Heavy Irish grass conditions and our high work rate demands provided much of the testing and evaluation of the new series balers.

And the important news about the balers is that John Deere claims that they will deliver a 24% fuel saving over the previous models.

Early this summer the Irish Farmers Journal got a chance to preview the firm’s latest fixed chamber offering in the flesh and actually baling.

ADVERTISEMENT

Before we went to the field, Nathanaël Duc, senior marketing representative for balers from the John Deere Arc Les Gray factory in France, provided some background on the development of the new series.

He said: “The evolution of the John Deere fixed chamber baler series is such that there have been small changes made throughout. This new series is more than just that; it’s a totally new series.”

The new line-up comprises three models, the F440M, the F440R and C440R (combination baler-wrapper).

These are direct replacements for the 623, 644 and combination baler-wrapper 744.

Nathanaël described the F440M as a mid-spec machine for baling all crops including silage whereas the F440R and C440R is a high–spec machine designed to cope primarily with baling silage.

He explained the thinking behind the series lettering and numbering.

For example, the F440M is broken down as follows:

Model F440M

F = Fixed chamber

4 = Bale width in feet

4 = Bale diameter in feet

0 = The generation (of this new series)

M = Range level – M for mid-spec and R for high spec.

Fuel saving

One very important point Nathanaël made is that compared with the firm’s previous generation JD644 baler the new F440R baler will deliver a fuel consumption saving of up to 24%. That’s impressive by any standards and, hopefully, it can be delivered upon.

We were unable to verify the fuel saving claim in the field. That will quickly come with operator experience as the balers hit the grass crops of 2014.

F440R baler – details

There is a mix of components from the 600/700 series and the firm’s patented 9000 series variable chamber baler in the new balers. Nathanaël said that they have kept the rear bale chamber and net system from the previous machines.

The feeding system is from the 900 series plus side panels. These new panels bring a new look and provide ample access for checks, servicing and maintenance. There is a new front frame, new drivetrain and more wheel and tyre options.

The higher specification F440R will be the more popular machine here as it’s designed for farmers and contractors who make more than 3,000 bales of silage annually. Pick-up width options are either two metres or 2.2 metres (from the 900). The large diameter pick-up bands are made from stainless steel which are claimed to provide a better crop flow and are resistant to rust and additive corrosion.

A new five tine bar pick-up sees the pick-up speed reduced from 190rpm to 115rpm. Nathanaël claimed that the new design increases the pick-up capacity by 11% while reducing vibration and wear. Cam-lever bearings have also been increased in size from 40mm to 52mm.

Nathanaël said that Deere has stuck with a cam track design for two reasons. “With cam-less pick-up designs, there has to be a longer space between the pick-up and rotor to allow for the tines to go down. There is also pinching of the crop here as the tine goes back down into the pick-up.” The cam-track design sees a smoother delivery of grass to the rotor.

Feeding system

The feeding system was developed for the 900 series baler and the firm uses a Kuhn-style rotor, for which it pays Kuhn a licence fee. The high capacity (HC) rotor incorporates augers at the end to bring the crop in rather than separate augers. This reduces the distance between the pick-up and rotor, delivering the grass directly to the rotor.

Rotor rpm is just 140rpm as opposed to 190rpm on the JD644 baler that it replaces.

Under the HC rotor is almost a full width drop floor. This comes to within 40mm of the ends and Deere has patented it. If a blockage occurs, the floor can be dropped parallel rather than just at the front or back. “It will drop by 40mm, allowing the crop to be pushed into the chamber rather that out onto the floor,” explained Nathanaël.

On the F440R there is the option of a 13 (HC13) or 25 (HC25) knife chopper. The latter unit has a split knife bank to allow 0, 12, 13 or 25 knife operation. Each knife has individual spring protection. The knives are claimed to be double-heat treated to stay sharp 1.5 times longer, said Nathanaël.

Control of knives and their position is displayed in cab on the firm’s GreenStar 1800 display, new Implement Display 1100 or basic BaleTrak+ unit. For tractors with ISObus, there is the option of using the tractor terminal to display/control baler functions.

There are 17 power-ribbed rollers in the bale chamber, including two reinforced rollers. These heavy duty rollers are located in load point areas to cope with the demands of wet, heavy bales.

Bale density is adjustable. There is some scope to adjust bale diameter as the tailgate is locked hydraulically. This should be an advantage to those selling straw. Both the density and diameter can be adjusted independently of each other.

Baler drive

The baler drive uses what Nathanaël described as a ‘half-cross beam concept’. This is a split drive system with a cast centre gearbox. Drive to the right hand side is through an ‘open’ shaft from the same centre gearbox.

One side drives the bale chamber and the other the rotor and pick-up. The F440R is available with either 540rpm or 1,000rpm gearboxes which are suitable for 150hp and 180hp tractors, respectively.

net system

The net system is ‘edge to edge’. The operator can see the net roll through the top cover on the baler as the net is applied. Adjustment of net rate is in-cab from the baler display/controller.

For maintenance, the new single piece side panels should provide easy access. The greasing points are centralised at grease banks. Auto-greasing is optional with a cartridge system or grease tank with adjustable greasing rate, adjusted from cab.

There are more tyre options than before. The baler can be fitted with wide 600/50-22.5 tyres which can be run at less than 1-bar, according to Nathanaël.