When it comes to round balers, buyers are somewhat spoilt for choice. Fixed or variable chamber, combination baler-wrappers and even a non-stop baler-wrapper model there should be something for most farming or contracting operations. Geoff Ashcroft looks at the latest changes across the sector.
Case IH
Case IH has recently introduced its RB HD Pro variable chamber models, ahead of the 2023 season.
There are two models the RB 456 HD Pro for bales from 0.9 to 1.65 metres in diameter, and the RB 466 HD Pro extends from 0.9-1.9m diameter. Both use 1.2m wide chambers and have three intake options: feed rotor, 13-knife or 25-knife models.
Offering claims of enhanced durability, Case IH has focused on using stronger components with fewer moving parts.
Variable chamber RB 455 and RB 465 balers produce 0.9-1.2m diameter bales, use 2.05/2.35m wide pickups respectively and can be equipped with 15-knife crop chopping capability.
Fixed chamber balers include the RB 344 available as a rotor cutter or rotor feed model, complete with 2m pickup, and producing bales measuring 1.2m x 1.25m in diameter. The larger RB 545 model gains a 2.2m pickup and up to 20 knives for crop chopping. In addition, the RB 545 is available as an integral baler-wrapper combination called the Silage Pack, with film binding capability.
Claas
Claas has taken the wraps off four new Variant 500 models for the 2023 season. The variable chamber machines produce bales from 0.9 to 1.6 metres and 1.8m, with the choice of feed rotor or chopping rotor models.
Rotor-cut models get 17 knives to create a claimed 60mm chop length, while drop floor can lower itself by up to 30mm to accommodate uneven swaths. A new bale density control allows greater adjustment, including a higher density in the outer layer, with more precise adjustment of the soft core. The net roll location has been lowered by 25cm, improving roll handling.
The Rollant 520 arrived for the 2020 season as a new entry-level fixed chamber baler producing a 1.25m diameter bale. Claas says the rotor, main drive and tailgate rollers use 25mm drive chains. Baling pressure is managed through the tailgate closing rams, where a maximum pressure of 150 bar can be applied to the hydraulic cylinders.
A 2.1m pickup supplies with bale chamber via feed rotor or chopping rotor, with the latter using 14 knives to create a 70mm chop length.
Fendt
Fendts Rotana range includes three fixed-chamber derivatives of the 130 model and five variable chamber models with combination baler wrapper models also available.
The fixed chamber Rotana 130F Combi has recently been upgraded to include a film-on-film option, with the operator able to switch between net and film tying through the in-cab terminal.
Variable chamber 160 and 180 models recently gained a net chute tying system to replace the previous models steel and rubber roller combination. Fendt says the new process delivers a positive net feed into the baler, lowering the risk of net being susceptible to draughts from the bale chamber.
Rotana Xtra models have the option of Fendts Loadsensing-Pro or TIM-Pro functionality. These include moisture analysis from two sensors on the inner wall of the bale chamber, a calibration-free weighing system, auto tailgate function that releases immediately after binding and automated cleaning of knife slots during binding.
Other changes found on Rotana Xtra models include the ability to apply a layer of unchopped straw around the bales outer layer to improve bale stability for storage and transport, and a greater number of grease points are now included in the auto-lube option
John Deere
Most recent changes to John Deeres line-up include the introduction of the C441R combination baler-wrapper. With a driveline rated at up to 210hp, the 18-roll chamber features an increased chamber width of 1.21 metres, up from 1.17m.
The C441R uses a bale transport table that enables one bale to be held while the next is being formed, before ejecting both at the same time. Wrapping times are said to be 15 per cent faster than its predecessor, from a 40rpm film arm speed.
With film-on-film capability, the C441R carries a 2m pickup 2.2m is optional with MaxiCut HC rotor using 13 or 25 knives. A parallel drop floor can be operated from the cab and the running gear includes a single axle as standard, or tandem axle option.
JDs variable-chamber V461R uses two endless belts to create bales with diameters of 0.8-1.85m. Up front, a 2.2m pickup, complete with 480mm feed auger, channels crop into the 1.21m wide chamber.
Equipped with Fast Release System, the V461R uses a rear curtain in place of a bale door which operates in conjunction with bale chamber sides that move outwards by up to 50mm during the ejection process. As the curtain drops, bearings push on cams to squeeze the chamber sides back in place.
Krone
Krones fixed chamber baler range recently gained the Plus-series of Comprima balers and baler-wrapper combinations. Key changes included a W-shaped tine arrangement on the pickup reel, new job computer and an onboard auto-lube system.
Combi-wrappers were upgraded from onboard hydraulics to full load-sensing system, which contributed to more output through increased wrapper speed. A new bale transfer system was also developed which shortened cycle times.
Krone says that while all Comprima balers can be fitted with moisture meters and telematics, the combi baler-wrapper can be equipped with a bale weigher.
Krone also offers the VariPack a variable-chamber baler that uses four belts to produce bales with diameters up to 1.65 metres with the V165 and up to 1.9m with the V190 model. Both are available with or without knives, with blade options extending to 17- or 26-knife rotors in the Plus models.
Plus versions differ from standard VariPack models through the use of IsoBus control, which includes automatic pickup raise and lower when the tractor changes direction, says the company. In addition, the rear door and net wrapping cycles are controlled automatically.
Kubota
Kubota has expanded its round baler range with the BF3500 a high-capacity fixed chamber baler that joins the firms existing BV Plus variable chamber models.
Designed for heavier crop conditions, the BF3500 uses 18 rollers with 50mm diameter bearings and double-row roller bearings used on all main load points.
Two rollers sit in the base of the chamber to give additional support with larger bales and hydraulic density control should provide consistent bale quality in varied conditions.
A 2.3-metre wide pickup has been upgraded, with the working width broadened by 100mm, while a new five-bar tine reel incorporates a cam track on both sides of the pickup. Tine length has been increased by 10mm and the gap between the stripper plates has been reduced.
The BF3500 gets a larger-diameter intake rotor, along with a drop floor system this extends clearance under the front and rear of the chamber when lowered, says the firm.
PowerBind net injection is retained, placing the tail of net directly into the bale chamber without relying on traditional feed rollers.
Kuhn
Kuhns combination bale wrapper, the VBP 3165, can be specified with a twin-roll film binding system. The French manufacturer says this enables smaller rolls to be used 750mm film rolls instead of 1.2-metre rolls of net with the ability to save on overall film consumption.
The 25kg film rolls can be loaded at waist height and the machine can hold 10 rolls.
In addition, the firms i-BIO+ combination wrapper has also undergone a shift into film-on-film capability as it too looks to reduce wrapping costs.
VB variable baler choice has been extended with the 7100 series, complete with Kuhns latest as i-Dense bale density regulation. There are two models 7160 and 7190 producing bales up to 1.6 and 1.85m respectively. Each can be equipped with Optifeed or Opticut intake systems, the latter available in 14- and 23-knife configurations.
Kuhns i-Dense uses a twin tension arm configuration, enabling balers to generate a maximum density of up to 140kg per cu.m. The firm says the density control system monitors moisture content and crop conditions to automatically adjust baling pressure to suit.
Massey Ferguson
Massey Fergusons round baler range includes a range of new features including tractor implement management, revised IsoBus control terminal, entry-level five-inch touch-screen BaleControl terminal for non-iso tractors, while auto-lube is available as an option on Solo Xtra variable chamber models.
A host of automated functions are included in MFs Exclusive package. These include raising the pickup when reversing and during bale weighing; opening and closing the tailgate after tying; knife selection and inserting knives during tying to clear debris.
The Exclusive package also includes bale moisture sensing, bale weighing and automatically leaving the outer bale layer uncut when knives are engaged to leave a more robust surface for easier bale handling.
MFs Protec baler-wrapper combination has received upgrades that include a bale tipping kit to provide increased safety and easier bale handling on slopes by tipping bales onto the flat side. In addition to stopping bales rolling downhill, MF claims this helps protect the film.
Protec operators can also switch between working and transport positions in just four seconds without leaving the cab, says the firm.
McHale
McHales Fusion 4 baler-wrappers come with a new pickup designed to improve throughput. Retaining Standard, Pro and Plus versions, the biggest changes can be found on the front-end, where a heavier duty driveline and tapered feed channel encourage crop flow from the pickup into the bale chamber, maximising throughput, claims the firm.
Five- or six-tine bar pickups are available, offering an increased width of 2.1 metres. An adaptive intake has been introduced to automatically compensate for changes in crop density, while a 25-knife chopping rotor reduces crop to around 46mm as it heads into the 18-roll chamber. While a 540rpm gearbox is standard, McHale now offers a 1,000rpm option for the Fusion 4 range.
The firms V8 range of variable chamber balers has been increased with the V8940 non-chop and the V8950 15-knife chopper baler. Producing bales with diameters of 0.6-1.9m using three endless belts, the V8 baler can produce bales containing up to 30 per cent more crop than what is achievable in a 1.68m V6 bale, says the firm.
Key features of the latest V8 models includes a higher intake, with a new pickup that can be specified as either cam-less or with a cam track. Larger lateral feed augers are part of the specification, as is an adaptive intake as found on the Fusion 4.
New Holland
Updates from New Holland for the 2023 season currently apply to its entry-level fixed chamber Roll-Bar 125 and the variable-chamber Roll-Belt 150 and 180 models.
Producing bales that are 1.2 metres wide and 1.25m in diameter, the Roll-Bar 125 gets a new LCD monitor called Bale Command II Plus, and revised electronics offering an advanced level of control with new diagnostic functions.
Rotor feed and rotor cutter variants are available, the latter offering up to 15 knives. Net wrapping is included as standard, with twine and film tying available as options. In addition, an extended drawbar and longer pto shaft affords easier headland turns says the firm.
Roll-Belt 150 and 180 models get few changes beneath the skin, with the Bale command II Plus monitor receiving symbol changes for ease of operation and alignment with other New Holland baler control interfaces, says the company.
The remainder of upgrades are almost exclusively styling changes. These include a colour change from dark grey to yellow for the pickup, tailgate and main frame, and join existing Pro-Belt 165 and 190 models which have 13- and 25-knife crop chopping options.
Pottinger
Pottingers revised range of Impress balers and baler-wrappers arrived in time for the 2022 grass season, comprising two fixed-chamber models, six variable-chamber balers and three baler-wrapper combinations.
While the firm has stuck with its floating pickup, lift-up rotor and a chopping system that carries up to 32 knives, there is a 20 per cent increase in baling pressure across the variable chamber models.
Specifications include Master and Pro derivatives. Where Master provides 16 knives, Pro offers 32, a load sensing hydraulic system, IsoBus control and numerous automated functions, says the firm.
Models benefit from a new binding unit, with feed and tension managed outside the bale chamber. Pottinger says that maximum width of binding material is 1.4m, and film-on-film binding is available. An optional roll loading unit can be specified to simplify roll handling.
Baler wrapper combinations also get a revised cut and hold device and the wrapping platform is capable of rotating the bale before and after the wrapping process, which is claimed to tidy up any tails from the binding and wrapping functions.
Pro combi models can be equipped with an optional LED lighting package for the pickup, bale ejector and wrapper platform, while an optional air hose reel can be fitted taking its supply from the braking system to simplify in-field cleaning.
Vicon
Vicons latest RV5200 series gets a host of upgrades to justify its Plus-series designation.
These include a redesigned roller crop press capable of lifting higher in heavier crops, with strengthened side arms for the press and better protection for the bearings against crop wrapping.
Up front, the 2.2-metre pickup reel with twin-cam tracks and five tine bars has also been improved, with 10mm longer tines and wider stripper plates to improve cleaning in wet crop conditions.
Updated RV balers can be equipped with a SuperFeed rotor or 14-knife SuperCut crop chopping system, producing bale sizes of 1.65m and 2m respectively for the RV5216 and RV5220.
Vicons main driveline gets long-life specification chains, while the bale chamber receives a new design of idler rollers with a 45 per cent increase in bearing diameter.
Maintenance has been simplified with bale chamber drive rollers gaining cast iron housings and centralised grease banks, keeping maintenance time to a minimum. Operator convenience has been improved with a folding pto stand, which also incorporates hose and cable storage.
Externally, the new Plus-series models get high-level LED road lights better protected from damage by stray bales.
Vicons heavy-duty fixed chamber FixBale 500 now gets tractor implement management functionality.
