AGCO, the parent company of Fendt, purchased Lely’s forage range of equipment last year. Since then Fendt has turned out a full range of branded grassland equipment. Fendt’s new generation of round balers are based on the Lely machines but have integrated a number of new features.

The new range of Fendt balers is set to replace the existing range that includes the 1125F, 2125F and 2125F ProFi, in addition to updating the combi range. However, the existing variable chamber models, the 4160V and the 4180V, will continue to be produced unchanged.

Fixed chamber balers

The new Rotana models have a freewheel sprocket that can rotate a full 360°.

This sprocket will protect the driveline if a blockage occurs.

In the event of a blockage, the sprocket will continue to spin and the bale can slow down and run out until it comes to a halt.

The new drive concept of the Fendt Rotana has a split driveline, meaning two chains come off the main drive roller instead of one. As each of the two chains drive each roller, the power is distributed evenly. Fendt have also installed a sensor capable of measuring the uniformity of the bale density.

For the final 30% of the bale fill, an indicator on the terminal will aid the driver to achieve a uniform bale shape.

Other new features include a dirt wiper for the roller bearings, new exterior panels and the balers are now ISOBUS compatible.

Rotana combi machines

The new Rotana combi baler/wrapper is available in a fixed chamber version as the 130F Combi or the variable chamber 160V Combi. These combi balers have evolved from the Lely Tornado. However, the latest Rotana Combi has received a number of updates. The Rotana 130F Combi baler has the same fixed chamber as the updated 130F model mentioned above, while the Rotana variable chamber 160V Combi has the existing 4160V baler element. The new combi range features a moving arm that transfers the bale from the chamber onto the lower table. To prevent any slippage, the bale transfer ramp is equipped with moving side parts.

Fendt has reduced the tilt angle of the main chamber to 8° in an attempt to improve stability on slopes.

Other updates include offering the operator the choice of switching between a tension film of 55%, 70% or 90% depending on film quality.

Stand-alone wrapper

Fendt also introduced a trailed wrapper, titled the Rollector 130. This trailed wrapper is capable of handling bales with diameters from 0.9m to 1.3m. It is very similar to the previous Lely 130P, only branded as Fendt. AGCO discontinued the production of mowers, tedders and hay rakes from Lely in April 2018.

However, the production of Lely-branded round balers and loader wagons is set to continue until March 2020.