Aren’t they on upside down?
No, they are designed for the water to go over the ends of the bales. Even if stacking is really rough runoff water will not go down between the bales because of the folded edge.
Doesn’t the hay sweat under the black plastic?
No, unlike sheet plastic which traps the moisture in and causes the hay to go off, the HAY CAPTM brand cover allow the hay to breath, and air to circulate.
Won’t rain get between the folded edges?
No, the caps are wider than the bales, and as you push the capped bales together at the top of the stacks the folded edges butt up against each other or one over/one under if stacking is a bit rough. The only way you will get rain between your bales is if you leave a gap in your stack.
Why don’t the HAY CAPTM brand covers overlap (like roofing iron)?
3 reasons - that would allow the wind to get under them; you can’t see the back of the top bale when you are stacking the hay; & also allows you to build the stack from either end.
Don’t they blow off?
No, we have had some bales blown off stacks with the caps still in place in an extreme storm. The HAY CAPTM brand covers were undamaged and still attached to the bales. Other farmers have lost hay shed roofs in windstorms but the capped stacks alongside have remained intact. We do recommend a baling twine tied around the middle of the bale and HAY CAPTM brand cover for each end of the stack, before last bale is put into place.
How long do they take to put on?
A single person can apply a HAY CAPTM brand cover in less than a minute, even in windy conditions. Remember the caps are applied at ground level. If this is done prior to starting to stack it doesn’t slow the stacking process down e.g.: Apply HAY CAPTM brand covers to 1 in 6 bales out in the field, before picking up. When you are finished stacking the stack will be covered. This is great when trying to beat a storm, especially at night.
Can I stack 2 rows of hay side by side?
No. The HAY CAPTM brand covers are designed for single row stacking only and this is because they are applied at ground level. Also the wider you make a stack the more runoff goes over the side and therefore the greater damage you get to the ends of the bales.
Why aren’t they made two bales long?
Although this would enable the stack to be twice as wide, you cannot lift two bales wide at a time with the tractor. Hence, you would not be able to put the HAY CAPTM brand cover on at ground level.
How high & long can I make my stack?
Height depends on the type of hay, and density of bales but generally 5-6 bales high. You can make the stack as long as you want. We usually start a new stack when hay type/grade changes or if carting distance gets too far.
Do I need to re-tension as the stack settles?
No, the caps are fitted to the top bale only, and therefore doesn’t come loose as the stack settles.
How long will they last?
Reusable year after year, plastic supplier suggests at least 10 years.
How much gap do I need between my rows of hay?
Minimum of a tractor width, with good drainage. Preferably orientate stacks north south to allow sunshine to both sides of the stack.
Where should I put my stack?
It can be anywhere and any size. This really saves time & freight costs.
Will they pay for themselves?
Generally the top bale is worth more than a HAY CAPTM brand cover. They pay for themselves in the first year by saving that bale.
How much storage room do they take up?
When not in use, caps stack neatly on top of each other, preferably on a long pallet, and can then be stored in the corner of a shed. 100 HAY CAPTM brand covers stacked up is about the size of an 8’x4’x3’ bale.
We have 8’x4’x4’ bales. Do the caps fit them as well?
Yes, HAY CAPTM brand covers come in all different sizes to fit bales.
How much do they weigh?
About 7kgs each.
