At the FTMTA Grass & Muck demonstration, McHale will show its new variable chamber integrated baler wrapper, the McHale Fusion Vario. This machine offers the contractor or farmer the flexibility to make bales of silage from 3ft 3in up to 4ft 8in and bales of straw or hay from 2ft 6in up to 5ft 6in. This eliminates the need to return to the yard to change machines over the course of a day’s work.
It also saves time on the road and allows the machine and driver to keep working and maximise output and, therefore, profits.
Farmers can get larger bales if they want them, which for silage will reduce film usage and costs and for hay and straw will reduce the amount of bales that need to be handled for collection, storage, feeding or bedding.
The McHale Fusion Vario is a fully automatic integrated baler wrapper, which consists of a high-output variable chamber baler with an integrated wrapping ring.
It has a unique, patented high-speed transfer system, which moves the bale from the bale chamber on to the wrapper faster and more efficiently which results in higher outputs.
As the transfer cradle moves the bale towards the wrapping ring, the wrapping roller closest to the bale chamber pivots out of the way. This reduces the height the bale has to travel in order to get to the wrapper.
Correct overlap
The new Fusion Vario can wrap bales from 1.1 metres up to 1.45 metres easily as the patented tip roller adjusts its height in line with the bale size to ensure that the plastic always goes on to the centre of the bale, regardless of the bale diameter. This ensures that the correct overlap is always achieved.
The bale chamber has three heavy-duty endless belts, which are extremely hard-wearing and are reinforced with synthetic material. This ensures that the belts can absorb and apply high pressure to the material.
The bale chamber is equipped with a double drive for when working in more difficult conditions, such as wet heavy grass, if the primary drive slips slightly, the secondary drive will engage to aid both the belt and material rotation.
The Fusion Vario is fitted with a high-speed vertical wrapping ring, which McHale claims can apply four layers of film to a 1.25m bale in approximately 20 seconds or six layers of film in 30 seconds.
Ready and waiting
In normal working conditions, the wrapping process is always complete ahead of the baler, meaning that the wrapping platform is always ready and waiting to capture the next ejected bale. The wrapping ring consists of two 750mm dispensers, along with film break sensors. The plastic is cut and held at one point, which aids with both reliability and output.
The iTouch in-cab control console provides clear indicators of machine performance on its large touchscreen graphic display.
The control console is also fitted with a rear camera, as standard, enabling the operator to keep a close eye on what is happening behind on the wrapper. In automatic mode, the camera image will appear at different predetermined times on the screen such as when the bale is being transferred or tipped. This control console, when combined with the load-sensing valve on the baler, makes the baler and wrapping operation fully automatic.
Kuhn FB 3130 fixed-chamber baler and the FBP 3135 Bale Pack
Kuhn has two new balers available for this silage season, the FB 3130 fixed-chamber baler and the FBP 3135 Bale Pack integrated baler wrapper combination. The FB 3130 is fitted with the standard AT10 controls and represents a no-nonsense Profi baler in Kuhn’s fixed-chamber baler range. The FBP 3135 Bale Pack represent the high-end Profi model with ISOBUS-steering and multiple in-cab controlled functions designed to work in heavy Irish grass and testing ground conditions.
The latest FB 3130 and FBP 3135 balers are available with two different intake rotors, Kuhn’s Optifeed or Opticut 14 systems, both of which share the same 2.30m pickup widths to accommodate maximum productivity in heavy Irish grass.
The Optifeed rotor uses double-feeding tines and integrated augers to provide an even and consistent crop flow into the bale chamber for improved bale consistency.
The Opticut 14 rotor is fitted with 14 knives that provide a cutting length of 70mm and also even out the grass swathe by force-feeding it into the baler to achieve maximum throughput.
The new balers use Kuhn’s Pendulum pickup to gather the heaviest of swathes at high forward speeds and height adjustable guide wheels for accurately carrying the pickup over every ground contour, which is a must on rough Irish terrain.
The FB 3130 and FBP 3135 balers are also equipped with Kuhn’s Powertrack system which uses 18 asymmetrical, ribbed steel rollers to rotate and tightly compress bales as they are being produced. These balers also feature Kuhn’s hydraulic Powerlock rear-door cylinders, which work in combination with a hydraulic lock valve to produce maximum bale density, while fast-door opening and closing means more bales per hour and improved efficiency.
Smooth operation
Power is transferred from the tractor to the baler via a split driveline, which has the bale chamber drive on one side and rotor plus pickup drive on the other. This ensures a smooth operation and a uniform power transfer. The main drive and bale roller chains are made up of high-strength chains. Together with the 50mm double -aced bearings on the drive side, the main load points ensure that the new Kuhn balers are capable for the heavy Irish conditions.
The new net binder with active stretch technology assures a firm bale shape with constant high net tension throughout the entire binding cycle. The net stretch can now simply be adjusted via the variable pulley for tighter wrapped, denser bales.
The FBP 3135 integrated baler wrapper combination unit has fast and reliable bale transfer achieved by the side guide protection plates. This ensures a rapid and secure bale transfer even when working in steep or sloping fields. The four-belt wrapping table with two large rollers and four side cones provide maximum bale traction, even bale rotation and proper film overlap, regardless of the bale shape.
Kuhn claims that the improved twin--loading fork system offers faster bale transfer of up to 30%.
Developed at the Kverneland Group’s baler centre at Ravenna, Italy, FastBale is the world’s only non-stop fixed-chamber baler and the only non-stop fixed-chamber baler wrapper combination.
The FastBale operates by using a double-chamber system.
The first chamber completes two thirds of the bale, after which it passes into the second chamber where the bale is completed and the net wrap is applied. The arrangement of the chambers means that several rollers can be shared.
Once the net is applied to the completed bale, the tailgate opens and the bale is transferred on to the wrapper. These three stages in the process allow the baler to remain constantly on the move, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
To make the bale transfer simple and reliable, the engineers at Kverneland devised a wrapper frame mounted on a parallel linkage. This enables the wrapper to be lowered to meet the completed bale as it simply rolls from the main chamber.
Easy bale transfer
Kverneland claims that it avoids the need for a complex mechanical transfer system. The wrapper is fitted with twin satellite arms designed to allow the wrapping sequence to travel over and under the bale, reducing the length of the machine. Once completed, the wrapper is lowered and the rear wrapper roller is raised, releasing the wrapped bale on to the ground.
The Kverneland FastBale is shorter than any other baler-wrapper combination on the market, aiding in transport and manoeuvrability. The FastBale will be tested in Ireland this upcoming silage season.
Claas Rollant and Variant ranges
Although Claas has no new models to release this season, it continues to offer a broad range of both fixed and variable balers and baler-wrapper combination units. This range consists of eight fixed-chamber models and four variable chamber balers.
The Rollant model range can produce bale sizes from 1.25m x 1.20m or 1.35m x 1.20m depending on the model. The Claas Variant range can produce bales with sizes of 0.90m x 1.20m up to 1.80m x 1.20m, again depending on the model. To complete the range, there are four Rollant Uniwrap models, which offer integrated baling and wrapping in one machine.
John Deere and Göweil baler wrapper
John Deere’s latest variable chamber baler wrapper was developed in partnership with the Austrian Göweil company, which is a specialist manufacturer of bale wrapping systems. Göweil manufactures the wrapper and chassis into which the 900 Series variable chamber round baler is fitted by John Deere.
The wrapping system works at the same speed as the 900 Series baler, meaning that while one bale is wrapped on the table, another one is made in the chamber, thus increasing productivity. John Deere claims that the fast release system speeds up the baling process by enabling the operator to eject the completed bale in less than five seconds, which is up to 10 seconds faster than a conventional machine. It employs a unique ‘‘curtain’’ design, which replaces the traditional heavy rear door.
The 960 and 990 round balers are available with a choice of 2.2m-wide RotoFlow or MaxiCut 13 or 25-knife precutter high-capacity pickups, and produce bale diameters from 80cm to 160cm and 80cm to 185cm, respectively. These balers are equipped with a drop-floor unplugging system that operates over the full width of the rotor.
The maximum bale density is provided by the bale chamber design, which means higher forage quality and higher productivity, as fewer bales per acre need to be wrapped, handled and transported.
Lely variable chamber baler
Lely has just launched its new variable chamber baler for this season. The Lely Welger RP 160 V range consists of two basic models, the RP 160 V Classic and the RP160 V Xtra.
These machines can produce bales from 3.3m to 5.6m diameter. The Lely Welger RP 160 V baler range is available with three different sizes of the five-tine-bar high-capacity camless pickup (2m/2.25m/2.40m). The cleverly designed segment plates and the short distance from the pickup to the rotor ensures excellent crop throughput. Four different chopping rotors are available, while the Xtracut models offer the advantage of a selectable knife bank as an option, enabling the operator to select the amount of knives needed from the comfort of the tractor cab.
Thanks to the newly designed geometry of the bale chamber, bale formation is enhanced from the start. With the constant pressure system (CPS), the RP 160 V baler range delivers high-density and well-shaped bales.
Heavy crop flow is also now aided by the Hydro flex floating floor, which helps prevent blockages when working in heavy Irish grass at high forward speeds. In the event of a blockage, the Hydro flex-floating floor helps relieve it easily, meaning less downtime.
New to the Lely Welger RP 160 V Classic model is the Lely E-Link Control unit. This unit provides the operator with a clear overview of all baler processes on a colour screen. Clear button controls give the operator direct access to important functions, allowing all adjustments and settings to be made from the tractor cab. The E-link Pro terminal is now standard on the RP 160 V Xtracut model and is based on ISOBUS, allowing any tractor to be easily connected, allowing the operator to use the tractor’s own terminal.
The Lely Welger RP 160 V range features the Easynet Loading System (ELS) where net rolls are loaded from ground level, saving time and effort. The easily opened guarding doors allow quick access to a second net-roll storage and also increase operator access to the machine for maintenance and inspection. Central greasing banks ensure a high level of comfort when carrying out daily maintenance. The range also features an automatic chain lubrication system as standard, which ensures that all drive chains are constantly lubricated during operation.
New Holland Roll-Belt baler
New Holland has added new features to its Roll-Belt baler models. This model range consists of two machines – the 150 and 180.
The model number refers to the maximum bale diameter that each machine can produce in centimetres. New Holland claims that their baler capacity has been increased by up to 20%, thanks to a redesigned pickup which is available in two widths, 2m and the ultra-wide 2.3m version. Customers can also select between a four- or five-tine bar configuration. Pickup flotation is achieved by using two easy-to-adjust springs, one on either side of the pickup.
Standard on all Roll-Belt balers is the fully adjustable roller windguard with a pivoting back plate, which continually rotates helping to achieve an optimal flow into the baler. The crop intake system uses two contra-rotating overshot and undershot augers to direct and merge the crop flow into the rotor. This has been further enhanced with the addition of a feed-assist roller that positively directs the crop into the rotor to maintain a constant crop flow at all times.
New in-cab adjustable density and variable core adjustment is now fitted to all models for the 2016 season. This allows the operator to adjust the bale density conveniently from the tractor cab by going into the user settings menu on the monitor. Bale density pressure is displayed on the monitor instead of a gauge on the baler and can be set in 10-bar increments.
The Roll-Belt models also have a new variable core density setting, which allows the operator to set the core density pressure and size of the inner core to customise the final bale profile, depending on the crop and conditions.
Lower core density would be used to make bales that are easier to feed or process. It can also be used when baling hay in order to allow the bale to “breathe” when moisture conditions are not ideal.
Read more
To read the full Baled Silage Focus supplement click here.
At the FTMTA Grass & Muck demonstration, McHale will show its new variable chamber integrated baler wrapper, the McHale Fusion Vario. This machine offers the contractor or farmer the flexibility to make bales of silage from 3ft 3in up to 4ft 8in and bales of straw or hay from 2ft 6in up to 5ft 6in. This eliminates the need to return to the yard to change machines over the course of a day’s work.
It also saves time on the road and allows the machine and driver to keep working and maximise output and, therefore, profits.
Farmers can get larger bales if they want them, which for silage will reduce film usage and costs and for hay and straw will reduce the amount of bales that need to be handled for collection, storage, feeding or bedding.
The McHale Fusion Vario is a fully automatic integrated baler wrapper, which consists of a high-output variable chamber baler with an integrated wrapping ring.
It has a unique, patented high-speed transfer system, which moves the bale from the bale chamber on to the wrapper faster and more efficiently which results in higher outputs.
As the transfer cradle moves the bale towards the wrapping ring, the wrapping roller closest to the bale chamber pivots out of the way. This reduces the height the bale has to travel in order to get to the wrapper.
Correct overlap
The new Fusion Vario can wrap bales from 1.1 metres up to 1.45 metres easily as the patented tip roller adjusts its height in line with the bale size to ensure that the plastic always goes on to the centre of the bale, regardless of the bale diameter. This ensures that the correct overlap is always achieved.
The bale chamber has three heavy-duty endless belts, which are extremely hard-wearing and are reinforced with synthetic material. This ensures that the belts can absorb and apply high pressure to the material.
The bale chamber is equipped with a double drive for when working in more difficult conditions, such as wet heavy grass, if the primary drive slips slightly, the secondary drive will engage to aid both the belt and material rotation.
The Fusion Vario is fitted with a high-speed vertical wrapping ring, which McHale claims can apply four layers of film to a 1.25m bale in approximately 20 seconds or six layers of film in 30 seconds.
Ready and waiting
In normal working conditions, the wrapping process is always complete ahead of the baler, meaning that the wrapping platform is always ready and waiting to capture the next ejected bale. The wrapping ring consists of two 750mm dispensers, along with film break sensors. The plastic is cut and held at one point, which aids with both reliability and output.
The iTouch in-cab control console provides clear indicators of machine performance on its large touchscreen graphic display.
The control console is also fitted with a rear camera, as standard, enabling the operator to keep a close eye on what is happening behind on the wrapper. In automatic mode, the camera image will appear at different predetermined times on the screen such as when the bale is being transferred or tipped. This control console, when combined with the load-sensing valve on the baler, makes the baler and wrapping operation fully automatic.
Kuhn FB 3130 fixed-chamber baler and the FBP 3135 Bale Pack
Kuhn has two new balers available for this silage season, the FB 3130 fixed-chamber baler and the FBP 3135 Bale Pack integrated baler wrapper combination. The FB 3130 is fitted with the standard AT10 controls and represents a no-nonsense Profi baler in Kuhn’s fixed-chamber baler range. The FBP 3135 Bale Pack represent the high-end Profi model with ISOBUS-steering and multiple in-cab controlled functions designed to work in heavy Irish grass and testing ground conditions.
The latest FB 3130 and FBP 3135 balers are available with two different intake rotors, Kuhn’s Optifeed or Opticut 14 systems, both of which share the same 2.30m pickup widths to accommodate maximum productivity in heavy Irish grass.
The Optifeed rotor uses double-feeding tines and integrated augers to provide an even and consistent crop flow into the bale chamber for improved bale consistency.
The Opticut 14 rotor is fitted with 14 knives that provide a cutting length of 70mm and also even out the grass swathe by force-feeding it into the baler to achieve maximum throughput.
The new balers use Kuhn’s Pendulum pickup to gather the heaviest of swathes at high forward speeds and height adjustable guide wheels for accurately carrying the pickup over every ground contour, which is a must on rough Irish terrain.
The FB 3130 and FBP 3135 balers are also equipped with Kuhn’s Powertrack system which uses 18 asymmetrical, ribbed steel rollers to rotate and tightly compress bales as they are being produced. These balers also feature Kuhn’s hydraulic Powerlock rear-door cylinders, which work in combination with a hydraulic lock valve to produce maximum bale density, while fast-door opening and closing means more bales per hour and improved efficiency.
Smooth operation
Power is transferred from the tractor to the baler via a split driveline, which has the bale chamber drive on one side and rotor plus pickup drive on the other. This ensures a smooth operation and a uniform power transfer. The main drive and bale roller chains are made up of high-strength chains. Together with the 50mm double -aced bearings on the drive side, the main load points ensure that the new Kuhn balers are capable for the heavy Irish conditions.
The new net binder with active stretch technology assures a firm bale shape with constant high net tension throughout the entire binding cycle. The net stretch can now simply be adjusted via the variable pulley for tighter wrapped, denser bales.
The FBP 3135 integrated baler wrapper combination unit has fast and reliable bale transfer achieved by the side guide protection plates. This ensures a rapid and secure bale transfer even when working in steep or sloping fields. The four-belt wrapping table with two large rollers and four side cones provide maximum bale traction, even bale rotation and proper film overlap, regardless of the bale shape.
Kuhn claims that the improved twin--loading fork system offers faster bale transfer of up to 30%.
Developed at the Kverneland Group’s baler centre at Ravenna, Italy, FastBale is the world’s only non-stop fixed-chamber baler and the only non-stop fixed-chamber baler wrapper combination.
The FastBale operates by using a double-chamber system.
The first chamber completes two thirds of the bale, after which it passes into the second chamber where the bale is completed and the net wrap is applied. The arrangement of the chambers means that several rollers can be shared.
Once the net is applied to the completed bale, the tailgate opens and the bale is transferred on to the wrapper. These three stages in the process allow the baler to remain constantly on the move, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
To make the bale transfer simple and reliable, the engineers at Kverneland devised a wrapper frame mounted on a parallel linkage. This enables the wrapper to be lowered to meet the completed bale as it simply rolls from the main chamber.
Easy bale transfer
Kverneland claims that it avoids the need for a complex mechanical transfer system. The wrapper is fitted with twin satellite arms designed to allow the wrapping sequence to travel over and under the bale, reducing the length of the machine. Once completed, the wrapper is lowered and the rear wrapper roller is raised, releasing the wrapped bale on to the ground.
The Kverneland FastBale is shorter than any other baler-wrapper combination on the market, aiding in transport and manoeuvrability. The FastBale will be tested in Ireland this upcoming silage season.
Claas Rollant and Variant ranges
Although Claas has no new models to release this season, it continues to offer a broad range of both fixed and variable balers and baler-wrapper combination units. This range consists of eight fixed-chamber models and four variable chamber balers.
The Rollant model range can produce bale sizes from 1.25m x 1.20m or 1.35m x 1.20m depending on the model. The Claas Variant range can produce bales with sizes of 0.90m x 1.20m up to 1.80m x 1.20m, again depending on the model. To complete the range, there are four Rollant Uniwrap models, which offer integrated baling and wrapping in one machine.
John Deere and Göweil baler wrapper
John Deere’s latest variable chamber baler wrapper was developed in partnership with the Austrian Göweil company, which is a specialist manufacturer of bale wrapping systems. Göweil manufactures the wrapper and chassis into which the 900 Series variable chamber round baler is fitted by John Deere.
The wrapping system works at the same speed as the 900 Series baler, meaning that while one bale is wrapped on the table, another one is made in the chamber, thus increasing productivity. John Deere claims that the fast release system speeds up the baling process by enabling the operator to eject the completed bale in less than five seconds, which is up to 10 seconds faster than a conventional machine. It employs a unique ‘‘curtain’’ design, which replaces the traditional heavy rear door.
The 960 and 990 round balers are available with a choice of 2.2m-wide RotoFlow or MaxiCut 13 or 25-knife precutter high-capacity pickups, and produce bale diameters from 80cm to 160cm and 80cm to 185cm, respectively. These balers are equipped with a drop-floor unplugging system that operates over the full width of the rotor.
The maximum bale density is provided by the bale chamber design, which means higher forage quality and higher productivity, as fewer bales per acre need to be wrapped, handled and transported.
Lely variable chamber baler
Lely has just launched its new variable chamber baler for this season. The Lely Welger RP 160 V range consists of two basic models, the RP 160 V Classic and the RP160 V Xtra.
These machines can produce bales from 3.3m to 5.6m diameter. The Lely Welger RP 160 V baler range is available with three different sizes of the five-tine-bar high-capacity camless pickup (2m/2.25m/2.40m). The cleverly designed segment plates and the short distance from the pickup to the rotor ensures excellent crop throughput. Four different chopping rotors are available, while the Xtracut models offer the advantage of a selectable knife bank as an option, enabling the operator to select the amount of knives needed from the comfort of the tractor cab.
Thanks to the newly designed geometry of the bale chamber, bale formation is enhanced from the start. With the constant pressure system (CPS), the RP 160 V baler range delivers high-density and well-shaped bales.
Heavy crop flow is also now aided by the Hydro flex floating floor, which helps prevent blockages when working in heavy Irish grass at high forward speeds. In the event of a blockage, the Hydro flex-floating floor helps relieve it easily, meaning less downtime.
New to the Lely Welger RP 160 V Classic model is the Lely E-Link Control unit. This unit provides the operator with a clear overview of all baler processes on a colour screen. Clear button controls give the operator direct access to important functions, allowing all adjustments and settings to be made from the tractor cab. The E-link Pro terminal is now standard on the RP 160 V Xtracut model and is based on ISOBUS, allowing any tractor to be easily connected, allowing the operator to use the tractor’s own terminal.
The Lely Welger RP 160 V range features the Easynet Loading System (ELS) where net rolls are loaded from ground level, saving time and effort. The easily opened guarding doors allow quick access to a second net-roll storage and also increase operator access to the machine for maintenance and inspection. Central greasing banks ensure a high level of comfort when carrying out daily maintenance. The range also features an automatic chain lubrication system as standard, which ensures that all drive chains are constantly lubricated during operation.
New Holland Roll-Belt baler
New Holland has added new features to its Roll-Belt baler models. This model range consists of two machines – the 150 and 180.
The model number refers to the maximum bale diameter that each machine can produce in centimetres. New Holland claims that their baler capacity has been increased by up to 20%, thanks to a redesigned pickup which is available in two widths, 2m and the ultra-wide 2.3m version. Customers can also select between a four- or five-tine bar configuration. Pickup flotation is achieved by using two easy-to-adjust springs, one on either side of the pickup.
Standard on all Roll-Belt balers is the fully adjustable roller windguard with a pivoting back plate, which continually rotates helping to achieve an optimal flow into the baler. The crop intake system uses two contra-rotating overshot and undershot augers to direct and merge the crop flow into the rotor. This has been further enhanced with the addition of a feed-assist roller that positively directs the crop into the rotor to maintain a constant crop flow at all times.
New in-cab adjustable density and variable core adjustment is now fitted to all models for the 2016 season. This allows the operator to adjust the bale density conveniently from the tractor cab by going into the user settings menu on the monitor. Bale density pressure is displayed on the monitor instead of a gauge on the baler and can be set in 10-bar increments.
The Roll-Belt models also have a new variable core density setting, which allows the operator to set the core density pressure and size of the inner core to customise the final bale profile, depending on the crop and conditions.
Lower core density would be used to make bales that are easier to feed or process. It can also be used when baling hay in order to allow the bale to “breathe” when moisture conditions are not ideal.
Read more
To read the full Baled Silage Focus supplement click here.
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