Bale Wrapper Basics

A bale wrapper seals round bales in plastic so you can bale forage at higher moisture or store hay outdoors with less loss. Here is how the machines work and what to know before running one.

Key points

A wrapper seals round bales in film to make baleage or protect hay outdoors.
Match wrapper to your tractor hydraulics and loader.
Use handling tools that do not puncture the film.
Keep hands and body clear of the table and film arm.
Consider custom wrapping before buying on a small farm.

What does a bale wrapper do?

A bale wrapper spins a round bale while stretching plastic film around it, laying down overlapping layers. The film excludes air so forage can ferment as baleage, or protects dry hay from weather. Many wrappers run on tractor hydraulics or have their own engine.

It is a second pass after baling. You bale, move the bale to the wrapper, wrap it and set it where it will be stored.

Wrapped bales are heavier to handle than dry hay in many cases, so check your loader and tractor limits in the manual before moving them. Never lift a bale higher than you must, and keep it low while driving.

What types of wrappers are there?

Common types include tractor-driven units, self-loading trailers or in-line wrappers that wrap bales in a continuous tube. Each has a different cost, speed and handling method. A small operation may use a single-bale wrapper behind the tractor. Larger operations may hire a custom wrapper.

Ask what the machine needs: hydraulic flow, a loader, or a power source. Check your operator's manual and the manufacturer's information for your equipment.

Walk around a machine in person before you buy one, and ask the owner to show you a full wrapping cycle.

What does a wrapper need from your tractor and loader?

You need a way to load bales onto the wrapper and to move them off. Many setups use a loader with a bale spear or a squeeze-style grapple. A spear that goes into a bale can puncture the film, so many people use grabs that squeeze the outside instead.

Check hydraulic connections, hose condition, the hitch and any PTO needs. Follow the manual for your model.

Loader capable of lifting bale weight, with proper counterweight
Hydraulic outlets that match the wrapper
Bale handling tool that does not puncture film
Level, firm ground to wrap on

How do you set up and run a wrapper?

Read the manual and set it up on level ground. Load a film roll, thread it through the stretch unit and check the tension setting. Place the bale on the table, start the rotation and watch the film overlap. Make sure the bale is centered and stable.

Keep people clear of the rotating table and the film arm. Do not reach in while it moves. Stop, shut off hydraulics and take the key before clearing a jam.

Film rolls are slick and can be heavy, so lift them with care and use the loading method the manual shows. Wear gloves, keep a sharp knife in a sheath, and keep your hands out of pinch points while loading.

How should you handle wrapped bales?

Handle wrapped bales gently, because tears let air in and cause spoilage. Move them soon after wrapping with a method that does not poke holes. Set them on a clean, well-drained site, away from trees and trash that could attract rodents or damage film.

Check bales from time to time for holes and patch with tape the supplier recommends. See the separate guide on silage bale wrapping for more.

If a bale is damaged, wrap it again or patch it right away. A small hole left open for a few days can ruin the whole bale.

What problems come up and what can you do?

Film that slips, tears or wrinkles may point to roll tension, a dirty or worn roller or a bale that is not centered. Poor overlap can come from a speed setting that does not match the manual.

If bales spoil unevenly, review moisture, wrap quality and storage. If hydraulics leak or misbehave, call a qualified mechanic. Do not check hydraulic leaks with your hands.

Keep spare film, a few common hydraulic fittings and a roll of patch tape on hand before the season. A short shopping trip in the middle of baleage season is a good way to lose a day of good weather.

Is buying a wrapper worth it for a small farm?

A five-acre or small hobby operation may not wrap enough bales to justify a machine. Custom wrapping, a shared machine with neighbors or an agreement with a larger producer may make more sense.

A cattle operation that bales a lot of wet-season forage may find the machine pays for itself over time. Run the numbers with your accountant and lender, and ask your extension office for local experience.

When to get help: Call the dealer service department or a qualified mechanic for hydraulic problems, drive faults or structural issues. Ask your extension office about local baleage practice, and your accountant or lender about the cost side.

Sources and further reading

Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.

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