Maximizing Hay Quality with B&D Crusher Rolls

When it comes to optimizing hay production, the conditioning system in your self-propelled mower or windrower plays a critical role. Traditionally, operators have had to choose between Chevron-style rubber rolls or aggressive steel rolls. However, a third option, the B&D Crusher Roll, offers a different approach to crop processing that focuses on stem crushing rather than just crimping.

The Problem with Traditional Rolls

Most hay equipment manufacturers offer two primary conditioning options: steel rolls and rubber rolls.

• Steel Rolls: These are the aggressive option, ideal for heavy, stemmy crops. They break the stems effectively to promote drying but can be too aggressive, often knocking leaves off the crop and reducing feed value.
• Rubber Rolls: Generally preferred for preserving leaf retention, rubber rolls are less aggressive. They maintain feed value well but may not dry the crop down as quickly as steel.

In both traditional setups, the rolls are designed with a small gap; they come close but never actually touch to prevent wear. This limits the conditioning action to bending or crimping the stem only at specific intervals.

How B&D Crusher Rolls Work

B&D Crusher Rolls differ fundamentally in their design and operation. Made from a specialized rubber compound that is slightly flexible to the touch, these rolls are designed to run in contact with one another. Because the rolls mesh together, the crop is "crushed" as it passes through the machine.

Instead of bending the stem in two or three places, the Crusher Roll breaks the stem down its entire length. This creates two distinct advantages:

1. Faster Dry Down: By fracturing the stem along its full length, moisture escapes much more rapidly compared to traditional conditioning methods.
2. Softer Hay: The crushing action softens the hay significantly, making it a more desirable product for buyers and livestock.

Construction and Durability

The build quality of these rolls contributes to the overall smooth operation of the machine. While many OEM rolls are formed by bending sheet metal around a core, B&D rolls are constructed using a cast pipe. This results in superior balance, significantly less vibration, and quieter operation. Reduced vibration can also lead to improved longevity for the bearings supporting the rollers.

Despite being made of rubber, the material is highly durable. The flexibility of the rubber allows it to be somewhat "self-healing." If a foreign object, such as a rake tooth, passes through the conditioner, the pliable rubber can often accommodate the object without suffering the permanent damage often seen in rigid rollers.

Operational Longevity

Feedback from the field suggests that B&D Crusher Rolls have an impressive lifespan. Operators are reporting usage of 3,000 to 4,000 engine hours before the rolls require replacement. In some instances, customers trading in machinery have opted to keep their rolls to install in their new units because they held up so well over four to five years of use.

Important Considerations: The Moisture Trade-Off

While the aggressive conditioning of B&D rolls offers rapid drying, there is a trade-off to consider. Because the hay stem is thoroughly crushed, it gives up moisture quickly, but it can also absorb moisture just as fast. If the hay is subjected to morning dew or rain, it may soak up that water more readily than hay conditioned with standard rolls. Repeated wetting and drying cycles can impact the relative feed value (RFV). Therefore, this technology is best utilized when you can bail the hay quickly after it dries down.

If you are looking to upgrade your current conditioner or need replacement parts, Messick's can assist with aftermarket installations for virtually any brand of equipment.