The upgraded Case IH RB344 fixed-chamber round baler adds a host of innovative design and performance features to the best elements of the previous model. Offering excellent value for money, this compact and manoeuvrable newcomer is claimed to handle all baling tasks with ease, so that the farmer only needs one machine.
“The RB344 has gained a very strong following throughout Europe because of its ability to produce dense, perfectly-formed 120cm x 125cm bales in all crop conditions,” Case IH product marketing manager Michal Jankowski said. “Farmers also appreciate its ease of operation, versatility, reliability, durability and low maintenance costs.
“The new version of this very popular, highly effective baler has a modern, visually striking design in keeping with other Case IH products. We have two models, the RB344F Rotor Feeder and RB344 R Rotor Cutter that are available from Case IH dealers right now. Both are very efficient and work comfortably behind tractors of less than 80hp.”
The most obvious design feature of the RB344 is its modern side shield that incorporates a robust metal frame, top hinges and gas strut supports. Opening wide for easy access for service and maintenance, it also protects spare rolls of net wrap stored on the machine. Rubber bumpers on both sides of the tailgate’s frame ensure that it closes smoothly and quietly, while the wiring harness now runs inside the bull bar and front lights have been repositioned for a robust, professional appearance.
Behind its attractive new panelling, the RB344 introduces a host of mechanical improvements that enhance performance and durability while reducing operating costs. The stripper roll, bale chamber, floor roll and pick-up, for example, are now driven by high-quality drive chains with chromised pins and hardened plates that have a longer life cycle and reduce maintenance costs. The bearings that support the main drive, stripper roll and drive side rotor have also been upgraded with highly efficient seals that prevent dust contamination.
Equipped with closely spaced steel tines and long pick-up guards that are painted red to make them more visible, the 2.0m pick-up collects the crop and delivers it in a smooth, continuous flow to the feeder and bale chamber. This maximises intake capacity so even heavy swaths can be handled without losses, while the Duckbill feeding system ensures a reliable net start in all crop conditions. A precise density control system ensures that bales are formed to the exact specifications that have been set which can be adjusted or monitored from the tractor seat.
Operators have an excellent view across the full width of the pick-up, which helps to maximise crop gathering and maintain bale shape. The design of the RB344 also ensures that the bales are correctly formed and uniformly wrapped right to the edges whether the crop is wet, wilted or dry, so that all their nutritional value and storage potential is retained. Regardless of whether net, plastic film or twine is used for wrapping, cutting is fast and automatic, leaving the bale ready for immediate ejection.
A further aid to reliable high performance is the well proven Case IH Hydraulic Rotor Reverser, a factory-fit option for the Rotor Feeder model. This uses a free-run clutch that allows the operator to quickly and easily reverse the rotor to clear a blockage without leaving the cab.
The versatility of the RB344 is further improved by the Rotor Cutter, with 15 electrically selected knives that ensure the crop is cut evenly, improving the quality of baled material and cutting crop losses. Another feature is the slat-chain chamber system that ensures a positive start to bale formation under all crop conditions, saving time and producing well-shaped bales.
