The Ag-Bagger G6000 is an agricultural machine designed for bagging silage and other forage products. It is manufactured by Ag-Bag International Ltd. and is intended for use in farming operations to preserve feed efficiently.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Ag-Bagger G6000 is to compact and store forage material, such as haylage, corn silage, and grains, into large plastic bags. This process, known as bagging, helps preserve the nutritional quality of the feed by creating an anaerobic environment, which is crucial for fermentation and preventing spoilage. The machine uses a conveyor system to feed product into a hopper, where a rotor then compacts the material into a long, cylindrical plastic bag. As the bag fills, it pushes against a backstop, which helps maintain compaction. The machine slowly moves forward as the bag fills, ensuring even distribution and density.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Gross Weight: 5,200 lbs.
- Transport Width: 8 feet 6 inches.
- Bagging Width: 14 feet.
- Height (without bag boom): 7 feet 8 inches.
- Tractor Requirements:
- Minimum 65 HP.
- 540 rpm PTO (Power Takeoff) for Models A-E.
- 1000 rpm PTO for Model F.
- Hydraulic pump for Models A & B: maximum operating pressure 1200 psi, maximum flow 7-1/2 gpm.
- Inoculant applicator(s) require a 12-volt connection.
- Bag Boom Lift Capacity: Maximum 500 pounds.
- Maximum Towing Speed: 25 M.P.H.
Usage Features:
- Operator Safety: The manual emphasizes safety with numerous warnings, including precautions for rotating PTO shafts, hydraulic lines, moving conveyors, and general operation. Operators are advised to read the manual thoroughly, think before acting, and always stop the machine and turn off the engine before adjusting, lubricating, or servicing.
- Bag Installation: The Ag-Bagger G6000 uses Tri-Dura Bags, which are specifically designed for the machine. Installation involves lowering the bag pan, using the bag boom and cradle to position the bag on the tunnel, and securing it with bungee cords. A minimum 3/4 inch gap must be maintained between the tunnel and bag pan to prevent damage.
- Bag Sealing: The beginning end of the bag can be sealed using either a MasterSeal or a Double Knot Tie method, ensuring an airtight seal.
- Backstop Management: The backstop is crucial for compaction. It needs to be properly prepared, connected to cables, and its position adjusted to maintain tension as the bag fills.
- Conveyor System: The conveyor moves product from the delivery vehicle to the hopper. Its height can be adjusted to match different vehicle heights. Models A & B use tractor hydraulics for power, while Models C, D, E & F have a dedicated hydraulic tank and valve for conveyor control and speed adjustment. A clean-out door is provided for maintenance.
- Cable Drum Brake System: A hydraulic hand pump applies pressure to the cable drum brake, maintaining cable tension as the bag fills. A pressure gauge indicates the hydraulic pressure. Cables are slowly released as the bag fills, creating compaction.
- Wheel Positioning: The wheels can be changed between bagging and transport positions using a lift jack and support foot, facilitating movement and setup.
- Inoculant Applicator (Optional): The machine can be equipped with an inoculant applicator (Gandy for granular, Sprayer for water dispersible) to enhance feed preservation.
- Bagging Surface Considerations: It is recommended to bag on a flat, hard, clean, and level surface. Bagging uphill is preferred over downhill, and side hills should be avoided to prevent drifting and rolling of bags.
- Product Moisture Management: The manual provides guidelines for handling dry and wet products, noting that dry products can create lumpy bags and require less brake pressure, while excessively wet products may lead to liquid accumulation and wider bags.
- Product Removal: Various methods are described for removing product from the bag, including small quantity removal (Option 1 and 2) and large quantity removal using a Mighty-Bite® Bucket Loader or a Front-End Loader Bucket. Emphasizes exposing only the daily feed-out quantity to prevent spoilage.
- Plastic Disposal: Ag-Bag® plastic is LDPE 4 recyclable. Information on local recycling centers, regional production facilities, and volume pickup options is provided.
Maintenance Features:
- Pre-Operation Checklist: A comprehensive checklist is provided for personal safety and maintaining mechanical condition, covering lubrication, fluid levels, tractor adequacy, hydraulic lines, and PTO shaft security.
- Lubrication Schedule: Detailed lubrication instructions are given for various components:
- Rotor Bearings: Grease 4 pumps per bag.
- Cable Drum Shaft Bearings: Grease every 3 bags.
- Bag Boom: Grease 2 or 3 times per season.
- Conveyor Slides: Grease 1 or 2 times per season (apply grease in rust-prone areas, keep dry and clean in sandy conditions).
- Conveyor Idle and Drive Shaft Bearings: Grease 1 time per bag.
- Conveyor Chain: Lubricate 2 or 3 times per season.
- Pump Drive Chain: Lubricate twice per bag.
- Fluid Checks and Changes:
- Gearbox (Models A-E): Check oil level in sight gauge or dip stick; fill approximately half full if not visible. Change oil at least once every 12 months or 1000 hours, or after each season to remove moisture. Keep pressure relief plug clear.
- Hydraulic Tank: Check oil level before each operation (needs 8 gallons). Change filter and hydraulic oil every 12 months.
- Planetary (Model F): Check oil level every bag (halfway up in sight gauge). Change oil between the first 50-100 hours, then every 2000 hours or 12 months. Use API Certified GL-5 (75W-90) oil.
- Hand Pump: Use hydraulic oil only (not brake fluid). Check and add oil, bleed air from the system.
- Component Adjustments:
- Rotor Chain Tension: Adjust to 1/4" deflection.
- Conveyor Chain Tension: Adjust to 2" deflection by loosening nuts and bolts and turning adjusters.
- Pump Drive Chain Tension: Adjust to 1/8" deflection by sliding the hydraulic tank along bolt slots.
- Brake Maintenance: Keep cable drum disc brakes clean and dry. Replace brake pads if only 1/8" remains.
- Cable Inspection: Check cables for jaggers, pulling out of sleeves, or kinks. Replace damaged cables and apply a thin coat of grease or oil prior to storage.
- Backstop Net: Lace the backstop net with rope, starting from the middle, and tighten after a few bags to prevent the bag from sitting on the frame. Inspect and replace ropes as necessary.
- Storage Preparation: Before storage, remove any product or acidic juices, clean the inoculant applicator, grease and lubricate all moving parts, remove and clean the rotor chain, drain and refill gearbox/planetary with new oil, check rotor tooth tine caps for wear, loosen and store bungee cords, and secure the bag pan. Put the brake-pump lever in a position to prevent shaft rusting.