Transactions of the ASAE · 1988 · 12 citations · 0 references
AgricultureAgricultural EngineeringPasture ManagementEnergy SystemsFarm PowerLivestock ProductionFarm Energy ManagementHay ProductionTractor Power SystemsCumulative Energy DemandEnergy Use ModelingPower CurvesPower Required
ABSTRACT POWER requirements for a baling cycle and the cumulative energy use for total bale formation were determined for seven models of large round balers in field tests. Each tested baler model had either a fixed-geometry or a variable-geometry bale chamber. Results indicate: (a) both the fixed-geometry and the variable-geometry chamber balers have characteristic power curves, (b) an individual baler has easily identifiable power curves, (c) fixed-geometry chamber balers tend to require tractors with larger power ratings to form bales of equivalent mass as compared to variable-geometry chamber balers, and (d) interruption of windrow pickup during baler operation causes a gradual reduction in baler PTO power requirements.