Bale Wet Hay

TS679-UN-28SEP89

Do not attempt to feed crop or twine into baler or unplug feed area while baler is running. The baler feeds material faster than you can release it.

Disengage the PTO and shut off the tractor engine.

If bales fail to start rotating due to windrows being wet on the bottom, try the following suggestions:

1. MegaWide™ Plus pickup: Check the pickup slip clutch. (See Check Pickup Slip Clutch Torque (MegaWide™ Plus Pickup) in Service—Baler section.)

   MegaWide™ HC2 Feed System: Check the pickup slip clutch. (See Check Pickup Slip Clutch Torque (MegaWide™ HC2 Feed System) in Service—Baler section.)

2. Increase feed opening by:

   • Lowering the pickup as low as practical.
   • Making sure that wheel spindles are in normal position. (See Wheel Spindle Position in Preparing the Baler section.)
   
   

3. Reduce tractor engine speed to slow idle (900—1200 rpm) while starting.

4. Approach the windrow with the crop centered on the pickup to reduce plugging at the crop dividers. Do not cut across the windrow.

5. Travel forward at least 3 m (10 ft) without stopping to allow enough crop into the baler to start rolling.

6. Resume rated PTO speed.

7. Be sure that the tractor drawbar pin or hitch parts are not dragging and bunching the windrow. Use drawbar shielding as necessary.

8. Surface moisture on the bottom of the windrow causes the crop to slip more easily against the forming belts. Turn the windrows with a rake or tedder to improve bale starts.

9. If not equipped, consider installing a Silage Auger Kit to reduce wet crop buildup on belts and rollers. See your John Deere dealer.