Q. You guys make a number of different presses and cutters. How do I pick the right machine?

A. The right machine for your situation depends on answers to the following questions:

• What is your annual tonnage?
• What kind of hay(s) will you be processing?
• What size bales are you starting with?
• What size bales do you want to output?

Our folks can help you select  the right components, and work with your available floor space, power sources and production work flow to engineer the most efficient system.

 Q. I already have a Double Press 3-tie press. Can I add a big bale cutter to the front end?

A. Not only can you add a Big Bale Cutter, but we can integrate the machines so that the entire process can be run automatically, and controlled from a single control panel.

Q. Can I add Double Press equipment to equipment from other manufacturers?

A. Usually we can, but it may not be possible to totally integrate the control panels. Call us to discuss your specific situation.

Q. How much force do Double Press Hay Presses generate?

A. The 3-Tie Press is capable of generating approximately 600,000 pound of force, but the control system is designed to use the minimum amount of force required to compress the specific product being processed, thereby minimizing product damage and power consumption. The Big Bale Cut Down Press generates more than twice the force and utilizes the same force limiting control system.

Q. How are your press frames constructed?

A. We utilize a combination of heavy beam and plate structural elements welded and/or bolted to best meet the specific application. The frames are all laser aligned during fabrication to ensure proper alignment of all structural elements. All of our press frames utilize our patented holding chamber design which improves finished bale shape and size characteristics.

Q. How much horsepower do the presses require?

A. The 3-Tie Press utilizes a single 300HP motor, and the Big Bale Cut Down  Press utilizes two 300HP motors. The Cutters use either a 40-horse motor or two 40-horse motors.

Q. How do you decide whether to have one motor or multiple motors.?

A. A single motor maximizes the amount of oil flow at both low and high pressures which optimizes the speed of the press. The single motor also minimizes space requirements.  On the other hand, compressing a big bale requires significantly more power.

In the case of the cutters, two 40-horse motors is a better option than one 80-horse motor because it minimizes the power surge required in start up, and lowers installation costs while increasing reliability.

Q. Can your presses be powered by diesel engines?

A. Yes, we have several presses powered with diesel engines, providing our customers with the same level of performance as our electric powered presses.

Q. What is your secret to ensure reliability?

A. Our biggest secret is our relationship with our customers. We are continually taking information from customers and our own field experience and using it to improve our products.  For example, very early we learn that large oil reservoirs and a sophisticated filtering system have a major impact on reliability.  As a result, the 3-Tie Presses have a 1700 gallon reservoir, and the Big Bale Cut Down Press has a 3600 gallon reservoir. We utilize large reservoirs due to the high flow rates and to ensure that any entrained air has a chance to escape from the oil before it gets back to the pumps.

Q. How do you keep the oil clean in an environment as dirty as a hay pressing barn?

A. We utilize an off-line kidney loop 5 micron filtration system that runs 24/7 filtering the oil to an ISO Cleanliness Level of 18/16/13 or better.

Q. Your presses are utilized in a wide range of environments, how do you keep the oil temperature at an acceptable level?

A. We install thermostatically controlled heaters in the reservoir to maintain the oil temperature at a minimum acceptable level in cold weather. To keep the oil cool, we utilize an independent air over oil cooling system that is thermostatically controlled and sized to maintain proper operating temperatures at all times of the year.

Q. What kind of control system do you utilize?

A. All of our equipment utilizes Allen-Bradley control system components including industrial computers, operator interfaces, sensors, controls and even connection systems. We selected Allen-Bradley because of their proven record of providing robust products for demanding manufacturing environments and their commitment to long term service and compatibility.

Q. How does your system operate?

A. All of our equipment operates automatically. We also provide controls for complete manual operation of all functions for maintenance purposes. You could actually operate the equipment in manual for production purposes, but the reliability of the control system makes this unnecessary.

Q. How do you control how much hay is pressed in each bale?

A. Our presses are equipped with an electronic scale that weighs the hay as it is fed to the press. The in-feed stops when the desired weight (set by the operator) is reached, and that amount of hay is fed into the press. Our presses also come equipped with a mechanical backup scale, and the ability to do bale for bale if desired for specific situations and product.

Q. How is the twine removed?

A. For the 3-tie bales the twine is cut automatically and pulled by the press operator. The twine on the Cut Down Big Bale Press is cut and removed automatically as it is fed into the cutter.

Q. What types of hay/straw do your presses and cutters process?

A. Alfalfa, bermuda, oat, sudan, timothy, wheat, barley, orchard grass, blue grass, rye grass, fescue and kline hay, and bermuda, oat, wheat, barley, orchard grass, blue grass, rye grass, fescue and rice straw.

Q. How many tons per hour can be pressed by your presses?

A. The 3-Tie Press can produce up to 20 tons per hour with an expected sustained rate of 17 tons per hour. The Big Bale Cut Down Press can produce up to 24 tons per hour with an expected sustained rate of 20 tons per hour. The sustained rate is based on proven production statistics maintained by customers. The difference between possible and actual production is the result of issues getting product to, through and out of the press. Individual customer production rates can vary substantially depending on the type and quality of the product, and normal operational delays.

Q. How much space do your machines require?

A. Double Press equipment can be configured in a wide variety of combinations and layouts to accommodate most applications and facilities. Please e-mail us your specific equipment requirements and space limitations, and we will be happy to review them to show you how our equipment can be adapted to your application.

Q. What options do you have for noise control?

A. We offer two options, the power unit can be located remotely from the press in a separate room, or a unique Double Press sound deadening room can be installed around the power unit.

Q. Do you maintain a spare parts inventory for your equipment?

A. Yes, we have a complete inventory of spare parts that typically ship from our Madras, Oregon plant or from one of our partner suppliers the same day as the order is received. When requested, we hand carry parts to our customers so they have them within a couple of hours. We also maintain a supply point in the Imperial Valley in California with a large inventory of critical spare parts so our numerous customers in that area can get parts within minutes of the need being identified.

Q. How “Operator and Maintenance Friendly” are your machines?

A. Although the machines are fully automatic, we strive for mechanically intuitive adjustments like limit switches and serviceability by non high-tech maintenance personnel. Troubleshooting problems can usually be accomplished by your maintenance staff with assistance by phone from our service or engineering personnel.

Q. Do you provide field service for you equipment?

A. Yes, we have service personnel located in Southern California to cover our Southwest customers and in Oregon to cover our Northwest customers. Each location has a fully equipped service truck and the technical expertise necessary to make major and minor repairs or improvements to existing equipment on site. We also provide in plant personnel as necessary to support our customers. We have built our reputation by providing the best equipment and service in the hay pressing industry.

Q. Do you lease machines?

A. Yes, on an as available basis to U.S. and Canadian customers.

Q. Do you sell used or refurbished presses?

A. Yes, on an as available basis.

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