Case IH upgrades large square balers

Case IH has unveiled its supersized large square baler range designed for the toughest crop types and the most challenging of conditions.

The LB434 XL will be available in two models – the LB434S XL (Standard) and LB434R XL (Rotor Cut).

Compared to the current LB434 range, the new line-up features a variety of upgrades including an 80cm bale chamber (31 per cent longer than the LB434); wider panel widths to reduce material accumulation behind twine boxes; upgraded platform and hand railings; and a new active bale eject system.

Some attributes it inherits from the LB434 range include its speed of 48 plunger strokes per minute, wide pick-ups and six double-tie knotters.

"It all adds up to a unit perfectly designed for large-scale hay and forage operations with a lot of ground to cover and a short time to do it," says Case IH Product Manager for Hay and Harvest, Tim Slater.

According to Case IH, the lengthened bale chamber results in 10 per cent denser bales and better bale shapes. The longer bale chamber also means bales exit the chute closer to the ground for a gentler drop, hence minimising the risk of twine breakages.

"Greater density means more crop per bale, decreasing bale count as well as reduced handling, wrapping and transportation costs — helping producers economically reach new markets," Slater says.

The LB434 XL Series also features a reinforced structure to accommodate the additional weight to the rear from the extended bale chamber. The plunger has also been upgraded to handle higher loads from the increased bale density.

The overall width of the new models increases to 2.8m over the outside of the panels excluding the wheels, while still retaining an overall width of under 3m including the wheels and pick-up wheels. An increased space between the side frame and the twine boxes helps reduce crop accumulation and provides more space on the maintenance platform.

Another innovation Case IH has added to the LB434 XL Series is the Active Bale Ejection System with full and partial bale eject, which replaces the previous passive system. In the new models, when bale eject is operated, the eject teeth – 10 in total – are actively driven into the bale, ensuring all teeth are fully engaged to positively drive the bale out of the chamber.

The LB434 XL Large Square Balers also feature a number of safety upgrades.

"Folding handrails have been redesigned to allow for more comfortable and safer access to the whole service area, and the new railings project further to the front of the machine to offer safer access to this area," Slater says.

Other features include brighter LED lights and ISOBUS Class 3 compatibility.

The Case IH LB434 XL series large square balers are available now. Visit Case IH's website for more information.