«Previous    Next»
Electric Winch Automatically Raises Rolls Of Net Wrap
Net wrapped bales have become more popular in recent years. However, the rolls aren't easy to install in the baler. They typically weigh about 100 lbs. and have to be lifted 5 ft. off the ground into a storage compartment. This new remote-controlled lifting device, invented by an 81-year-old Manitoba farmer, solves the problem.

    Elgin Routledge says he looked for a product to automatically lift net wrap rolls but couldn't find anything on the market.        "It lets one man lift a roll of net wrap in just a few seconds. All the operator does is push a button," says Routledge. "I got the idea because two of my sons had back operations last year and had to find someone else to load rolls."

    The "Routledge Back Saver" consists of an electric winch that operates off the tractor's battery, and a pair of metal tongs that lift the roll. The tongs bolt onto a center-mounted bracket that's connected to a length of cable. The operator uses a remote controlled switch to lift the roll up into the storage compartment. When the bale-wrapping roll starts to run out, the operator can use the winch to lower the next roll into place.

    A round tube bolts onto the side of the baler and is used to store the remote control.

    "It's an idea that should have been thought of years ago. I can't believe no company has offered anything like this before," says Routledge. "It'll fit most brands of round balers. I'm now looking for a manufacturer. If you wanted to save money, you could wrap a pair of seat belts around the roll and attach them to the main bracket instead of using the tongs.

    "One company's net wrap rolls come factory equipped with hand holds, and I made a separate bracket for them that bolts on in place of the tongs."

    The kit comes with an overcenter locking device for increased safety, and with a metal bolt-on plate that protects the baler cover over the bale in case someone accidentally brings the winch up too far.

    Routledge is looking for a manufacturer. He expects the kit to sell for less than $400 (Canadian).

    Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Elgin Routledge, P.O. Box 2339, Virden, Manitoba, Canada R0M 2C0 (ph 204 748-3368; routledg@mts.net).


  Click here to download page story appeared in.



  Click here to read entire issue




To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.
Order the Issue Containing This Story
2007 - Volume #31, Issue #2