round bales/balers...misc questions

[jimg]

Was traveling thru SW VA Fri and saw some newish round bales that looked like flat tires (flattened where they contacted the ground). Knowing nothing about round balers I wondered if thats a function of the baler or something else? Ive never seen any like that before.

Also Ive heard the term hard core in ref to round balers but its unclear what that implies. Obviously the core of the bale is harder but harder than what and why is it better or worse than a soft core baler (if there is such a thing)?

Some of the older round balers used chain instead of belts to roll the hay up. I guess chains went extinct b/c belts must last longer or are perhaps less to maintain/change, less $$$?

The fixed/variable chamber thing also has me curious. I think its easier to start a bale w/ a variable chamber mdl? Other than that what are the advantages/disadvantages? When a bale doesnt start correctly what are the symptoms...plug up or ??

 

[HayDR]

Quite often bales that squat are bales that were baled when the hay was a little on the wet side and or improperly raked in a manner it was hard for the operator to make good tight bales. Even the old chain balers could make good bales with a good operator and a good big uniform windrow.

 

[chh]

Soft core bales come from a fixed chamber baler. They usually have a star shape in the center of the bale. Soft core balers can get away with baling hay a little wetter, but the bales must be well wrapped and full size or they can fall apart when moving them.
Belts are generally easier to maintain than chains, IMO.
"Flat tire" bales are often the result of low tension/pressure on the baler or poor baling technique. They rot worse on the bottom and do not shed water well when stored outside.