By Tyler Trieglaff

Notes from the Chief

Notes from the Farm…Breakdowns is the word of the week. The old reliable New Holland 654 round baler is on part of its last leg. It seems that a new pickup header is in the works. Either that or I get a new to us better baler or update the pickup header. After the stuffer mechanism that brings the hay into the bale chamber, I hauled the baler to the shop to investigate. There is a bracket that is welded to the frame that had broken off. I was able to climb underneath the baler and tack weld it into place. I started looking for other balers for sale in the area as this fix might not work the best.  

I also made a visit to our friendly red and yellow dealership to ask about options for fixing and used round balers. I was told that removing the pickup header was not a bad job so I decided to go that route. I was able to remove the chains, loosen the springs and take out the four frame bolts and it came right off. I pulled the header out from under the baler and flipped it over to have better access to the area that needed to be welded.

No, I am not an expert welder, but I can be a pretty good farmer welder. I was able to burn a couple holes in the metal before I turned the amperage down to make a solid bead. I welded the plate to the frame and added an extra stick of metal for more support. It looked like it was better than original. After putting the baler back together there was only a small knock that needed to be ground down and back to the field I went.  

To say that I had problems is an understatement. There was a slip clutch that was not holding and by the time I finally figured it out, dad noticed the weld had totally broken off and we were out of commission again. During this breakdown time dad had blown the dust off of the old NH 848 balers. These balers have made thousands of bales over the years, but have been idle due to the 654 being a much needed upgrade. The first baler dad brought out was working until an airbag and support gave way. Then onto the other baler which was working well until a bar on the chain bent. This bent bar was removed and we used it to finish the field last Friday morning.  

So, for a couple options on the 654 baler, I am looking at a different pickup header.  I reached out to someone who rebuilds those parts and hopefully we can make something work. I am still looking for a different baler, but finding a net wrap baler in our price range and in the local area has not been easy.  

I hope you all had a safe Independence Day and you still have all your fingers.  

Friday, June 27

2:56 p.m. Welfare check on an elderly male.

4 p.m. Complaint of tall grass and weeds on Lake St S. Home owner was contacted.

11:23 p.m. Officer called to remove an intoxicated male from an establishment. Male was acting up and wanting to drive home. Male willingly accepted a ride from officer.

Saturday, June 28

12:21 a.m. Garage door open on a business. Employee was working inside.

4:05 p.m. Party called to ask about officers standing by while a relative collected personal belongings due to a pending divorce. Officer told her that we would be in the area for safety reasons, but could not force the other party to turn over items as it is a civil matter between the two.

4:20 p.m. Assist an elderly female who locked herself out of the house. Officer was able to McGyver the door open.

9:45 p.m. Assist with a disturbance/fight in Otter Tail County.

Sunday, June 29

9:36 a.m Welfare check on a male party.

8:29 p.m. Rubbish remaining on property after a house demolition. Officer talked with property owner and asked that the debris be removed in a timely manner as there have been numerous complaints.

10:50 p.m. Report of fireworks on Lake St S. Officer talked with the homeowner who was apologetic and did not know that the exploding fireworks are illegal in Minnesota.

Monday, June 30

1:57 p.m. Report of three juvenile males in a business with two of them being very disrespectful. Two of the boys were trespassed from the business.

3 p.m. Report of a missing bike rack.

3:45 p.m. Vehicle unlock.

5:45 p.m. Questions from a resident about child custody issues with an ex due to ex being evicted from housing. Referred to Becker County Human Services. 

7:07 p.m. Welfare check on an elderly male. Male was ok and just wanted to be left alone.

10:24 p.m. Assist with a medical.

Tuesday, July 1

4:33 p.m. Traffic stop for unrestrained toddler and vehicle not having current registration.

6:37 p.m. Assist with a medical.

10:38 p.m. Open doors on a building and lights on. Officer closed and locked the building.

Wednesday, July 2

3:53 p.m. Assist an elderly male with removing a couple cats from his residence. Cats went to a rescue organization.

8:38 p.m. Welfare check on a young adult male. Male was ok.

Thursday, July 2

5:48 p.m. Issue between neighbors. Officer served a trespass notice to one of the neighbors.

8:07 p.m. Report of a kayak that had flipped on Town Lake. Party was able to right herself as it was her first time kayaking. No need for officer response.

9:55 p.m. Male reporting losing a wallet, possibly at the rest area. Referred him to Otter Tail County.