Operational Instructions

Connecting bale feeder onto tractor/telehandler etc.

• Connect hitch (3-point linkage/loader/telehandler) to Chainless

X2000 series bale feeder. • With the tractor and Chainless X2000 sitting on level ground adjust the top link so the pin is halfway along the slot. • Connect the hoses so that: • Lever 1 – lifts platform. (2 small hoses.) • Lever 2 - rotors feed out. (2 large hoses.) • The hydraulic flow rate should turn the top rotor 1 turn/2-3 seconds. Many high flow rate tractors have an adjustable control.

Use this to reduce the flow to the required rate. If there is no flow adjustment, simply operate the tractor at low rpm. • Some bales are just plain difficult for any feeder, however the

Chainless X2000 series will generally feed these out. They will take a little patience and may need the rotors to be reversed 1-2 turns then forward again. • The hydraulic flow should actuate the platform at a smooth, controlled rate, not too jerky or sudden. • Familiarise yourself with the hydraulic controls on the machine.

Connecting/Disconnecting the Linkage frame from the feed unit.

X2000/X2500

With the patented snaplox auto connect/disconnect hands-free loading system, you don’t have the frustration with tugging on a rope to disconnect.

Disconnecting

• To disconnect, simply stop the tractor/telehandler from moving. • Lower the feed platform fully down. • Lower the complete machine onto the ground (feet farthest from the tractor/telehandler should touch the ground first). • Watch the latch hooks lift, then drive away leaving the mainframe on the ground (if the hooks don’t release see the troubleshooting section for help).

Connecting

• When reconnecting the linkage frame to the feed unit ensure the platform lift arm is completely lowered. • Then simply align the bale tynes on the linkage frame with the guide cones on the feed unit. • Once the tynes have started to engage, adjust the linkage height so the linkage frame remains level. • Insert the tynes until you hear the hooks click and see them relatch. • Lift the bale feeder off the ground and raise the platform to your desired feeding position. • Go feeding.

X2000 - Rope Version

Same as above but using the rope to lift the hooks. The feed platform must be completely lowered before lifting hooks.

Loading Bales

Wrapped Bales • For loading wrapped bales - first remove the plastic wrap only.

DO NOT remove string or net-wrap at this stage. • With the platform fully down, using Hustler SOFTHANDS or bale spikes lift the bale so it just above the platform. • Remove the net from the bale. • With the net removed finish lowering the bale onto the platform. Hay/Straw Bales • Using Hustler SOFTHANDS or bale spikes lift the bale over the platform. • For hay/straw bales with strings, lower the bale right down onto the platform then remove the strings. • Knots may be hard to pull out - using a small stick as a grip makes it easier. If they are net wrapped, the bale will need unwrapping before lowering right onto the platform. • Strings can be cut next to the drums then fold over the bale and tied onto the underside of the platform. The strings can be removed after the bale is feed out

OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS CONT.

Transporting

• Lift the platform up to the recommended initial feeding position to cradle the bale securely against the rotors while travelling. • Ensure the platform is lifted to the Round/Squares bale position even when travelling without a bale. (Machine may un-hook when platform is down.)

Feeding Out

Round Bales • Keep the platform at the recommended ‘ROUNDS’ position - then operate the rotors (using lever 2) to start feeding out. • As the bale is fed out and the diameter reduces, raise the platform (using lever 1) to keep the bale against the rotors.

• Getting the bale turning is the secret to successful feeding out.

The higher the platform, the better the chance of turning - even the most odd shaped bales.

Square Bales • Lift platform to recommended position shown by decal on the machine. • When ready to feed, operate the rotors (using lever 2) to start feeding either one ‘biscuit’ at a time or intermittently. • Most silage bales will tease out nicely. However some hay or straw bales won’t, especially if they were wet when baled. If several

‘biscuits’ are coming off together, lower the platform slightly and/ or reverse the rotors 1 turn then forward 4 turns, reverse, forward, continue. • Near the end of the bale, lift the platform to help the last bit feed.