Know Hazards of Large Round Bales (News Release)

Most operators try to bale hay quickly to avoid adverse weather and a consequent reduction in hay quality. Unfortunately, such haste can cause fatigue and the use of shortcuts that result in accidents, says __________, ______________.

"Large round bales multiply your risks when you take shortcuts," s/he explains. "Those bales can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds, the same as a small car, so you need to know how to handle them."

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, four tractor operators were fatally crushed in a three-year period by large round bales. _______ says most accidents occur during transport. A bale may roll backwards onto the operator from raised front-end loader arms. Uneven weight distribution of the bale also can make the tractor less stable and contribute to tractor rollover.

Balers also pose safety problems. Moving pick-up tines and the power take-off unit are equally as dangerous on balers that make large bales as those that make small, square bales. Operators often misjudge the speed and power of the baler, s/he says. They also need to be prepared for fire, caused by a combination of hot, dry weather conditions, friction from belts and chains, and readily combustible hay.

______ offers these safety tips:

• Never try to stop a rolling bale. Large round bales have the momentum of a subcompact car traveling at the same speed.
• Make sure your tractor and loader are large enough to safely handle bales. Rollovers are common if equipment is not used correctly.
• Always use a grapple hook if you have a front-end loader. This keeps bales from rolling back onto the loader arms in the raised position.
• Try to keep the bale on the up-slope side of the tractor during transport.

"This may mean you need to put the transmission in reverse and back up a hill when using a rear-mounted spike, or that you back down a hill when using a front-end loader," _______ explains. "If you cannot keep the bale uphill from you, drive slowly and don't make any sudden movements."

• Avoid driving across a slope with a large round bale. Never drive with the front-end loader in the upright position.
• Always take the time to disengage the power take-off unit and shut off the engine before you get off the tractor.
• Keep a Class ABC fire extinguisher on your tractor for emergencies.

For more information about baling safety, contact the _______ County extension office for a free copy of Reduce Risks around Big Round Bales, Pm-1518g.