John Deere has unveiled its new generation of fixed- and variable-chamber round balers, introducing significant updates to the C, F and V series, and says the new series offers increased productivity, advanced automation and user-friendly features.

In a similar fashion to the huge increase in automation and data transfer seen in Deere’s new forager ranges, its new baler ranges are following suit.

John Deere’s new-generation balers are equipped with advanced Isobus capabilities, for machine integration into the John Deere Operations Center. This connection allows farmers to monitor bale quality on the go.

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This connectivity feature allows for seamless synchronisation and secure storage of all invoicing-relevant information when leaving the field.

An optional moisture-monitoring feature measures the average moisture per bale in real-time and alerts the operator on the display if the moisture content deviates from the target setting.

John Deere says the updated V452R and V462R variable chamber models now boast a 15% increase in driveline power intake, translating to an 8% increase in productivity.

Tracking and documenting bale size, drop location and moisture levels in the John Deere Operations Center offers information such as bales per field, dry matter and yield maps.

Driveline and pick-up

John Deere says the updated V452R and V462R variable-chamber models now boast a 15% increase in driveline power intake, translating to an 8% increase in productivity. Meanwhile, it claims a 69% increase in shaft and bearing strength and 35% stronger chains. Two new pick-ups are being offered on the FM and VM machines. This is a new 2.2m camless and a 2.2m MaxiCut HC68 (68mm length of cut) with 15 knives instead of 13.

Weave automation

The new weave automation feature works through a flexible drawbar, allowing the baler to automatically weave over the swath.

When following a straight swath, John Deere says the system eliminates the need for manual weaving and instead automatically guides the baler left and right along the swath – depending on the chamber filling, to make well-shaped bales.

Tracking and documenting bale size, drop location and moisture levels in the John Deere Operations Center offers information such as bales per field, dry matter as well as yield maps.

In addition, the active hitch automatically follows curved swaths, even in corners. The baler tracks the swath, which John Deere says eliminates missed crop and reducing tractor manoeuvres. In order to operate this weave feature, you need an Auto Trac ready tractor with electric spools.

John Deere claims its fast bale release system allows for a 25% decrease in time for unloading a bale and closing the door, with this process now just taking three seconds. It says the double-belt system compresses crops up to 140kg/m³, a 7% increase compared to previous models.

Optional weighing system

The C442R, C452R and C462R combi models feature an optional built-in bale weighing system. John Deere notes this is configured through advanced-strength gauges on each of the four transport table rollers, allowing for on-the-go measurement of bale weight. John Deere’s testing shows that 90% of the bales weighed, are within 3% accuracy. With a wrapping arm speed of 40rpm, the company says the wrapper components match the baler’s productivity, avoiding time loss during the baling process.

The Isobus AUX-N control enables operators to map multifunction joystick buttons so the driver can control the main baler functions via the Command PRO lever.

Increased driveline power

John Deere explains that the V452M and V462M variable-chamber models offer a 10% increase in driveline power intake, resulting in up to an 8% increase in productivity. It said the VM range features a new tension arm which has 10% more hydraulic pressure, which in turn can pack 5% more weight into the bales.

It adds that the new endless belts feature a rougher skin design for reliable net feeding even in sticky, wet conditions.

Valid for all new round-baler models is the hydraulically actuated knife engagement. John Deere claims maintenance is made easy with simple access points, long greasing intervals and a chain auto-lube system. The G5e touchscreen provides intuitive operation, and baler automation allows for hands-free unloading.