Fire Prevention

Keep foreign material from building up on the machine near potentially hot areas, such as bearings on the ends of baler rolls and slip-clutch. Remove this buildup as part of the regular service operations and at the end of each use.

Leaf blowers, blower-vacuums, or similar devices can be used to remove loose crop buildup. Compressed air can be used to remove more difficult buildup.

Avoid high-pressure power-washing next to the bearings to prevent damaging seals.

Regularly check bearings for early signs of failure, and replace as indicated. Turn off power to baler and check for unusual noises, hot parts, smells of scorching, and discolored paint or metal. To check condition of bearings:

• Open gate and lock it.
• With the belts slackened, rotate each of the rollers by hand, paying attention to dry or grinding noises, or rough rotation.
• Push, pull, or gently pry to check bearing radial play.
• Watch and feel for looseness in the bearings.

Soon after operation, the temperature at each bearing location can be checked to see if it is noticeably hotter than the others. Replace worn or damaged bearings.