The McHale Square Bale Wrapper Range has been designed with the demands of today’s farmer and contractor in mind. This common-sense approach to design ensures that each machine’s operation is kept simple and user friendly, while delivering the highest output and reliability through the use of quality components, precision engineering and our patented oscillating rollers and patented roller angle measuring system.
Designed to provide greater operator comfort and flexibility whilst maximising output and reducing maintenance intervals, the McHale 998 range has become renowned and respected worldwide for bringing square bale wrapping to a new level.
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The 998 square bale wrapper is a high-output machine packed with features including a fully integrated, PTO driven, load sensing hydraulics system, conveyor loading with fast positioning of the square bale into the bale wrapping position, hydraulically operated cut & tie system, auto square bale levelling and a two point linkage mounted swivel headstock.
It is equipped with two patents;
Bale Size (minimum) | Bale Size (maximum) | Max Bale Length |
80cm X 60cm(2’8″ x 2′) |
120cm x 160cm(4′ x 5’3″)* |
2m(6’7″)** |
*including double square bales measuring 120cm x 70cm (4′ x 2’4″) in size.
**depending on bale profile and shape
Fully Automatic Electronic Control | In-cab Control of Bale Size and Film Layer |
PTO Driven Load Sensing Hydraulics | Hydraulic Drawbar Movement |
Continuous Cycle Function (Load / Wrap / Drop Bale) | Patented Oscillating Rollers (for Even Wrap Application and Bale Rotation) |
Automatic Bale Levelling | 2 X 750mm Dispensers |
Hydraulic Cut & Hold | Film Break Sensors |
Quick-Fit Dispenser Film Change | Film Replacement Loading Step |
External Dispenser Index Button | 12 Roll Storage (10 in Storage and 2 in Dispensers) |
Low Ground Pressure Tyres with Braked Axle |
The McHale 998 square bale wrapper is equipped with a fully integrated, PTO driven, load sensing hydraulic system allowing for a low horsepower requirement.
This simplifies tractor change over and delivers consistent performance, eliminating problems associated with different tractor hydraulic systems, oil flows and oil temperatures. The stand-alone load sensing hydraulic system also reduces the risk of oil contamination.
Read lessThe front-loading conveyor on the McHale 998 allows for effortless square bale loading. This system allows for 3 bales to be moved together.
As one bale is being unloaded at the rear of the machine, the next bale is being transported from the front of the machine onto the conveyor. The conveyor can also be used to pick the third bale and carry it as the machine finishes the wrapping process. If the operator wishes to do so, the Auto Load function can be activated which will enable the bale to be automatically loaded onto the conveyor once detected by the sensor. This allows the operator to simply drive the tractor without having to worry about operating the machine.
Load one square bale onto the front conveyor
Move a second square bale from the front conveyor into the wrapping position
Eject the last wrapped square bale off the back of the wrapper.
The patented oscillating rollers on the 998 square bale wrapper cradle the bale between the rollers as it is being wrapped. The oscillating rollers rotate the square bale at a uniform pace ensuring that the square bale receives the correct and even overlap, which ensures a tight seal and a high-quality finished square bale of crop.
This consistently accurate bale movement results in a superior wrap every time as the bale is not relying on gravity. The 4 oscillating rollers are in contact with the bale at all times in order to control bale rotation which ensures the wrap is evenly applied. To ensure wrap is evenly applied, bale rotation is monitored through the use of two potentiometers. These count the corners of the bale and ensure the correct amount of plastic is applied irrespective of the size of the bale.
Read lessThe 998 features a patented roller angle measuring and levelling system, which gives a consistent and even wrap regardless of square bale size or shape.
The patented roller angle measuring and levelling system allows for extra care wrapping. When the extra care program is selected in the control box, bale rotation is slowed down at the corners of the bale and additional plastic is applied which ensures good quality square bales are produced. This careful wrapping program ensures even odd shaped bales can be wrapped at eight predetermined points.
Read lessAs with all McHale bale wrappers, the reliability of the cut and hold systems is a feature of the utmost importance. On the last rotation of the wrapping cycle, the cut and holds extend out and the wrapping film is gently gathered in the cut and hold rails.
Once supported the cut and hold gathers the wrapping film to one point where it is cut and held. By gathering the plastic to one point, this reliable system ensures better grip and provides more consistent superior performance, particularly when working in extreme hot or wet conditions.
Read lessThe McHale 998 features two 750mm aluminum dispensers. The units are designed so that the angle that they work at during the wrapping cycle stays constant in order to maintain a consistent stretch.
This gives a more even stretch throughout the roll of film which maximises film usage. The dispenser unit consists of two aluminum rollers, which are geared to each other with robust steel gears of different ratios. If required, the stretch can be adjusted by changing the gears. The dispenser units also feature the McHale user friendly quick fit plastic loading system which simplifies film changing.
Read lessThe twin satellite dispensers are fitted with film break sensors, which notify the operator through the control console in the tractor cab if one or both dispensers run out of film.
If one dispenser runs out of film, the machine will continue working and automatically slow bale rotation while also increasing the number of rotations of the wrapping arms to ensure that the bale is wrapped correctly.
Read lessOn the McHale 998, the dispenser’s lock and load system simplifies film loading.
When removing the core of the used roll of plastic the dispenser bobbin locks in place. When a new roll of plastic is in the loading position, it can be locked in place by simply pulling the cord on the dispenser.
Film can be loaded from the left-hand side of the machine with the help of a film replacement loading step.
After loading film on the first dispenser, the operator can push the index button located on the drawbar, and the dispensers will then rotate around and automatically stop at the loading position for the second dispenser. This allows the operator to easily load the second roll of film from the one location.
When removing the core of the used roll of plastic the dispenser bobbin locks in place. When a new roll of plastic is in the loading position, it can be locked in place by simply pulling the cord on the dispenser.
Film can be loaded from the left-hand side of the machine with the help of a film replacement loading step.
After loading film on the first dispenser, the operator can push the index button located on the drawbar, and the dispensers will then rotate around and automatically stop at the loading position for the second dispenser. This allows the operator to easily load the second roll of film from the one location.
The McHale 998 square bale wrapper can carry 12 rolls of film: 2 rolls in the wrapping dispensers and 10 spare rolls in film storage.
A Film Replacement Loading Step is fitted on all machines to aid the operator when changing a roll of film. This step can be extended out when changing a roll of film and folded back to its original position when the machine is in operation in the field or in transport.
All 998 square bale wrappers range feature an in-cab Expert control console to allow the operator to control the machine at the touch of a button. The McHale 998 is a fully automatic machine thanks to the continuous automatic cycle which operates all the wrapping functionality of the machine.
The Expert control console enables the operator to change the bale size and select the desired number of film layers to be applied to the bale.
When set, the continuous automatic cycle function operates the complete cycle from start to finish. This function increases output as when one bale is unloading, the next bale is being transferred from the ground onto the conveyor. Once in position on the wrapping conveyor, the wrapping cycle commences automatically.
From the control console, it is possible for the operator to select the wrap start position and to customise the wrapping programme. This provides the operator with the ability to apply more plastic at eight points on the surface of the bale and store the customised programme for later jobs which have the same bale size.
An Adjustable Maximum Speed setting is fitted as standard on the McHale 998 High Speed, which allows the operator to set the speed at which they wish to work at from the control console in the tractor cab. This speed can vary from 25rpm to 40rpm depending on the conditions.
The operator can also select extra care wrapping, which makes the McHale 998 square bale wrapper range apply additional plastic on the corners of the bale which is particularly beneficial to rectangular shaped bales.
A new wired handpiece control comes as standard to work with the McHale 998 square bale wrapper.
The new wired handpiece control gives the operator more ergonomic access to the following machine functions:
Conveyor Forward |
Conveyor Reverse |
Auto Start & Stop |
Read less
McHale machines work in different conditions around the world. To optimise performance, we offer a number of options in the McHale 998 range. We recommend you speak with your local dealer/distributor as regards the best features or options to meet your requirements.
Should you wish to use the McHale 998 or 998 High Speed bale wrapper for static wrapping, a new radio remote-control kit is available. This allows the machine to be efficiently used as a static machine for wrapping round or square bales. An operator can load the bale wrapper using a loader and easily activate an automatic cycle by using the radio remote control.
The McHale 998 and 998 High Speed is available with an optional rear unloading conveyor. This unloading conveyor can be used when static wrapping to allow the careful unloading of a bale from the wrapper. To avoid damage to the plastic, the bale is unloaded from the wrapper onto the conveyor where it is held until it is collected by the loader and placed in the stack. This ensures the wrapped bale has no contact with the ground. When the wrapping job is complete, the unloading conveyor is neatly folded up for transport.
All machines in the McHale 998 square bale wrapper range come fitted with hydraulic brakes as standard but can be specified with air brakes as an optional extra.
Watch the video for the 998 square bale wrapper, a high-output machine packed with features including a fully integrated, PTO driven, load sensing hydraulics system, conveyor loading with fast positioning of the square bale into the bale wrapping position, hydraulically operated cut & tie system, auto square bale levelling and a two point linkage mounted swivel headstock.
Transport Length | 7.3 m (24′) |
Transport Width | 2.99 m
(9′ 8″) |
Transport Height | 3.69 m (12′ 1″) |
Weight (Unladen) | 4070 kg (8972 lbs) |
Bale Sizes | From 80 x 60 cm (2′ 8″ x 2′) to 120 x 160 cm (4′ x 5′ 3″) including double bales: 120 x 70cm (4′ x 2′ 4″)
Max bale length 2 m (6′ 7″)* |
Maximum Wrapping Speed | 25 |
Film Roll Storage | 12
(10 in storage and 2 in dispensers) |
Roll Loading Step | Standard |
External Dispenser Index Button | Standard |
*depending on bale profile and shape
Tyres | 400/70-20 |
Axle | 6 Stud Braked |
Brakes | Hydraulic Brakes
(Air brakes – optional) |
Attachment to Tractor | Cat II/III lower linkage SAE 6 spline PTO shaft |
PTO Speed | 500-800 RPM |
Hydraulic Requirement | Continuous – Independent Load Sensing Pump Driven off PTO |
Hydraulic Connection | 3 x Male ½” Quick Release (1xS.A. 1xD.A.) |
Control Console | Expert Control Console |
Wired Handpiece Control | Standard |
Radio Remote Control Kit | Optional |
Static Wrapping Table | Optional |
Air Brakes | Optional |
Static Wrapping Table | Optional |