VIDEO: Kuhn VB 2200 series balers touch down

French farm equipment manufacturer Kuhn has released four new round baler models in Australia that incorporate a range of technology to cater to the demands of baling contractors and professional farmers.

The range starts with the VB 2260 that produces bales up to 160cm in diameter, while the range is topped off by the VB 2295, which produces bales up to 185cm in diameter.

"The contractor-spec machines target those looking for balers that give extra density, especially in hay, and that are able to deliver more consistent weights in bales," says Kuhn Australia Territory Manager, Jarrod Maskell.

"As for the entry models, they still have a lot of the key features we produce in our contractor range such as the 2.3m-wide pick-up, five endless belts, and the patented Integral Rotor Technology."

A key improvement on the range over previous models, according to Maskell, is the increase in baling pressure in the chamber from 200 to 235 bar, which leads to a 10 per cent increase in bale weight and density.

Bale density and sizes can be adjusted within the tractor cab using the monitor. The balers are ISOBUS ready, which allows operators to use any in-cab terminal to operate the balers.

"With these round balers we've also introduced heavy-duty chains, bearings and sealed rollers, as well as Hardox tynes and wear plates that complement the rest of the baler," Maskell says.

The VB 2200 series is available with an OptiFlow option which features a 210cm wide intake for maximum crop intake, or the OptiCut option that comes with 14 knives to chop up silage to lengths of 70mm.

All balers, both cutting and non-cutting versions, are equipped with Kuhn's patented Integral Rotor Technology. The company claims this ensures even feeding regardless of crop conditions. The short distance between rotor and pick-up gives outstanding crop flow, which in turn promotes higher forward speeds for better productivity and reduced crop damage, Kuhn says.

When blockages occur, the standard drop-floor function allows the crops to flow back through into the baler.

"That's cleared into the baler, forming into the roll and not dropping out the back," Maskell says.

"We also have a declutch lever, meaning if we do have a problem with blockages we can declutch the pick-up and clear the blockage."

The VB 2200 series has been fitted with bigger flotation tyres for less compaction on the ground.

A net binding system with active stretch technology ensures the bales are tightly wrapped and firmly shaped after baling is complete. The net stretch can be adjusted via a variable pulley.

Pricing for the range starts from $69,283 plus GST for the VB 2260 with rotor feed option. The premium VB 2295 with OptiCut 14 knives arrangement has a price tag of $79,440 plus GST.

"All these machines come with a 12-month warranty and are fully backed by Kuhn Australia," Maskell says.

Find out more about the Kuhn VB 2200 round baler range at Kuhn.com.au.