ASABE: Standards Projects For Baler Twine, Round-Baler Net

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has initiated projects to revise the currently published standard ANSI/ASAE S315.3, Twine for Automatic Balers, and to develop a new standard for round-baler net wrap. The revision to ANSI/ASAE S315.3 will reflect the current increased twine strength for large, square bales and will also include twine for round bales.

The new standard will provide uniform knitted and extruded net wrap nomenclature, along with minimum specifications for round balers, which will ensure satisfactory performance in a properly adjusted round baler. These specifications will allow the end user to select a net wrap that will provide trouble-free operation and adequate durability during storage and handling of the baled forage or biomass. Additional input is needed from manufactures of balers, twine and knitted round bale wrap.
Input from knitted net-wrap manufacturers is needed related to the following topics:
1.Tensile strength (minimum values and approved testing methods)
2.UV stability/weatherability (minimum values and approved testing methods)
3.Characteristics/dimensions of net rolls
4.Packaging & package signage info
5.Inspection & testing methodologies

Persons interested in participating in the development of these standards may contact ASABE Standards Director Scott Cedarquist at (269) 429-0300 or by email at cedarq@asabe.org. A current listing of all standards projects can be found online: www.asabe.org/standards/proposed.html.❖