Net wrap applicator for large round bales

Abstract

A bale wrapping attachment for a baler that forms round bales is mounted at a rear portion of the baler and includes a support for a supply of wrapping material that is formed as a web and rolled into a roll. The web is passed across a fixed, non-rotating feed bar. The wrapping attachment includes a guillotine type knife that cooperates with a cross frame member forming an anvil. The knife is slidable between a retracted position and a cutting position wherein a knife carried by the cutter engages the cross frame member to sever material underneath the knife. When the knife is in its retracted position, the non-rotating feed bar is moved to a position wherein wrapping material draped over the feed bar contacts exposed surfaces of bale forming belts from the baler, causing the wrapping material to be carried with the belts and into the bale chamber to wrap around the bale. A signal is provided when a selected amount of wrapping material has been removed from the supply roll, and the cutter is then moved to its cutting position and at the same time, the feed bar is moved away from the bale forming belts. The wrapping material is severed and then the bale can be discharged. When the wrapping material is severed, it leaves a short length or tail that drapes over the feed bar so it is ready for the next feeding cycle.