All about the grass at Agritechnica

Kuhn Square bale Wrapper SW 4014

Kuhn introduced the SW 4014 square bale wrapper. The wrapper was awarded a silver medal at Agritechnica.

This self-loading square bale wrapper features a unique AutoLoad function for non-stop fully automatic wrapping which can wrap large square and round bales.

The AutoLoad function detects approaching bales, automatically scans the length of the bale and sets the loading arms into pre-load position, resulting in loading, wrapping and unloading of the bale on the go.

Kuhn claims this leads to an increased overall capacity and creates a more ergonomic and stressless working environment during a long working day.

The machine can wrap square bales up to 200cm in length and round bales of up to 140cm in diameter. The oil flow requirement is 45 to 60 litres/min, and the machine also has Isobus controls. Kuhn has the machine priced at £45,200 plus VAT.

Fendt electric rake

Among the emerging full-line grass kit displayed on the Fendt stand at Agritechnica was an electrically driven rake. The Fendt Former 12555x is a four rotor rake with a working width of 12.5m.

Instead of the standard mechanical drive from the tractor’s PTO through shafts and gearboxes to the rotor, Fendt uses electric motors to drive each rotor. Individual electric motors are mounted, or rather incorporated, into each rotor head.

They don’t occupy much space and completely negate the need for mechanical drive elements to the head.

The motors are all 700-volt units potentially supplied by an integrated electrical generator on-board the tractor (or PTO-driven unit). Each has an independent speed range of 0 to 80rpm and develops a maximum power of 20kW and 3,000nm of torque per rotor.

The rake features its own electronic control system to control individual rotors, overload control and quick-stop feature when raising rotors at the headlands.

The electric motors are all cooled by the air generated by the rotors while they are spinning. Fendt claims the Former 12555x uses 10% less fuel than a conventional, mechanically driven rake.

Updates to the John Deere 8000 Forage Harvesters

John Deere has announced the addition of three new models to its 8000 series range of self-propelled forage harvesters. These machines are equipped with the latest John Deere forage harvesting technology, pushing output up to 15%, according to the company.

Three new models expand the horsepower range, and line up as follows:

The company claims that its longitudinal engine layout and improved airflow through the entire machine results in lower cooling requirements and more power for chopping. The lowered engine position claims to provide an improved overall centre of gravity and enhanced visibility.

The forager cab features an anti-glare screen, Bluetooth connectivity, increased storage room and automatic air conditioning, adjustable from the command arm. Other advanced features include a GreenStar 2630 with touchscreen display and all functions conveniently located in the command arm, remote display access and AutoTrac automatic steering with RowSense.

Headers include John Deere’s new 9 series grass pick-ups and Kemper 300 or 400 series row-independent rotary drum harvesting units. These include the new 10-row 475 Plus rotary harvesting unit with 7.5m working width. All John Deere headers are automatically speed matched to the selected length of cut.

Silver medal for John Deere ProCut

The John Deere ProCut system monitors clearance between the knives and the shearbar of the self-propelled silage harvester’s chopping unit on the go. Precision sensors incorporated in the shearbar continuously measure the spacing between knives and shearbar. They monitor the sharpness of the knives, informing operators when to adjust the shearbar, when to sharpen and how many sharpening cycles are required.

John Deere believes this will reduce harvesting power and increase output, by having the knives and the shearbar working at the correct spacing throughout the operation of the machine.

New Holland FR Forager Cruiser

Ranging from 476hp to 775hp, New Holland has updated its five-model self-propelled forager range, now badged FR Forager Cruiser.

All models now get FPT power, with the second-to-largest model dropping its CAT motor. All but the flagship model meet Stage IV emissions standards through the use of SCR technology and AdBlue.

A new standard eco mode setting is designed to reduce fuel consumption in field conditions where it is not possible to load the engine fully, for example when harvesting low-yield crops.

In addition, a new feature called PowerCruise can be used to maximise productivity by continually monitoring the power required. It adapts the forward speed of the forager to reach the highest possible work rate.

Maintenance-wise, the spout now features full-length replaceable top and side liners, a new hard-faced flap, stronger flap cylinder and improved spout base lubrication.

For the operator, many features from the CR combine cab have migrated onto the FR including a fresh look, a single control strategy and improved comfort.

Kverneland Vicon Extra 736T mounted mower

New to the Kverneland range is an additional mounted mower conditioner model. The Extra 736T offers a working width of 3.6m, Kverneland’s biggest mower yet.

Interestingly, all mower suspension is done above the mower, rather than at the headstock.

Using a combination of pneumatic accumulators and hydraulics, ground pressure levels can be adjusted from the cab.

Having the suspension system positioned above the mower enables the arm to be hydraulically telescoped in and out. This allows the amount of overlap to be adjusted, which is useful when used with a front mower.

This telescoping action also allows the whole mower to be lowered when it is folded vertically for transport, reducing overall height.

The mower folds vertically over the centre by 120°, creating a better balance and with increased visibility behind.

Finally, the mower can also be parked while still in transport position, taking up less ground storage space.

PRO GLIDE F3100 – Front Mower

Taking centre stage at Agritechnica on the McHale stand was its new butterfly mower combination. McHale’s design team has developed the frame on the Pro Glide front mower to place the centre of gravity as close as possible to the tractor, which results in better movement relative to ground conditions, according to James Heanue from McHale.

McHale also claims that the support frame on the McHale Pro Glide mower responds to uneven terrain to glide over the ground through the use of an integrated suspension.

The integrated suspension allows the mowing unit to move independently from the front linkage. At standard settings, the cutter bar has 500mm adaptive range, which allows the mower to automatically adjust to ground contours.

The left-right pivot range of 17° allows the cutter bar to follow changes in ground conditions without overloading the cutter bar.

The McHale Pro Glide front mower range is fitted with patented active spring compensator technology. This ensures that the mower cutter bar always applies the same ground pressure regardless of the working height.

When the ground pressure is set on the springs, as the mower travels downward the patented spring compensator controls the spring tension. This ensures that the weight of the cutter bar on the ground is kept uniform, regardless of the working height.

McHale has used a tubular support frame designed to maximise the cutter bar’s clearance for headland turns and when in transport.

When raised, the mower has a clearance of over 600mm between the bottom of the cutter bar and the ground. Stabiliser stops built into the tubular frame keep the mower centred during transport.