WHEN WE asked Harry Smith, Lely UK baler specialist, to demonstrate the procedure he would undergo during a pre-season checkover, he chose a Welger RP220 fixed chamber baler, but much of his advice applies to other makes and models including variable chamber balers.

1. Safety

Safety is top priority in Harry Smith”s schedule. Start by checking that the pto guard works properly with no signs of damage. Make sure the swivelling eye on later versions of the RP220 drawbar moves freely, and inspect hydraulic hoses and electric connections for damage. Wheels and tyres follow. Wheel nuts should be tight, check the tyres for damage and pressure. Road lights, where fitted, must work and ensure that guards are fitted and provide full protection. For check-up procedures carried out with the tailgate open, the hydraulic safety tap must be closed. At the end of the test remember to pressurise the hydraulic system before opening the safety tap, and check that the gate latches work.

2. Pick-up and crop flow area

The augers at each end of the table help the crop flow, so check for free movement, examine the flights for stone damage and make sure there is 3-5cm clearance around the flights. Pick-up adjustment should allow a smooth flow to the feed table, avoiding a build-up of crop material, making the drive clutch slip and risking broken tines. Replace previously missing tines, check pick-up bearings and cams and remove crop material accumulated on the bearings.

3. Chopper unit

Remove the crop-cutting rotor blades for inspection. They can be re-sharpened while there is enough serration to cut efficiently, but replace badly worn and stone-damaged blades. If the baler will be used in silage, make sure the blade break-back is activated.

4. Chamber

Bale forming rollers have sprockets secured by a lock nut and a torque wrench is used to check each nut. Make sure rollers turn freely and examine the sprockets for damage or wear. Slots in the sides of the chamber should be cleared of crop debris and, from inside the chamber, make sure the guide plate is correctly positioned and undamaged.

5. Netwrap and twine

Balers with netwrap have a brake to stop the roller when the correct amount of net is applied and Welger machines use a disc brake. Check that the pad lightly touches the disc without the brake applied and inspect the notched drive-belt for damage. Thread the net and trip the mechanism manually to check the cutting action. On machines with twine wrapping, remove crop debris between the pulley sheaves and check chain tension in the twine carriage. Reverse knife blades if worn and replace when necessary.

6. Drivetrain

Inspect all drive chains, ideally removing each chain for a thorough damage check. This is also an opportunity to check the bearings. Make sure that the correct chain tension is maintained.

7. Lubrication

The RP220 is manually greased with nipples grouped for convenience. Don”t over-grease, warns Harry Smith, as exceeding one pump of the gun per working day could “pop” a bearing. Oil the chains. Gearbox oil should be changed annually, using two litres of SAE 90.

fwmachinery@rbi.co.uk