New generation of clamp and bale cover launched

ClampShield 500 and BaleShield 160 have been developed to give a high degree of protection to clamped or baled forage while cutting the need for single-use plastic.

Both are reusable products which give protection for several years; they have long-term ultraviolet stability and offer outstanding tear resistance – importantly giving protection against damage by birds.

Covering clamps

The most robust of the range is ClampShield 500, designed for use across silage clamps immediately on top of a low air-ingress vacuum film. Used in this way, it cuts the need for single-use plastic by 75%.

With a weight of 500g/m2 – around twice that of netting – the cover stays in place with less weighting than typically used. Sand or gravel bags around the clamp’s perimeter and on any joins are usually sufficient, without tyres or weight across the clamp. Made from water- repellent, polypropylene fleece with outstanding durability, it offers up to 15 years’ UV resistance and a textured, non-slip surface which is safer to walk on than conventional top sheets.

Supplied with hook and loop tape (similar to Velcro), sheets can be linked together to cover any shape and size of clamp.

We’ve been searching for a product which is truly resistant to damage by rooks and crows for many years,” says company MD, Kelvin Cave. “We’re confident we have this durability in ClampShield 500 which also comes with environmental and health and safety benefits, and can save significant cost when used over several years.”

Covering bales

BaleShield 160 is of the same construction, but its lower gauge is more suited to covering stacks of hay or straw, or even wrapped bales where bird damage is a problem. This allows stacks to be safely stored in the open.

Both water repellent and breathable, BaleShield 160 helps prevent the formation of mould on bales and its UV blocking treatment gives the fleece a life of up to four years.