Case IH announces baler upgrades

Drought conditions across large parts of Australia prompted a surge in demand for balers in recent seasons, and with that demand expected to continue this year, Case IH has flagged a number of upgrades and new features within its baler ranges.

“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,” said Case IH Australia and New Zealand Product Manager for Hay and Harvest, Tim Slater.

“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.

“With this in mind, we’re excited about the updates we’re able to offer customers on our Model Year 2020 baler ranges, reinforcing the reputation for excellence our large square and round balers have always been known for.”

Case IH has introduced the new-generation TwinePro knotter on all LB4XL balers, including the LB434XL for the Australia and New Zealand market.

This new knotting concept greatly improves the process, Case IH said, combining the advantages of the double knot system with the additional benefit of a loop knot.

According to Case IH, the key benefits of the new system include:

Other changes include a stronger pick-up system and redesigned rotor cutter tines to improve cutting performance in high volume conditions.

Case IH’s RB5 Series balers will now come with the option 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 – as they’re operating the baler - to make an informed decision on the potential quality of the crop and storage options.

“By using a baler-mounted moisture sensor, the operator has real-time information on the moisture of the crop being baled,” Slater said.

“There’s no need to stop baling to probe the bales, as would previously be done with a hand-held moisture sensor.”

Another improvement is the addition of an AFS Pro 700 display monitor, which now comes standard with the round balers, 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,” Slater said.

There is also a range of pick-up refinements introduced to the round balers.

The pickup end flare shape has been revised to improve edge feeding, and a larger diameter windguard roller and the ability to adjust to a lower position for improved feeding in all crop conditions has also been introduced, with the new design resisting stalling and ploughing of the windrow when compared to narrower diameter rollers, Case IH said.

“These new features and benefits across our baler offering are about enhancing performance and providing increased productivity for our customers where it counts,” Slater said.