CASE IH says its new series of large square balers are designed for the toughest crop types in the most challenging of conditions.
The Case IH LB434 XL series is an upgrade of the current LB434 units. The new machines have a range of new attributes to increase efficiency and are available to producers in two models: the LB434S XL (Standard) and LB434R XL (Rotor Cut).
The new balers have an 80cm longer bale chamber (31 per cent), wider panel widths to reduce material accumulation behind twine boxes, upgraded platform and hand railings, and new active bale eject system, while retaining 48 plunger strokes per minute, wide pick-ups and six double-tie knotters.
In lengthening the bale chamber, bale density has increased by up to 10pc over previous models, with a more stable bale density in various operating conditions, and better bale shape. The longer bale chamber also means bales exit the bale chute closer to the ground for a more gentle drop, minimising the risk of twine breakages.
Tim Slater, Case IH product manager for hay and harvest, said the XL series were designed for large-scale hay and forage operations which covered a lot of ground in a short time period.
“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,” Mr Slater said.
“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.”
The LB434 XL Series has been strengthened to accommodate the additional weight to the rear from the extended bale chamber, and the plunger has been upgraded to handle the higher anticipated loads from the increased density.
The overall width of the new models increases to 2.8m over the outside of the panels excluding the wheels, while the overall width including wheels and pick-up wheels remains under 3m. The increased space between the side frame and the twine boxes helps to reduce crop accumulation and provides more space on the maintenance platform.
“Continual safety upgrades also remain a priority for Case IH and these new LB434 XL Large Square Balers reflect that,” Mr Slater said.
“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.”
Another innovation 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 bale eject teeth – 10 in total – are actively driven into the bale, ensuring all teeth are fully engaged to positively drive it out of the chamber.
In another upgrade, more modern and brighter LED lights replace the previous halogen packages, and both models of baler are now ISOBUS Class 3 ready. ISOBUS Class 3 allows the implement to take a greater part in ensuring it is operating at its best. In the case of the LB434 XL balers, it allows the baler to command the ground speed of the accompanying tractor to have the units operating to peak productivity.
“Once again, Case IH is responding to customer needs, with these new balers not only generating heavier bales with a greater density, but also providing the technology producers require to more efficiently harvest each crop at its peak nutritional value,” Mr Slater said.
