Having forged a partnership with Kuhn for a range of big square balers launched in Britain in 2013, John Deere has now quietly withdrawn from this market sector to concentrate on higher-volume round balers.

Progressively developed with increased packing density and added features, the current three-model L600 Series balers – each available in RotoFlow non-chopping and MaxiCut chopping variants – are no longer being supplied.

See also: How to get a big square baler ready for the new season

Their absence is the main difference from last year’s listing; otherwise, it is mostly a case of “as you were” among big square balers, as changes in the latest Ultimate Guide are limited to mechanical and software updates for CNH’s machines.

Mechanical updates include a new load-sensing hydraulics system for the flagship models – the Case IH LB 436 HD and New Holland BigBaler 1290 HD.

They produce a 120x90cm bale within a longer chamber than on other versions for the highest possible density.

And there is a new Lidar-sensed system that can be used to ease the driver’s workload by automatically regulating forward speed and steering along swaths for this and other models in both line-ups.

The hydraulics upgrade enables functions typically operated from the rear of the baler to be handled in the cab.

© New Holland

Using the baler monitor or an isobus display, operators can lower and raise the roller bale chute, fully or partially eject bales, and activate the tandem axle steering lock.

It will then lock automatically in reverse and during road travel.

Display updates include a left/right steering guide to help achieve evenly filled pre- and main chambers and bale length calibration.

There is a new menu for functions such as engaging the crop slicing knives, opening the knife drawer, releasing bale chamber pressure and tilting the twine box for easier loading.

© Case IH

Automation

A baling automation feature, available on new machines and for retro-fitment on selected models from previous build years, is available for use with high-level isobus-equipped tractors running a continuously variable transmission.

It takes charge of steering and forward speed using a Lidar (light detection and ranging) sensor at the front of the cab roof which scans the swath ahead of the tractor.

The system will then regulate forward speed according to swath volume, once the operator has set a maximum velocity and the number of “slices” required per bale.

It will also take command of steering for hands-free operation and follow the swath such that it enters the centre of the baler’s pick-up while responding to data from the plunger load cells to maintain an even fill.

Either function can be used on its own or in combination.