Bale net wrap, often simply called net wrap or hay net, is a crucial agricultural product used to secure and protect baled crops such as hay, straw, and silage. It has largely replaced traditional baling twine due to its numerous advantages in efficiency, protection, and bale integrity.
What is Bale Net Wrap?
Bale net wrap is a net-like material typically made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). It often includes colorants and UV stabilizers to enhance its durability and performance, especially in harsh environmental conditions like those found in Australia. The manufacturing process involves extruding HDPE resin into a thin film, slitting it into narrow tapes, and then knitting these tapes together to form the net mesh. The strength of the net primarily comes from the "Franze" threads that run in the machine direction, with lighter "Shuss" threads holding them in place.
Why Use Bale Net Wrap?
The adoption of net wrap has revolutionized baling practices for several key reasons:
Superior Protection: Net wrap forms a tight, uniform barrier around the bale, offering excellent protection against weather elements like rain, sun (due to UV stabilization), and humidity. This helps to reduce hay loss due to spoilage, mold, and nutrient degradation.
Increased Efficiency: Baling with net wrap is significantly faster than using twine, often two to three times quicker. This means farmers can bale more crops in less time, increasing overall productivity and reducing labor costs.
Improved Bale Integrity: Net wrap provides a more uniform and secure hold, which helps bales maintain their shape during handling, transport, and storage. This minimizes losses from unraveling or disintegration.
Enhanced Marketability: Net-wrapped bales generally have a tidier, more consistent appearance, making them more aesthetically appealing and marketable.
Reduced Hay Loss: Studies have shown that net wrap can significantly reduce dry matter loss in outdoor storage compared to twine.
Specifications and Types
Bale net wrap comes in various specifications to suit different baler types and crop requirements. In Australia and New Zealand, popular densities typically range from 10.5g to 14g per lineal metre. Standard widths include 1230mm, 1250mm, 1300mm, 1630mm, and 1700mm, with corresponding lengths from 3000m to 4500m. Tensile strengths also vary, with wider nets offering higher strength.
Different types of net wrap are available based on coverage:
Side-to-side coverage: Covers the bale face from one edge to the opposite.
Wide edge net: A broader width (e.g., 1.25m) for more extensive coverage.
Over-edge options: Designed to extend net coverage over the sides of the bale, offering even greater protection and a tidier finish.
We offer net wrap with a guaranteed length and a manufacturer's 12 month UV protection warranty. Customisation options for colours and sizes are also available.
Important Considerations and Usage Tips
To maximize the benefits of bale net wrap:
Choose the Right Density: Select a density suitable for the bale's diameter and weight.
Adequate Layers: Ensure the hay bale is entirely wrapped, typically with at least three layers. More layers might be recommended for extreme conditions, high compression, or prolonged outdoor storage.
Immediate Repairs: If any breakage occurs on the surface, immediately seal it with tape to maintain the airtight seal.
Proper Handling: Avoid rolling wrapped bales on the ground for transportation, as this can damage the net. Use hydraulic bale grabs rather than tines to prevent puncturing the wrap.
Storage: Store unused net wrap rolls in a cool, dry environment, protected from moisture and mechanical damage. Keep them away from livestock and regularly check for gnawing by rodents. When storing baled hay outdoors, stacking them in a way that allows both sides to receive maximum sun exposure can help them dry out after rain. While net wrap offers good protection, storing bales under cover (e.g., in a shed or with tarps) can further reduce dry matter loss, especially for long-term storage.
Machine Compatibility: Ensure the net wrap width is compatible with your baling machinery. Some balers may require specific widths (e.g., 1.23m, 1.25m, or 1.3m), and adjustments might be needed if switching between widths
