Bale Wrap Orientation Tracking for On-Field Storage

2025-28-0279

11/06/2025

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In the agricultural industry, the logistics of transporting and storing bales, used as cattle feed, pose significant challenges for large scale farms. Traditional storage of bales in barns is labor-intensive, high in capital expenditure and requires multiple trips of transport vehicle on and off the field. Improper handling during this transition can lead to substantial losses in time, resources and loss of hay. This development aims to eliminate the last-mile transportation step, by enabling year-round storage of bales directly in the field. A patented wrapping material, along with strategic orientation of wrapped bales, enhances their resistance to weather conditions. Field experiments demonstrated that this innovative material not only protects the bales from adverse environmental factors but also effectively retains their nutrient and moisture content. A critical aspect of this solution is ensuring the correct orientation of the wrap seams, as the bales are continuously rotated within the baler machine. Correct orientation of the wrapped bale is achieved through implementation of position-tracking algorithm, which provides real-time feedback to the operator via audio-visual alerts, facilitating timely adjustments for optimal bale placement. By integrating a single sensor hardware modification, with software algorithms changes, this solution allows for backward compatibility with existing machinery, significantly enhancing deployment efficiency. This advancement ultimately reduces operator workload and increases overall operational productivity. This paper leverages principles of systems engineering to present a forward-looking solution that addresses multiple industry challenges, thereby contributing to enhanced efficiency and sustainability in agricultural operations. The outcomes of this project are expected to yield significant improvements in productivity and resource management, marking a notable advancement in agricultural technology.
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Pages
8
Citation
Kadam, P., "Bale Wrap Orientation Tracking for On-Field Storage," SAE Technical Paper 2025-28-0279, 2025, .
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Publisher
Published
Nov 06
Product Code
2025-28-0279
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English