October 17, 2002

Moving Large Round Bales Can be Done Safely

Not all of the large round bales of forage and straw have been moved into winter storage yet, and a considerable number of large round bales are being moved into the region to supplement feed supplies limited by this summer’s drought. This work is loaded with hazards due to the many methods and types of machinery used.

"Many farmers and ranchers move their large round bales without using safe procedures," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. "They are lucky not to get hurt. Some are badly injured or killed in these types of accidents."

Working with large round bales requires caution. Maher recommends some safety procedures to use when working with front-end loaders to move and stack large round bales:

• Do not overfill the loader; move only one bale at a time.
• Keep the front-end loader as low as possible without digging into the ground.
• Use a wide front-end tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) for moving bales.
• Move and turn the tractor at low speeds.
• Set the tractor wheels, front and back, to the widest possible setting to increase tractor stability.
• Never transport or lift anyone on the loader or loader attachments.
• LOOK UP and avoid overhead power lines and other obstacles when moving with an elevated front-end loader.
• Stop the loader arms gradually when lowering or raising the front-end loader.
• Operate the loader from the operator’s seat only.
• Always lower a raised loader to the ground before leaving it unattended.
• Always stay out of the area under a raised front-end loader, loader attachment or any machine operated by hydraulic power. Always block hydraulic powered machines into position.
• Always keep elevated large round bales below the level of the hood when the tractor has no four-post ROPS, jaws or hydraulic grapple hooks.
• Always use the most level route possible when transporting bales. Avoid ditches, gullies and steep hillsides.
• Always level the loader bucket tines as the load is raised to help prevent the load from rolling backwards.

"Bringing in the large round forage and straw bales is often one of the last field operations of the year. Due to the weight of the bales, it can be dangerous work," Maher says. Follow the recommended precautions and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

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Source: George Maher, (701)231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu 
Writer: Scott Lowell, (701)231-7865, slowell@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701)231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu