Comparing Film & Net Bound Bales
KUHN completed the challenge of opening a net and film bound bales. The KUHN FBP 3135 Combination baler has the option of binding bales with net or with film. The KUHN patented* film binding system uses two regular 750 mm stretch-film rolls. It eliminates the need for special wide film, which simplifies film stocking for customers and reduces film binding costs by 37%. Film binding improves the silage quality, bale shape, stability and facilitates the opening of the bale.
Some farmers have their own preference and this feature is extremally useful. Film binding is relatively new to the Irish market. Not all balers can offer this feature which is why net binding is still quite popular in Ireland. Film binding has several key features such as less waste for recycling and the silage bale is much easier to open thanks to having less plastic applied. The operator can change the rolls without having to lift and heavy, wide film rolls up onto the machine. There are few disadvantages of film binding that it is more expensive then net. In the long run film will cost you less and will improve your livestock’s milk yield and overall better feed quality. The operator can change the rolls without having to lift and heavy, wide film rolls up onto the machine.
If a farmer prefers net binding the contractor can switch by the push of a bottom. The KUHN FBP 3135 can carry both film and net at the same time. This makes switching from film to net an easy process without any lifting or changing of rolls. This saves time for both the farmer and the contractor.
Film Binding Key Features
- Less plastic waste
- Better oxygen barrier
- Tightly packed bale
- Easier to stack bales
- Fast film removal
- Ease of feeding
- Improved silage quality
- Less mould
- Better feeding quality
- No heavy lifting (net much heavier)
- Reduced risk of bursting bales
KUHN Bale Opening Challenge
KUHN headquarters took on the challenge of opening a net and film bound bale. As you can see from the results film binding is much more efficient for farmers. There is less waste and the bale is opened a lot faster then a net bound bale. Net can cause issues when taking it off as feed can fall out as it hasn’t been compacted enough. This usually leads to mould and silage waste that cannot be fed to cattle.
Film binding produces a much firmer rounder bale making it easier to feed and stack over the winter. These bales retain its shape very well. By being tightly packed ensures no oxygen gets in ensuring no mould growth on the feed. This makes for a high quality silage bale to help with higher milk yields.