With extended drought conditions across much of Australia over recent years and the need for unprecedented amounts of supplementary feed, balers have been in high demand.
With that demand forecast to continue, Case IH has announced some timely upgrades for its range of both square and round balers.
“Many farmers invested in a new baler in the past few years as hay and straw production became a vital income lifeline in drought-affected regions.
“While conditions have certainly eased across some areas, we still expect hay and straw production to remain a popular option for many businesses with the market for balers and associated equipment to reflect that demand,” said Tim Slater, Case IH Product Manager for hay and harvest.
Square balers
For the large square baler LB4XL series, one of the most significant new features is a new knotting concept to improve the process.
The TwinePro knotter will be integrated into all new LB4XL balers, including the LB434XL for the Australian market. This new knotting concept combines for the first time the advantages of the double knot system with the additional benefit of a loop knot.
The TwinePro system offers a range of advantages over its predecessor including a reduction in twine offcuts left on the bales – providing an environmental benefit with fewer offcuts left in the paddock, minimising wastage and removing the risk of stock ingestion or fleece contamination for wool producers.
In addition, the TwinePro knot provides up to 30 per cent more strength to the tied twine, allowing greater bale densities with the same twine.
Other changes to the LB4XL range include a stronger pick-up system and redesigned rotor cutter tines to improve cutting performance in high volume conditions.
Round balers
For the RB5 series round balers, there is now the option for the addition of a fully integrated moisture sensor, the first time this has been offered for Case IH round balers. The operator can use the moisture information in real time to make an informed decision on the potential quality of the crop and storage options.
Another significant improvement is the addition of an AFS Pro 700 display monitor as standard, with the larger screen giving the operator a clearer view of the baler functions.
“With many of the features controlled from the monitor, like bale core size and bale and core density, along with information on the size and shape of the bales, the increase in display size will be welcomed by many operators,” Tim Slater said.
A range of pick-up refinements have been introduced to the round baler range as well.
The pickup end flare shape has been revised to improve edge feeding, and a larger diameter wind guard roller and the ability to adjust to a lower position for improved feeding in all crop conditions has also been introduced.
This design is said to resist stalling and ploughing of the windrow when compared to narrower diameter rollers.
