Hay net/plastic sleever

Hay net/plastic sleever

Summary

We are seeking to innovate and design a fast, economical user-friendly device to put a protective net or plastic sleeve/bonnet on round hay bales to preserve hay quality that is being stored outside for livestock. Is it practical, labor saving, simple, one person friendly, be used on diverse equipment? Yes, it is practical and user-friendly.

We found some things that did not work in field test, like the use of a wood disk that supports the hay bale next to the vehicle. Weakness in pipe fitting that supports the roll of netting, chain skipped on sprockets, top application of netting where corrections are now being made. In the new model I used a 12 volt gear box type of drive for bale rotation. The electric winch should work. The advice I have received from a mechanic is it will be 10 times better. Field testing will be completed before final report.

Objectives/Performance Targets

We have completed on our project this year:

1. We found a pre-made casting with allen screws to use on the hay spear bale stabilizers that must be removed so bales of hay can rotate freely. This replaces the home made black pipe connectors.

2.We have in field testing with side mount so it is easy to load netting, lower to center of gravity and still unrolls netting on hay bale as it rotates.

3. Completing the process of replacing the metal disc and wheel bearing on prototype and for 3-point hitch tractor.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Attended and demonstrated at the Appalachian Grazing Conference in Morgantown, Wv in March 2015. Using an ATV, displayed the prototype net/sleever with bale of hay, netting and process of net-sleeving.

 We are thankful for this grant to give Fast Hay Movers, Inc. the assistance much needed, to advance in yet another savings for farmers.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

1. Created a survey for attendees who saw the display.

1. Did you like it?
2. What do you think of it?
3. Could you use it in your operation?
4. Suggestions

 Answers:

 Like idea/ like’s idea for unrolling round bale/ I think it is ingenious/ very interesting/ real nice/ that is slick/ handy/ pretty ingenious/ it’s great I like it.

2. net/sleeve with plastic or netting with 30+ bales in field testing during this hay season.

Collaborators: