A Beginner’s Guide to Baler Safety

Hay balers are one of the most useful pieces of farming equipment. The right baler can make all the difference between a bountiful harvest and an average yield. These machines take less time to complete a task than other options and are also very easy to use. However, there are some precautions you should take to get the most out of these powerful workhorses. Operating equipment, like a baler, requires a decent amount of knowledge, training, and caution to protect against potential hazards.

Review the Owner’s Manual

One of the keys to baler safety is reading the owner’s manual. This will give you useful information on safe operation for the specific hay baler model that you own. While many safety tips apply to different types of equipment, it’s important to know about your specific machine in detail.

Training

When working with a hay baler, every worker should undergo intensive training to learn how to properly use it. A critical part of this preparation should be hands-on training. While theoretical knowledge is good, practical knowledge is even more important to avoid accidents. Learning how to use a baler under the guidance of an expert can go a long way, as they can help address mistakes.

Pre-Use Inspection

Give your baler a thorough maintenance check regularly to ensure that it’s running smoothly. Before operating the baler, make sure that all the attachments are locked securely in place, and the hydraulics are in working order. If you notice any issues, get in touch with us for our repair, parts replacement, and maintenance services. Our service department will ensure that your equipment runs as well as new.

Using the Baler

There are certain dos and don’ts for operating every piece of equipment, and a baler is no different. Keep in mind that the rotating parts and points of operation of your baler should be properly guarded before being used. If you have got a vertical baler, close the working gates and make sure that doors have side mounts and slow-release mechanisms. For a horizontal baler, guards must be there over the top of the ram and around tier parts.

We hope that this guide has been useful. Visit Torgerson's Equipment to check out our selection of balers for sale in Montana. Our team will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for, so get in touch with us today!