New Holland has broadened its line-up of variable-chamber balers with a brace of premium Pro-Belt models designed for farmers and contractors pumping out high volumes annually.

They are available in two sizes – 165cm and 190cm – and slot in at the top of the range, above the firm’s existing variable-chamber Roll-Belt 150 and 180.

Though fitted with the same 2.35m-wide pick-up, they are 20% heavier and, says New Holland, far more durable and reliable thanks to stronger components and fewer moving parts.

That includes larger rollers, bearings and sprockets, and fewer chains than the Roll-Belt.

See also: Ultimate guide to buying a round baler 2022

© New Holland

The slip clutch-protected pick-up feeds a heavy-duty 520mm-diameter rotor – and hydraulically selected 13- or 25-knife bank on CropCutter variants – before the material is funnelled into a four-belt chamber.

A new drop floor design should help avoid rotor bung-ups.

The premium models also get an automatic greasing system, moisture meter and Isobus compatibility, plus the option of bigger tyres and the maker’s IntelliBale system.

This automates the baling cycle, including net wrapping and the opening/closing of the tailgate.

Output is claimed to be up to 30t/hour and 140kg/cu m in straw, and the Pro-Belts apparently produce a denser and better-shaped bale – improvements requested by operators involved in the development process.

The machines are set to tour this year’s machinery exhibitions before going on general sale.