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Bagging Pressure (Cable Drum Brakes)
When filling the bag, it should not be stretched more than 2” above the tunnel nor should the bag
push against the cables.
1. Less brake pressure is required when:
a. Bagging uphill
b. Bagging with a large tractor
c. Bagging in muddy or soft sandy soils
d. Bagging extremely wet feed (above 75% moisture)
e. Bagging dry grains (mak
es a flatter bag). The bag will not always reach to the top of the
tunnel.
f. Bagging oats and winter forages. NOTE: These should only be packed to the top of the
tunnel because of swelling during storage.
2. More brake pressure is required when:
a. Bagging on hard surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, etc.
b. Bagging down hill.
Correcting Bag Stretch
Ground To Ground Method Of Checking
Tie weights (hex nuts) approximately 1/4 lb to one end of a string and one weight (hex nut) approxi-
mately 1/8 lb to the opposite end of the string. The distance between the nuts need to be:
20 feet 3 inches for 9 foot bags
21 feet 2 inches for 10 foot bags
The distances between weights (hex nuts) for wheatlage, ryelage and oatlage (small greens) will
vary from those listed above. Less cable drum brake pressure is required for these products:
20 feet for 9 foot bags
21 feet for 10 foot bags
Straddle the string over the bag approximately 15 feet away from the bagger.
While bagging, when the single nut touches the ground, increase the cable drum brake pressure. If
the nut comes off the ground more than 3 inches, reduce the cable drum brake pressure.
NOTE:
Use this procedure only as a visual aid. Remember, measuring the stretch bars on the bag
and maintaining appropriate stretch dimensions is more important. Keep the bag stretch indicators
within the manufacturer’s specifications.
