The new range has two fixed-chamber roller balers to suit the needs of the silage market, while a pair of variable-chamber belt balers capable of producing bales with diameters of up to 1.65m and 2.0m respectively will suit those faced with a mixed crop workload.
The new balers are the result of a joint venture between Vicon and Italian manufacturer Gallignani, which is producing the machines at its state-of-the-art production facility. As part of the deal, Vicon’s parent company, the Kverneland Group, will take a 30 per cent share in Gallignani in a move that will cement Vicon’s core business activity as a baler specialist.
Throughout 2011, the new baler range will be expanded with baler-wrapper combinations, along with a range of conventional balers, mini-balers for the equine and haylage markets plus three models of bale wrapper capable of handling both round and square bales.
“This is an exciting new chapter in Vicon’s 100 year history,” said Vicon’s UK sales manager, David Furber. “We are committed to producing a top-quality baler range that offers many new and improved features that will be welcomed by farmers and contractors.”
The fixed and variable chamber balers carry familiar model designations. RV denotes ’round variable’, while RF is used to define ’round fixed’. The variable chamber RV4216 and RV4220 models are equipped with five endless belts and use a closed chamber system that affords immediate bale rolling. This has been made possible by the integration of two rollers in the front of the bale chamber to create an efficient bale start process.
Both Vicon RV balers will also benefit from an adjustable bale density system that can be controlled from the cab. Called Intelligent Density, the system affords on-the-move adjustment of density through three distinct stages to suit changing crop conditions and customer needs.
The fixed-chamber flagship RF3325 is a high-specification, heavy-duty silage baler. This full-roller baler uses 17 ribbed rollers in its design to give positive bale rotation and aggressive roller cleaning – even in wet conditions. It is joined by the RF3225 which uses a combination of rollers for the main section of the bale chamber, with a chain and slat system fitted into the rear door.
Common to all round baler models – fixed and variable – is the use of heavy-duty 1.25 inch drive chains, with chain lubrication activated by a pump every time the rear door is closed. An all-new 2.2m wide pick-up with a rotor feed intake system, called SuperFeed, is a standard feature across all models of Vicon round baler.
This pick-up design uses five tine bars with two central supports and an all-new roller crop press above, to handle swaths of any density and shape. A twin cam-track design in the pick-up affords positive drive from both ends of the reel and also enables powered, short-feed augers to funnel crop to the main feed rotor.
The SuperFeed rotor design is one that uses a helical twin-tine pattern to provide a smooth but positive feed of crop into the bale chamber. The result, says the company, is uniform bale formation, and its development is one that has simplified production while enabling a high degree of standardisation when it comes to spare parts availability.
The integration of a compact, internal drive system for the pick-up enables the guide wheels to remain in their working position during transport, as the overall width of the baler’s front end is contained within the 2.5m rear wheel track.
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Vicon’s new RF and RV balers can be supplied with a crop-chopping option. |
All four RV and RF balers can also be specified with 14- or 25-knife SuperCut crop chopping options, with the latter achieving a 40mm chop length. And marking a new phase of baler development is a drop-floor system, also shared across all models in the range. This design has been engineered into the bale chamber, allowing any blockage to be quickly cleared simply by lowering the floor to release chamber pressure. It is a development that enables baling to be resumed, almost uninterrupted.
“We are serious about balers and forage equipment,” adds Mr Furber. “And these new additions to our range will ensure that Vicon remains a leading grass specialist in the UK market.”
All balers will be delivered for the 2011 season with a sophisticated electronic control system from the Kverneland Group’s Mechatronics centre. While all models will be capable of using a Focus control box, the variable chamber balers will be delivered as standard with full isobus compatibility.
Vicon round baler range:
| Model | Type | Bale diameter (m) |
| RV4216 | Variable chamber | 0.9-1.65 |
| RV4220 | Variable chamber | 0.9-2.00 |
| RF3225 | Fixed chamber | 1.25 |
| RF3325 | Fixed chamber | 1.25 |
For more information visit: www.vicon.co.uk.
