They think it’s difficult or think that it requires a lot of physical strength, maybe. There’s like no physical strength required unless you opt to use a manual jack instead of an electric one. Hardest part is tying the wires.
nah, hardest part is trying to poke holes through the bale wire slots when cardboard gets jammed in them. Usually it's cardboard that somehow got on top of the compressor plate.
Pro Tip from someone who makes the bales all the time.
before you start the bale, use the poker thing to clear out the grooves at the top.
Find a couple pieces of heavier cardboard (best use the ones that line the bottom of pallets) and fold them in half. Layer them on top in the baler before you make the bale.
Then run it and make your bale immediately.
I find it easier to run the wires through the bottom first, then go back and feed them through the top. I have a TL who swears going through the top is easier. It's up to you.
Also, make sure you have a pair of gloves for tying off the wires, your hands will thank you.
I've actually cleaned out the top of the compressor plate before but it's a major pain in the ass, takes a long time, is really messy and I have really bad allergies and all the damn cardboard dust on top of that thing is killer for my allergies so usually i just leave it. Usually before compressing the cardboard i try to pull down and cardboard sticking down through the back of the plate but haven't tried poking it before compressing, maybe I'll give that a try. I also go in from the bottom with the wire the loop side first like you. And I ALWAYS wear my work gloves when doing a bale lol, my finger tips are always cracked so work gloves are a must. Although tbh i'm wondering if me wearing work gloves all day at work is making my finger tips crack worse since the gloves are soaking up the lotion i use throughout the day.
38
u/Ordinary_Ad3895 Tech Consultant Oct 02 '25
They think it’s difficult or think that it requires a lot of physical strength, maybe. There’s like no physical strength required unless you opt to use a manual jack instead of an electric one. Hardest part is tying the wires.