Baler Belt Storage – The Expert Guide

The bale forming belts for round hay balers perform a crucial and demanding job, so it is important that these belts are sold in good condition to keep hay producers in the saddle. That is why implement dealers and parts distributors must take care when storing bulk or laced baler belt. Improper storage can damage baler belting before it is even installed on a baler, decreasing the life of the belt, or causing the belts to perform poorly and leading to damaged or broken belts. Additionally, the warranty is void on belting that has been improperly stored.

Moisture

Most baler belting is slit-to-width with fabric plies exposed on the belt edges. If stored improperly, the fabric can absorb moisture and cause the belting to deform. This deformation is known as camber and it can cause the belt to not track straight.

Belting stored edge-down can wick moisture from concrete floors and cause enough camber to be a problem. We recommend storing baler belting on pallets and away from any sources of excessive moisture or where water may pool. For best results, belting should be stored in a dry, climate-controlled environment.

Chemicals

Baler belting should also be stored away from chemicals that could damage the protective rubber covers. Oil-based chemicals will be absorbed by and degrade the integrity of the rubber. If using a lubricant when skiving belt ends in preparation to install fasteners, it is highly recommended to use a silicone-based lubricant. The rubber compounds in baler belting are not suitable for applications involving chemicals, ozone, strong acids, greases, fats, and most hydrocarbons found in oil-based chemicals.

Environment/Weather/Elements

Excessive exposure to the elements can cause premature aging and dry rotting of baler belting. Too much moisture can lead to the camber issue described above.

Additionally, excessive exposure to sunlight will cause premature degradation of the rubber covers. The rubber compounds used in baler belting do have some protection from UV rays and heat, however excessive sunlight exposure can overwhelm this protection and cause the rubber to degrade prematurely in a chemical process called oxidation.  

Best Results/Best Practices for Storing Baler Belting

A dry, climate-controlled environment works best for medium to long-term storage of belting. Avoid storing belting where there is too much sunlight or moisture. It is recommended to store belting on pallets or shelves so that they are off the ground.

On the Baler

Once on the baler, we recommend following the care and maintenance instructions found in the Operator’s Manual for that baler.

Contact a Motion Conveyance Solutions specialist today to learn more.