Silawrap - Instructions for Use

Storage

Rolls of Silawrap must be handled with care to avoid damage, especially to the roll ends. If a roll shows signs of damage on delivery it must be retained for inspection, together with all packaging and labels. All damage must be reported to the supplier within 3 working days of delivery, otherwise claims cannot be accepted.

For best results store at 20 to 30 degrees centigrade for 48 hours prior to use. This will improve tack.
Keep Silawrap in its bag and box until time of application. Do not leave film in direct sunlight.

Baling

Bales should be even shaped. Density must be uniform and there should be no soil contamination.
The recommended dry matter is 25% to 70%.

Wrap bales within 2 hours of baling to avoid spoilage.
Do not wrap bales made with impregnated sisal twine or bales treated with an acid additive.
Do not wrap in the rain as this may impair tack performance.

Wrapping
Round bales

Film should be applied to the centre of the flat part of the bale. This will ensure the even application of film to the bale.

A minimum of 4 layers of film should be applied to all parts of the bale. 6 layers should be applied if grass dry matter is 35% or greater.

To ensure 4 layers are applied to the bale. Count the number of revolutions of the wrapper required to cover the bale with film. Add 1 extra turn, this ensures 2 layers are applied to all parts of the bale. Multiply this figure by 2 to apply 4 layers and 3 for 6 layers.

For example: If 750mm film covers the bale in 7 turns then the number of rotations for 4 layers is 7+1=8. 8X2 = 16. 24 turns will apply 6 layers. 7+1 =8. 8X3 = 24.

If 500mm film covers the bale in 12 turns then the number of rotations for 4 layers is 12+1=13. 13X2 = 26. 39 turns will apply 6 layers.

The above figures are for guidance only. The number of revolutions required varies depending on bale size, shape and wrapper settings.

Measure film width or neck down on the centre of the flat part of the bale. It should be at least 600mm for 750mm film and 400 mm for 500 mm film.

Square Bales

A minimum of 6 layers should be applied using a 65% geared pre stretch unit.

Wrapper Maintenance

Film should be stretched no more 70% for round and 65% for square bales. Some wrappers are set at 55% stretch for hotter climates. To check that the pre stretch unit is working correctly put 2 marks on the roll 10 centimetres apart. Apply the film to the bale. The distance between the marks should be 17 centimetres for pre stretch units set at 70% stretch. The distance between the markings should be 16.5 and 15.5 centimetres for 65% and 55% geared pre stretch units.

Check the wrapper regularly to ensure film is applied with a 50% overlap.
Consult wrapper manual for details on adjusting the pre stretch unit height and other adjustments to wrapper table that will apply film more evenly.

Clean pre stretch unit regularly with paint thinners.
Check pre stretch unit height to ensure film is applied to the centre of the bale.
Tighten belts on wrapper table to ensure bale is rotating fast enough to give a 50% overlap of film.
Check that the cut and tie is free of dirt and is working properly.
Follow all maintenance procedures as set out in the wrapper manual.

Storage

Wrapped bales should be moved to the storage point as soon as possible after wrapping but prior to sun up the next day to avoid bird damage.

A purpose built bale handler should be used. Use a wire brush and sand paper to remove rust etc from bale handlers prior to commencing work.

Do not use bale spikes.
Stack bales no more than 3 high. Heavy bales should be stacked on the round no more than 2 high.
Bales should be stored on an even surface at least 10 metres from a water course. The ideal storage site is free of all sharp objects. Care should be taken if storing bales on concrete.
Put net on bales to prevent bird damage. Practice vermin control. Erect stock proof fencing.
Inspect bales weekly for signs of bird, cat or vermin damage. Use a quality UV stabilised tape to cover any damaged bales.
Use bales within 12 months of wrapping.

Safety
Rolls are heavy. Take care to lift bales in a safe manner.
Wear ear protection when wrapping if noise levels exceed 90 decibels.

Disposal of film
Contact your distributor for details of the silage wrap recovery scheme operating in your area. Film can also be disposed of at an authorised land fill or incineration plant. Film should not be burnt in the open air.

Note
Silawrap is made from virgin polyethylene raw materials. Do not allow the film to come in contact with petrochemical products in store or on the bale.