Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
2. Leave the holes in the bale needle exposed
There are two holes just above each point of the needle. This is to enable two strings to be
fed through the bale at both legs of the needle at the same time. The legs of the double
bale needle are approximately the same width apart as the existing twine that secures
the bale.
3. Thread twine into the bale needle
In the one leg of the needle, thread one piece of twine from left to right through the
bottom hole of the needle and a second piece of twine through the top hole from right to
left. Repeat this process for the other leg of the needle.
4. Use different coloured twine to reduce confusion when cutting bales
Many people find it less confusing to use different coloured twine. For example, if the
twine on the bales you have purchased is black, you might choose to use yellow and pink
twine for cutting the bales. The pink twine to go from left to right, and the yellow from
right to left.
5. Push the threaded needle through the straw bale being cut
With the bale to be cut sitting on
two spare bales, push the needle
through the bale until the holes of
the needle are fully exposed on the
opposite side of the bale. If you
position the two bales on the
ground with a gap between them,
you will be able to push the needle
through the bale into clear space
between the two supporting bales
(see Figure 4.14).
Once the needle is driven
through the bale you will have
access to the two strings still
threaded through the needle, now
on the other side of the bale.
6. Unthread the twine from the
needle, remove the needle
from the bale
Turn the bale over, exposing the
points of the needle, and unthread
the pieces of twine from the
needle. Be careful as you turn the
bale, as the needle protruding
through the bale can lead to a tear
Figure 4.14
Twine is fed through the eyes of the needle for later
tying of the new length bales
