This implement allows the movement of wrapped bales without making holes in the plastic. Tractors with 50 or more horsepower have sufficient weight and power for safe lifting. There are many ways to seal freshly baled forage, including individual bags, tubing machines, and individual bale wrapping machines. All operate on the principle of quickly sealing out oxygen from the bale and keeping it air tight until the balage is fed. Use plastic that is manufactured so that it will withstand the damage due to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight.
Some plastic manufacturers recommend using untreated sisal twine or plastic twine.
In some cases, the oil from treated sisal twine breaks down the ultraviolet radiation inhibitor in the stretch wrap plastic. Using individual bags has the advantage of not requiring extra equipment and the ability to reuse the bags to reduce the cost. In practice, few bags can be salvaged for use in the next growing season. Other disadvantages include the difficulty of getting all of the air out of the bags and maintaining a good seal on the open end of the bag. Making balage in individual bags is less reliable than with wrapping equipment.