Gauteng Smallholder April 2018 | Page 43

From page 39 IN THE FIELD A more compact bale, more closely approximating the size box can be enhanced by of a machine bale and yet fitting handles at either end rendering a bale of similar to facilitate handing and weight, can be made if you upending, and the box itself build a hand baler. can be repurposed out of This can be constructed at season into an effective home out of wood and in its poultry brooder. most sophisticated iteration will have two trolley wheels fitted to facilitate moving about the field. Operation is also a two-man job. On to a sturdy flat base is built a vertical, open topped chamber much like an open- topped cupboard, the size of a standard bale, the front of which comprises a full- length hinged door which, when closed and locked, transforms the Hand baler with plunger removed from chamber. wooden chamber into a tall wooden box. Running vertically down the length of the door are two slots, starting about a quarter of the Bale being compacted by pulling the lever. way up the door and ending about 10cm wooden plunger, the dimensions of the plunger from the top. panel being only slightly At the open top is fitted a Note slots in door, sturdy base and wheels at rear. 41 www.sasmallholder.co.za Continued on page 43