Big square balers are big business, and it’s a segment of the market that’s likely to grow as biomass increases in importance as fuel in its own right, and as feedstock for biofuel production.
Vicon has studied the market and has taken the decision to invest in upgrading its two big square balers, replacing the LB12200 and LB12290 with the LB1270 and LB1290 respectively for the 2009 season. The smaller machine produces bales with a 120cm x 70cm cross section, while the larger machine can make both 120cm x 80 cm and 120cm x 90cm bales.
The company has estimated that the world demand for big square balers will be 3,500 machines in 2009, and has targeted its latest models at the medium and large segments of the market, which represent about 65% of all big balers sold. Roughly 210 balers are likely to sell in the UK, while France and Germany will take about 350 and 420 respectively. It is monitoring the rise in biomass crops and estimates that by 2015 about 30% of big bales made will be used as fuel or for fuel production.
Vicon has listened carefully to customers’ requests for improved capacity and greater bale density, and both new models feature an all-new crop cutting system called OmniCut. This is based on the company’s proven Integral rotor system, but with a larger, 60cm-diameter feed rotor and the addition of a quick-change knife system.
A cassette system of blades is now used to simplify blade changing. The entire cassette of 23 knives is hydraulically lowered beneath the cutting floor allowing it to be pulled out manually from the right-hand side of the baler.
Other changes include improved bale shape and new guarding throughout the baler to create a family resemblance with Vicon’s fixed and variable chamber round balers, while Iso-bus electronic controls are now standard.
Both the LB1270 and LB1290 get an automated control system in the form of the Focus II terminal with an expanded display or a full-colour Tellus terminal. As both balers are now ISO 11783 compatible, they can also be plugged directly into the tractor’s own Iso-bus terminal. The Iso-bus system gives the operator a very clear overview of the baling process, displaying information such as bale growth, bale length, feeding strokes, plunger strokes and load.
The main gearbox, plunger and bale chamber on the new Vicon balers have been subtly redesigned to create an improvement in bale density and shape. The six twines are tied using Vicon’s proven single knotting system with twine release.
By redesigning the guarding with large, one-piece opening doors, operator access for twine loading and machine maintenance has been simplified. The spool boxes are enclosed by transparent covers, which provide an at-a-glance indication of available twine capacity.
Central greasing now simplifies lubrication of the plunger and knotters, but where Iso-bus controls and auto-lube is fitted, the operator can refine the process directly through the in-cab control box.
Optional equipment for the balers includes humidity measurement, swivelling pickup wheels and electronic bale-length adjustment.
Vicon’s UK Sales Manager, David Furman, said the company could now offer customers a baler that could handle any crop.
“We have a long history with balers in the UK and customers that have bought previous generations of these new machines have been very happy with them,” he said. “The larger bale size possible with the LB1290, which can work at 120cm x 90cm, will be important to customers, as will the fact they can work with straw, hay, haylage and even silage – which was traditionally problematic.
“We hope to capture 15% of the UK big square baler market and sell about 30 machines for 2009 through our specialist big baler dealer network. They know what their customers want, and will be keen to promote the improvements to what was already one of the most efficient big square balers on the market.”
For more information visit: www.vicon.eu/uk.
