Breathing dust while baling

[crowbar032]

For those of us without cab tractors while baling hay, do you wear any sort of dust filter over your nose? I generally have sinus issues anyway, but managed to make it through weekend baling without issues. I'd still like to find something to prevent breathing in so much dust.

 

[JESSE1]

Years ago when I baled with an open tractor, I used dust masks and ear plugs. Nothing makes dust like a round baler. Breathing in the chaff is not a good thing. Get them at Home Depot or Lowe's where they have the safety gear.

 

[oldnslo]

Being young and invincible we never wore masks while baling or combining. Neighbor has severe asthma so he always had to wear surgical style dust masks. I would say let your conscience be your guide. I have wore dust masks for working with old plaster and old blown in insulation and found them almost more annoying than the dust.

 

[Farmer495]

Wearing a dust mask and sweating and be unable to breath seems to be far worst than dust. I've run open tractors for years, round and square balers, dust only bothersome if the wind is blowing the wrong way, rather hold my breath for a few seconds in a dust cloud from a wind gust...

 

[Ortimber]

I always wear ear protection and sunglasses, but have never worn a dust mask. I think it's probably a great idea though.

 

[Citydude]

I wore a neoprene dust mask by Wolfbike when mowing a few years ago. I have pretty bad allergies and the mask worked as promised. It was easily cleaned by rinsing out with warm water and let dry overnight.

 

[Goose69]

I've never found a dust mask that worked well enough to be worth the trouble, while baling.

I did find using a wet bandana, tied around my mouth and nose like a mask helped keep stuff out, and helped keep me a bit cooler as well...

 

[dragoneggs]

Never baled, but around dry grass my 'hay fever' is unbearable. I should mask when mowing but of course I don't... and as such, am a sniffling, goobering mess part way through the job. As I get older and more aware of mortality I wear a breathing apparatus more and more. Should have started this good habit long ago. I say to at least wear the simple white disposable
'hospital' masks if you don't go for the more fancy 3M pink filters. In any case, it can't hurt!

Quite surprising how many people in Japan wear them on subways and in the office workspace when they are suffering a cold. Polite people... concerned about other's well being... I know off subject.

 

[AGRIMAN]

No, even in the days before the cab tractors I never used a mask unless I was baling peanut hay. If you think regular hay is dusty, try baling some peanuts.

Most of the time you can even see the baler behind you. The PTO shaft just disappears in a cloud of dust about 3 feet behind you.

 

[cqaigy2]

I got a "Wolfsnout". Best particle/dust mask i've ever used. Doesn't load up, low restriction. Very comfortable even in warm weather and glasses don't steam up. I wash mine with soap and water when i need to clean it.