Be safe when moving round bales

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

Most accidents associated with round bale systems seem to happen when bales are being moved. Many operators have been seriously injured when improperly secured bales rolled down the arms of front-end loader tractors. It is strongly recommended that tractors used to handle big bales be equipped with 4-post rollover protective structures (ROPS).
However, you shouldn’t rely on ROPS to cushion the blow, and bales shouldn’t be rolling down loader arms to begin with! A loader should be equipped with a spear or grapple specifically designed for handling the bale size being produced on the farm. Most importantly, the loader should incorporate a restraining device that will prevent a bale that has come loose from sliding backward.
Use good judgment when stacking bales in storage. High stacks make more efficient use of available space, but later removal could be very hazardous.
The loader tractor must be large enough and equipped with sufficient counterweight to handle bales safely. Set wheels at maximum width to increase stability. As with any loader operation, avoid sudden stops, starts, or changes of direction. Always keep the bale as low as possible for maximum stability. A heavy bale puts a tractor’s center of gravity at a precarious level when the loader is raised high. The risk of a bale breaking free is also greater when the loader is raised. Be extremely cautious, and travel only at low speed.
If bales are to be handled with a 3-point hitch attachment, the tractor must have sufficient front counterweight for stability and safe handling.
Over the past few years, there has been a major increase in the practice of wrapping high moisture hay bales. This has meant an increase in weight of 50 percent or more for bales of the same physical dimensions. The same principles of safe handling apply as with dry bales. However, the added weight of the wet bales does increase the degree of hazard.
Making the switch from dry hay to “baleage” could mean existing handling equipment is not adequate. Are your present loader and hydraulic system capable of safely handling the increased weight? Is the tractor heavy enough and/or adequately counterweighted to maintain stability while handling the heavier bales? Be sure to assess all components of the transport and handling system when converting your operation to high moisture, wrapped bales.