A new range from John Deere, a new model from Kuhn and a new knotter design for Case IH and New Holland machines are the main updates for our 2020 Ultimate Guide to big square balers.

CNH knotter

A new knotter that can eliminate wastage of almost 6km of twine over 10,000 bales is being introduced on Case IH LB4 XL-series and New Holland BB balers, ready for next year’s forage and grain harvest seasons.

See also: 2020 ultimate guide to buying a round baler 

Called TwinPro on the Case IH machines and Loop Master on New Holland versions, the double-knot mechanism is also reckoned to increase the tensile strength of tied twine by up to 15%, resulting in increased daily productivity where this reduces the number of burst bales.

Case IH TwinePro double knot

Combined with redesigned needles and a new needle yoke reclaim system, the knotter assembly is mounted in a stronger frame to withstand higher plunger loads.

Primary elements include an extra cam-gear to rotate the billhook a third time for an active release of the loop knot, and there is also a new twine disc with two external notches rather than four, which instead of cutting the twine, releases the pressure on it at the second knot formation.

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This eliminates those wasteful plastic offcuts that contaminate feed and field and ensures every bit of twine is used for its purpose.

Moreover, adding a loop knot to the standard one is said to increase the strength of the connection by up to 30%, according to twine manufacturer Tama, which can allow standard-density bales to be secured using lower-cost twine, or bales of greater density using regular twine.

John Deere big squares

The new John Deere L600-series big square balers replace the current L1500 models, with machines said to be capable of making bales 5% heavier and with up to 15% increased productivity.

The slimmer line-up no longer includes the single-knot-tying 1424 and 1424C machines.

John Deere L600-series big square balers replace the current L1500 models

Isobus electronics feature on the new balers, enabling operators to configure the newly designed zero to 23-knife pre-cutter and set-up, and adjust and monitor other functions, including a moisture sensor that now covers a broader range of 9-40% moisture content.

At 468kg, the baler’s flywheel is 64% heavier than before, hydraulic chamber pressure is up 17%,nd the intake rotor diameter is 25% larger than previously – all of which contributes to the increased output and bale weight capabilities.

There are three models, all available with MaxiCut crop slicing, providing a choice of 80x90cm, 120x70cm and 120x90cm bale dimensions.

New Kuhn models

The new SB – as opposed to LSB – series of big square balers from Kuhn includes a new addition to the UK line-up that features a novel two-part plunger delivering a rapid double punch to material as it is squeezed through the hydraulically adjustable bale chamber.

The SB 1290 iD – the suffix represents “intelligent density” – produces a 120x90cm cross-section bale at densities that Kuhn says can be up to 25% greater than from other machines.

One benefit of the double-punch Twinpact plunger, says Kuhn, is that the system can increase bale density without having to resort to a heavier frame, flywheel and driveline components.

The Kuhn SB 1290 iD is one of four improved and uprated big square balers with 15% increased intake capacity

This new model is one of four in a new-generation baler range featuring an improved crop intake system, said to raise intake capacity by up to 15%, a torque monitoring and regulating system to optimise performance and allow increased bale weights, and a “steering” system for the feeder forks in the pre-chamber for even filling.

There is the SB 1290 D with a conventional plunger, the SB 1270 DX – making a 120x70cm bale – and the SB 890 D replacement for the current LSB version, producing 80x90cm bales.

In a simplified Massey Ferguson range, the 80cm x 70cm MF 2240 baler has been dropped along with ProCut cutting rotor versions of the 80cm x 90cm MF 2250 and MF 2260, which continue to be available in Packer and Packer Cutter form.