How much cloth is needed to cover straw bales?
How much cloth is needed to cover straw bales?
When covering straw or hay with a cloth, it is important to choose the right size so that the bales are properly protected from rain and the elements. The size of the cloth needed depends mainly on how many bales are stacked and how high they are.
Below are a few examples of how much cloth is normally needed. Please note that the quantities listed are approximate guidelines. They are based on round bales measuring approximately 1.60 meters in diameter by 1.20 meters.
40 to 80 round bales
Toptex 9.8 x 12.5 m
80 to 125 round bales
Toptex 9.8 x 25 m
160 to 210 round bales or 230 square bales + 16 round bales
Toptex 12 x 25 m
230 round bales or 306 square bales + 15 round bales
Toptex 15.6 x 25 m
Tips for the best results
To ensure a stable and weather-protected stack, we recommend the following:
• Stack the bales with the layers offset by about 50 percent. This makes the stack more stable.
• The number of bales that can fit under the tarp also depends on whether the ends of the stack are covered or left open.
• For short-term storage, one end can be left open and only the top covered.
• For extended storage, it is recommended that both ends be covered.