feed mechanisms for wear and alignment. Misaligned rollers cause uneven feeding and wasted net.
Tip: Always carry spare blades and check the net brake or clutch for wear before peak season.
How many wraps of net you use depends on the crop, bale density, and intended storage period.
- Silage: Usually 2-2.5 wraps for good protection.
- Hay & Straw: Often 2 wraps are sufficient, though brittle crops may need 2.5–3+.
- Long storage or resale bales: Add an extra half wrap to reduce risk of spoilage.
Tama Tip: Avoid skimping on net. Saving half a wrap per bale often costs more in lost quality and handling damage than it saves.
Netwrap is only as good as its condition when it enters the baler.
- Keep rolls dry and out of direct sunlight. UV exposure weakens net over time.
- Store upright in original packaging to avoid crushing or distorting rolls.
- Transport carefully to the field, damaged cores can cause feeding issues in the baler.
Tip: Always remove and store part-used rolls securely at the end of the season. Don’t leave them sitting exposed in the baler.
Even with the best kit, human error can cause problems.
- Make sure all operators know how to thread the net correctly through the baler.
- Train them to spot early signs of feeding issues (e.g., uneven net on the bale).
- Encourage them to stop and fix small problems before they become big ones.
Tip: A short preseason refresher can prevent costly mistakes when the pressure is on.
- Net breaks inside the baler: Check tension setting, roll condition, and bale density.
- Uneven coverage: Inspect rollers, net feeding path, and bale chamber.
- Failed cuts or fraying: Replace or sharpen net knives.
- Net slipping on bales: Increase tension or add extra half wrap.
Tip: Keep a “troubleshooting chart” in the cab or workshop, it saves time under pressure.
Netwrap is a simple but vital part of the baling process. When used correctly, it protects your forage, saves time, and makes bales easier to handle. But best results depend on choosing the right net, setting the baler correctly, and maintaining both net and machine throughout the season.
By following these best practices, you’ll not only make better bales, you’ll make baling less stressful and more profitable.