Inexperienced operators or those who like to chill and drink a coffee while in the driving seat will welcome a new baling automation feature that takes charge of steering and forward speed.

Developed by CNH engineers for Case IH and New Holland big square balers, the system uses a Lidar (light detection and ranging) sensor at the front of the cab roof that laser-scans the swath ahead of the tractor.

See also: Ultimate guide to buying a big square baler 2024

Current control systems can regulate baling speed, but only using variations in load on the baler, leaving the operator to handle all steering.

The new Lidar-based system has two elements that can be used individually or together; one regulates the speed of the outfit according to swath volume and the other commands the steering to follow the swath and maintain an even fill prompted by sensors on the baler’s plunger.

Consistent bale shape and weight is a key attraction, which can be more easily achieved by an inexperienced operator, says CNH.

Experienced and novice operators alike should find baling less tiring when they are relieved of long hours of intensive focus on steering while monitoring the bale fill indicator, bale slice numbers, weight and so on.

The automation package is available now as IntelliSense on New Holland BigBaler Plus models built from early 2023 and on 2020 model year HD versions when operated behind an AutoCommand stepless T7 long-wheelbase, T7 HD or T8 tractor with isobus.

Case IH is offering the system as Baler Automation for all LB6 and 2024 model year LB4 balers with Class 3 isobus-equipped Puma, Optum and Magnum CVXDrive tractors.