Wire Ties or Poly Twine Bales?

When considering wire ties versus poly twine for baling, both options have their pros and cons. Personally, I lean towards poly twine due to its accessibility and ease of use. It can be easily cut with a knife and does not damage tools, or pose a risk to myself if it accidentally comes into contact with machinery such as chainsaws. Its soft, flexible nature combined with strength makes handling significantly easier.

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On the other hand, wire ties offer a notable advantage in that they secure the bales exceptionally tight. The baling machines often achieve greater density with metal ties, enhancing the uniformity of the bales. If your project does not require frequent adjustments to bale sizes, opting for metal ties may be your best choice.

However, if you are prepared to navigate the challenges associated with using wire—such as the risk of injury and the inconvenience of having to re-tie the bales—you might find that wire ties suit your needs, particularly if they are the more accessible option in your region.

Switching back to poly twine, it's essential to recognize that not all twines are equal. Several grades of poly twine exist, each designed for different purposes. For instance, some thick twines cater to jumbo bales, while thinner twines are far too delicate for actual baling needs (although they might serve well for dental flossing!).

Selecting the proper twine is critical. While ultra-thin twine is unsuitable for bales, oversized twine can be cumbersome and feel too much like using rope. My preference goes to what I refer to as “super blue” twine—engineered specifically for three-string bales, it strikes an excellent balance between strength and ease of handling.

A tally of opinions indicates that wire is losing popularity; wire bales have not been seen locally for quite some time. In past years, they were predominantly used for significantly larger bales weighing 75-100 lbs or more.

As mentioned by Bluey, most balers can have their knotters swapped out. This isn't overly expensive, but labor costs can add up. The installation process is relatively user-friendly for those with average DIY skills; however, achieving the precise setup and alignment of the knotter is essential for consistent operation. This aspect requires a bit of finesse, as there’s nothing worse than encountering knotter issues when you need to get hay out of the field quickly—especially with impending thunderstorms looming. An aligned knotter generally produces a few efficient bales, but misalignment can lead to numerous miss-tied bales that get dispensed chaotically from the baler.

Understanding the lifespan and usage of the baling machine is crucial. Many problems surface mid-operation, so developing a relationship with a skilled field mechanic beforehand is beneficial. Good mechanics comprehend that timing is critical and can arrive equipped with the necessary parts for speedy repairs.

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The knotter itself is ingeniously crafted, involving numerous moving parts that need to maintain close tolerances for seamless operations. Key components will wear out over time, depending on usage and maintenance quality, which may necessitate a complete rebuild. I’ve experienced this with my late 90s N-H 570 baler, which incurred a cost of around $2,500 for a full knotter rebuild a few years ago.

I primarily use Sisal twine for hay, appreciating its biodegradable properties once disposed. However, it does require another farmer to cultivate it. Plastic twine breaks down more rapidly if it ends up on the ground, reducing the risk of animals getting tangled in it or it damaging equipment.

For straw, I often prefer plastic twine, as I tend to bale it densely, ensuring it remains compacted in the baler. Straw is quite fluffy, allowing for expansion post-baling, which creates significant tension on the twine. Sisal breaks more readily at knots under such circumstances.

Producing quality hay is a more intricate endeavor than it appears. There's a steep learning curve involving several nuances of equipment maintenance and operation. Many people I know have tried their hand at it but ended up with more subpar hay than good, ultimately giving up due to the challenges faced. This experience often leads to a newfound appreciation for seasoned producers.

When friends inquire about trying their hand at hay production, I advise them to follow their instincts. However, I believe they might ultimately find it more beneficial to collaborate with an experienced producer or consider sharecropping a hay field, although logistics can make this complex with smaller acreage.

We just harvested 60 acres yesterday, with ideal weather conditions initially projected—until a sudden prediction of strong thunderstorms interrupted the plan. Tension is heightened around the household tonight and tomorrow, and I’ve advised my wife to steer clear during this anxious period.

This lengthy response reflects the complex nature underlying straightforward questions. My opinion, forged from personal experience, insists that there’s typically more to a situation than meets the eye.

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