Case IH has followed sister brand New Holland’s lead in launching a high-spec variable-chamber round baler designed for contractors and big livestock farms churning out over 10,000 bales annually.

Dubbed the RB 456 and 466 HD Pro, or Pro Belt when ordered in blue livery, the balers have stronger components and fewer moving parts to improve longevity and performance in everything from wet silage to dry straw.

Rollers, bearings, shafts and sprockets have been strengthened and enlarged, and there’s a heavier duty gearbox and driveline.

See also: Ultimate guide to buying a round baler 2022

The number of driveline chains has also been reduced to improve reliability and minimise maintenance, and a wider 520mm-diameter rotor should reduce the likelihood of blockages, says Case.

There are two size options for the HD Pro models – the RB456 makes bales up to 165cm in diameter, and the RB466 will go up to 190cm.

Both variants come with three rotor options – a standard feeding rotor, 13 knives, or the full 25-knife bank.

Output is rated at up to 30t/hour, and bale size, wraps and density pressure can be set on a screen in the tractor cab.

Order books are open now, with delivery scheduled for spring 2023. Prices for the RB 456 range from £65,562 to £73,593, while the RB 466 is £73,720 to £81,768.

Luxxum upgrade

A higher capacity engine is the highlight of Case IH’s updated Luxxum range, with the three models delivering 101, 110 and 117hp from their Stage 5-rated engines.

The 3.6-litre, four-cylinder block takes up the same space as before, keeping the Luxxum’s wheelbase relatively compact, and it is still paired with the firm’s 32-speed ActiveDrive 4 semi-powershift transmission.

Tweaks to the engine’s power curve see more poke available at lower revs and a slight rise in torque, maxing out at a reduced 1,300rpm, which Case reckons should improve response under heavy loads.

New options include a leather steering wheel, cab carpet and up to 10 work lights.

There’s also an electrohydraulic joystick that can be used to control both the L-series front loader and transmission to simplify operation.

Front linkage lift capacity is a shade under 2t, the rear is good for 4.7t, and it can handle a payload of up to 3t.

An 80 litre/min hydraulic pump is standard, with the switch to the 100 litre/min setup priced at £662. Basic models get two spools, but buyers can upgrade to a maximum of four if necessary.

Prices are £88,674 for the Luxxum 100, £90,915 for the 110, and £93,986 for the 120.