Ibex TX31 Mini Round Baler with Net Wrap - Operator’s Manual
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4.2.3 Recommendations for Good Results
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While transporting the baler between uses, raise the pickup and lock it in the transport position.
WARNING: Transporting the baler without the pickup locked in transport mode may strain
and damage the lower limit chain.
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Faster PTO speeds, closer to 540 RPM, will result in fewer problems with bale wrapping and net cutting.
The opposite is true as well – slower PTO speeds may result in inconsistent wrapping success.
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Attempting to bale hay (not haylage or silage) exceeding 20% moisture content will not only result in
problems with mold or potential spontaneous combustion, it is also can be difficult to bale. Wet hay is
denser and can more easily overload the baler if the density setting is not adjusted so that it is on the
lighter end. If baling regular hay, be sure to test the moisture content with an accurate moisture meter. If
baling hay for silage/haylage, be sure to adjust the density to a low setting and only increase it gradually
if necessary.
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In general, traveling at a lower forward speed while baling will result in a higher density bale.
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The optimal windrow will have a width of 28-32 inches and a height of 12-16 inches. The more uniform
the windrows, the smoother the operation will be and the more consistent the bale weights will be.
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Many problems can be traced to very short material and/or material that is too dry. Hay is best baled
when it is 1-3 feet tall, with approximately 15% moisture content. Very dry hay will result in lightweight
and inconsistent bales and may often cause problems with bale wrapping. If baling very dry hay and the
net does not continue to feed after releasing the activation arm, drive forward a few feet, adding more
hay into the chamber. Additional hay in the chamber may provide enough tension to grip the net that
has been fed down. Using a higher density setting may also be required when baling very dry material.
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To avoid misshapen bales, crop should be evenly distributed across the full width of the baler pickup.
For very small windrows, it may be necessary to weave to the left and right while baling to make sure
edges of bales are fully formed.
4.2.4 Finishing Work
The following steps should be taken at the end of each day of work. Additional steps are needed if the
machine is being stored away for the off-season. See Section 5.4.
1. Shut the implement down by gradually lowering the throttle on the tractor to idle speed before turning off
the PTO.
2. Position the implement in its storage location, on level ground.
3. Place the transmission in Park or Neutral, set the parking break, and turn the engine off.
4. If the baler is lifted off the ground, lower the tractor’s lift arms until the baler’s tires contact the ground.
Raise or lower the three-point hitch slightly until pressure is off the top link pin, then remove the top link
from the baler.
5. Lower the parking stand on the baler and secure it in place with the locking pin. Raise the lift arms if
necessary to provide room for the parking stand to go all the way down.
6. Disconnect tailgate and net wrap activation ropes from the tractor.
7. Chock the baler’s wheels, disconnect the machine from the tractor’s lower lift arms, disengage the PTO
shaft from the tractor, turn the tractor back on, and drive forward and away from the implement.
8. Perform daily maintenance. See the Maintenance Schedule in Section 5.2.
