Hay baler caught fire

[steveky]

I have a old #3 MF baler and it caught fire yesterday. It appears to have been started with friction of the plunger for some reason. Its not a bad baler and I'm would like to paint it and fix it up, but would like to know whats going on with the plunger. Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[cowboydoc]

Probably nothing more than hay getting stuck all around in the baler and then the friction of the baler causes alot of heat. The hay either combusts or a spark from all the metal in the baler ignites it.

It's always a good idea if you see the chafe getting built up to stop and knock it off. Or if you see hay getting bunched up remove it. I was baling the other day and I noticed alot of chafe building up. I stopped and it was almost too hot to take off.

 

[Woodbeef]

Don't hear of it happening much with small square balers,but check all of the bearings also,along with doing as Doc recommends.