A radical redesign, a considerable increase in efficiency and new innovations characterise the LB4 Series, the newest generation of large square balers from Case IH. The new four-model range comprises the LB324 (bale dimensions 80cm x 70cm), LB334 (80cm x 90cm), LB424 (120cm x 70cm) and LB434 (120cm x 90cm).
Virtually all key component areas on the LB4 balers have been revised or redeveloped. These include an extremely rugged central frame and a new pick-up and rotor system for efficient crop gathering and transfer to the bale chamber. Case IH development engineers have. however, kept some of the proven components from the previous LB series, including the extremely reliable double knotter system.
One of the key options on the latest machines is a new compressed air cleaning system to ensure reliability by keeping knotters clear of dust and debris. This is a further enhancement to the improved current knotter cleaning system and is used for extremely dusty conditions.
The exterior appearance of the new LB4 series reflects the completely new design. For the first time, extremely rugged and high–quality composite synthetic materials have been used for the body panels. In addition to saving weight, this also greatly reduces the quantity of dust that enters the baler and does much to keep dust deposits off the machine itself. The entire front section of the body can now be easily opened upwards to provide access to all drives for maintenance and servicing, as can full-width panels at either side.
Many of the LB4 balers’ key innovations can be found in the new pickup, which now has a 2.4m working width. A swath windguard, available in a rake or roller version and manually-adjustable to match crop conditions, works with an additional intake auger plus central feed roller to ensure rapid and loss-free material transfer, even with bulky harvest material. The pneumatic jockey wheels on the pick-up can be adjusted for different working conditions without the need for tools. New heavy-duty materials and components are used for the pickup fingers, for greater strength and cleaner gathering in all types of crop, including biomass materials such as maize straw.
 |
| The compact dimensions of the LB4 Series balers has kept them within 3m wide when fitted with 600mm tyres. |
Pick-up height is easily adjusted for thorough crop collection whatever the type or condition, and minimises the risk of damage to the pick-up. The large pneumatic jockey wheels together with the adjustable suspension system ensure maximum protection to the pick-up, even when working in rough fields at high speeds
While designing the plunger system, Case IH engineers focused on boosting crop flow rate, and the use of new materials and a revised layout have resulted in faster straight-line crop flow within the baler, optimising transfer from pick-up to the precompression chamber and to handle the large capacity efficiently. The plunger speed has now been increased to 48 strokes/minute to provide the higher capacity. The result is an increase in performance over previous models depending on operating conditions.
In spite of their higher performance and capacity, new LB series balers feature a very compact construction and are less than 3m wide on 600mm-wide tyres. Transport speeds of 40km/hr are therefore possible.
At the rear of the new LB4 balers is a new service deck, accessed by safe and convenient steps, that allows any maintenance work to be performed safely. An optional Comfort Package includes a deck safety rail, large dust-tight toolbox and a water tank for hand washing.
Modern control and AFS management systems are already standard on LB4 balers, with a choice between AFS300 and top-of-the-range AFS700 colour monitors to control the Isobus-compatible machines. It‘s also possible to operate the balers through the terminals of other manufacturers’ Isobus-compatible tractors.
The Case IH AFS monitor continuously supervises and displays all key baler functions including the knotters. On LB4 models a new visual steering aid assists operators in picking up very small or irregular swaths and ensures uniform, sturdy bales are formed even in difficult conditions.
A GPS logger is available as an option for recording bale moisture and, together with a bale weighing system, can be used for complete bale documenting. Data can be exported onto a USB drive if required. With GPS data logging and computer mapping software, all data relating to the baling process can be viewed at any time.
The standard bale ejector empties the chamber, which opens wide for easier removal. The additional partial bale ejector ejects only the finished bale while keeping the next incomplete bale in the chamber, allowing the bale chute to be folded away for transport.
Twine storage space has been increased to accommodate a total of 32 balls, meaning more time spent baling and fewer stops for refilling.
The new Case IH LB4 Series balers can be ordered now for the 2013 season.
For more information visit: www.caseih.com.
