Evaluation of the WB55 bio-baler for baling woody biomass in a forest application
Abstract
A FLD model WB55 Bio-baler1 was evaluated while working in a pine plantation in southeast Georgia. The baler was equipped with a fixed tooth rotor and had atooth capacity, a 7.5-foot cutting width, and was powered by a Fendt 818 tractor which provided185 hp. Understory biomass removed consisted mainly of gall berry, wax myrtle and sawtopalmetto. Inventory data revealed an understory biomass level of 10.7 green tons/ac in the area. Total productive time to bale averaged 4.3 minutes with a production rate of 14.7 bales/PMH (Productive Machine Hour). Travel distance averaged 752 ft/bale. Bale measurements revealed a mean bale weight of 1004 lbs and a mean bale density of 18.7 lb/ft3. Field moisture content of sampled bales was 38.11 percent (wet-basis). Analysis of bale samples revealed a mean oven-dry heat of combustion of 8560 Btu’s/lb (oven-dry). In-woods cost per unit for the two machines was $8.74/bale or $17.60/green ton.