Tractor Hydraulic Requirements:
Hydraulic System: closed center system,
Variable displacement pumps only (no fixed displacement pumps!)
PSI: 2500 psi minimum, 2700 - 2900 psi recommended
Recommended GPM: 25 gpm
Minimum GPM: 20 gpm
Note: The Bale Band-It must be connected to a tractor (or pump system) that has a closed center system. This type of pump is also known as a piston pump or a variable displacement pump. The equipment will not work properly with a open center, gear pump system. If ran on a gear pump, overheating and damage could occur to the pump and cause issues with equipment operation. Even if a tractor pump is rated at a high flow, if it is an open center system (or fixed displacement) it cannot be used. GFC does not recommend using a fixed displacement pump, even though some of them are setup as 'load sensing' and are technically 'closed center'. Fixed displacement pumps (gear pumps) are available on some model of tractors with high flows, but please do not use them with the Bale Band-It. GFC recommends a closed center system that uses a variable displacement pump. When selecting a tractor to operate with the Bale Band-It it is also important to look at the gallons per minute at the remote, not just pump capacity. Feel free to contact GFC with any questions concerning tractor hydraulic requirements.

Dimensions of Bundle:
Bundle is 8' long x 4.5' tall x 3.5' wide (bale length determines width of bundle)

Required Bale Size:
Can handle 14"x18" bales (with 21 bales per bundle) or 16"x18" bales (with 18 bales per bundle).
The Bale Band-It can handle a bale length between 37" and 42". Bale lengths up to 45" will go thru the machine with no problems, but it is not recommended to have a bundle full of 44" - 45" bales as this will cause excessive side drag on the chamber.

Speed of Bale Band-It Operation:
The fully automatic operation can handle approximately 300 bales an hour. This is a conservative bales per hour rate and is attainable in the field. In a controlled environment and with a tractor hydraulic supply of 25 gpm, the Bale Band-It can handle a bale consistently every 6.5 seconds thru the tie cycle. This is a rate of 553 bales per hour, but would be very hard to attain in the field due to turning at the end rows and not consistently making a bale every 6.5 seconds.
A common question is asked "Will the Bale Band-It slow down my baling?". This depends on a couple of factors. The first factor is whether or not the tractor being used has enough hydraulic capacity. If it has at least 25 gpm, then it needs to be hooked up to the Bale Band-It properly to prevent flow restrictions. The second factor is whether or not the operator is currently baling within the recommended strokes per bale, which depends on bale length. For example, most (if not all) baler manuals specify that each stroke should not exceed a 3" slice in the bale. So if you wanted to make a 39" bale, the baler manufacturers recommend a minimum of 13 strokes per bale. If the operator puts at least 13 strokes in each bale (for a 39" bale), they will have consistent bale lengths and very uniform bales. On a high capacity inline baler that has 100 strokes per min, this would produce approximately 461 bales per hour if baling was non-stop. On other baler the strokes per minute are less, around 92 strokes per minute which is approximately 424 bales per hour if baling was non-stop. So to answer the question "Will the Bale Band-It slow down my baling?". No, the Bale Band-It will not slow down the operation, if at least 25 gpm (2500 psi min) is supplied to the machine and the operator is baling at the recommended strokes per bale. If an operator has a tendency to bale faster (less strokes per bale) then it is possible to overrun the machine during the tie cycle (bale 21). If this was to happen, the bales would begin to pile up at the front of the unit due to the fact that the machine will not take them vertically into the elevator until it is ready for them. For those who are interested in knowing how to know the number of strokes per bale that are being made, there are a couple of ways to do this. One is by visually counting the plunges for each bale being tied by the baler. The other way is to purchase a stroke counter for the baler. Stroke counters have a monitor that goes in the tractor cab and indicates how many strokes the last bale had. You would then adjust the ground speed (not the tractor rpm!) to fit the appropriate strokes per bale. This will, in many cases, fix issues with inconsistent bale length and uniformity.

Durability of Metal Banding:
Banding is a standard size of 1/2" x .02" thick, very durable. The Bale Band-It requires 'premium' grade (not economy grade), regular duty (not high tensile) strapping.

Cost & Availability of Metal Banding:
The cost of the metal banding will be approximately $.06 per bale (or $1.26 per bundle of 21 bales). Banding can be purchased from a local banding dealer. Strapping is typically sold by the skid. One skid (or pallet) contains 12 rolls of banding. The Bale Band-It requires two rolls at a time, one for each side. Two rolls will band together 122 bundles (2562 small bales). One skid will band together approximately 15,372 small bales. Not all strapping on the market is adequate for automated equipment such as the Bale Band-It. GFC recommends that our customers purchase strapping from DuBose Strapping in North Carolina. This company has high quality strapping at some of the best prices you will find. The price that they quote is a delivered price to your location. If you mention that you are a Bale Band-It owner they will ship their premium quality, 'machine' grade, strapping. Even if you are several states away, let them quote a skid shipped to you. Their contact info can be found at their website: www.dubosestrapping.com or give them a call at 1-800-354-3020.

Loading/Unloading of Bundles:
Simple front load tractor forks can be used. Since the Bale Band-It compresses 3" deep grooves into the top and bottom of the bundles, the strapping is not on the outside of the bundles but recessed into the hay. This prevents breaking the bands while picking up the bundles. The grooves are 25" center to center. Pallet forks 6' x 25" apart can easily pick up the bundles from the end and provide easy loading across an 8' trailer bed. Big bales tines (spikes) can also be used to handle the bundles. The tines can be slid between the bottom two rows of bales. Also some big bales squeezes can be used to handle the bundles.

Can Bale Band-It pick bales off of ground?
GFC does not have a pick up attachment for the Bale Band-It.

What happens if my baler has a busted bale?
In most cases a bale that is not properly tied is not able to enter into the main chamber of the Bale Band-It. If it does, simply open the side doors of the Bale Band-It, clean it out and replace a bale into the main chamber.

Availability:
The Bale Band-It equipment is available nearly year-round. GFC tries to keep the equipment available for delivery at anytime. During the months of May and June, stock tends to run a little tight from production to delivery. If you are seriously considering a unit, a down payment of $5,000 will reserve a serial number. Contact GFC for further information.

Parts:
Parts will be shipped upon request. Nearly every item is on our shelf ready to be shipped when needed. Fast response in part shipping is one of ways that GFC strives to provide good customers service.

Dealers:
Most sales are direct from GFC. There are a few dealers in select areas.

DVD Video/More Information:
We send out literature and free demonstration videos upon request. The video shows the machine in operation and different bundle handling options. For a DVD and literature contact GFC at 217-285-6487.

How long has Bale Band-It been available?
The Bale Band-It became available in 1999.

Demonstrations/Shows:
Click Here!

Baler Tongue Weight:
The dual caster wheel in front of Bale Band-It eliminates heavy tongue weight.

Gross Return Chart: