Home page>
Blog>
Optimizing Silage with Stationary Balers: A Swiss Success Story

Optimizing Silage with Stationary Balers: A Swiss Success Story

In Torny-le-Grand, Switzerland, brothers Julien and Lionel Robatel run a thriving agricultural service supply agency specializing in ensiling, compacting, sowing, and transport. Since 2013, their focus on silage has expanded significantly, with a major milestone in 2016 when they introduced stationary baling to their operation.

A man stands on the ladder of an Orkel compactor, observing as a trailer unloads fresh grass into the feed hopper. The scene captures the seamless operation of efficient silage processing, with the Orkel machine ensuring smooth handling and compaction of the material. — With a stationary baler like the Dens-X compactor, you can unload up to 25 cubic metre of material directly into the feed hopper.

Why Stationary Baling?

The decision to invest in an Orkel baler was driven by the need for a more efficient and practical way for their customers to transport forage. Round bales simplify handling, reduce storage challenges, and ensure high-quality silage preservation.

Many of their customers already use tower or bunker silos for ensiling, and the baler serves as a perfect complement. Nearly every farmer in their region bales some maize silage—ranging from 50 to 300 bales annually, whether for direct consumption or sale to neighboring farms.

Overview of a big green field and a farm in the background. A harvester is collecting grass and filling up a trailer on one of the fields, on another field cows are grazing. — One of the benefits with baling is that the crops is conserved quickly after harvesting.

Closeup image of a touch screen used to operate a agricultural compactor. In the foreground we can see blurred contours of a man operating the touch screen. — The Orkel X-generation compactors are operated with an intuitive touch screen.

Growth and Demand

What started as 6,000 bales in the first year has now grown to an impressive 15,000 bales annually. Customers demand well-packed, high-density bales that ensure longevity—some lasting up to two years with no quality loss. The denser the bale, the better the preservation.

The Orkel Advantage

Having used Orkel stationary balers for years, the Robatel brothers have experienced firsthand the advantages of these machines:

High Capacity: baling 60 tonnes per hour, with superior quality
Versatility: Efficient baling of grass, wholecrop cereals, maize, sugar beet pulp, and even reeds.
Robust Build: A durable machine designed for heavy-duty use.
Quick Setup: Ready to operate in just two minutes.
Efficient Handling: Large feed hopper capacity of 25 cubic meters, making it easy to unload big trailers.

A Proven Investment

Seen from above, a agricultural compactor making round bales, and a tractor with a trailer unloading grass into the compactor. On the left and right side we see roof tops. — The Orkel Dens-X compactor does not require a lot of space for baling.

The Robatel brothers purchased their first Orkel baler in 2016 and, after 55,000 bales, upgraded to a new model in 2021. Their latest baler has already passed 30,000 bales in just two seasons, and they expect to continue for another two years before investing in a brand-new Orkel—exactly the same model. Visit J-L Robatel's Facebook page to learn more about their business.

For them, Orkel is the gold standard in stationary baling, offering unmatched efficiency, reliability, and quality. As their business continues to grow, Orkel remains at the heart of their silage operations. Orkel is proud to have delivered a machine that meets their high expectations and continues to provide exceptional results year after year.

A neat stack of round bales, three stories high and a forklift placing a bale in the stack seen from behind. — Round bales can be stored anywhere and stacked vertically.

Are you considering stationary baling for your farm or business? Discover how Orkel can revolutionize your silage production with efficiency and reliability. Do not hesitate to contact us!