New Holland recently manufactured its 30,000th large square baler since production started in 1987. The landmark baler was the firm’s BigBaler 1290 Plus, finished with a commemorative decal to celebrate the milestone.

New Holland says that this is just one of the many milestones achieved within the segment over the past 33 years. The firm claims to have helped lead the way since its early years, pioneering features we see today as industry standards. Some of these include the first pre-compression chamber that could be adjusted to swath density (appeared on the D2000) and electronic proportional density control. The D1010 launched in 1995 was claimed to be the first large square baler fitted with a chopping mechanism.

The BB900 which later followed brought with it another pre-compression chamber with dedicated fingers to measure the density of each flake for improved density control. Also in 1990, the first InfoView monitor was introduced which left control of baler parameters even easier from the cab.

2004 was yet another milestone for the firm introducing the choice of four or six knotter technology as well as the upgraded IntelliView monitor. By summer 2008 the 15,000th unit had rolled of the production line in Zedelgem.

Moving to more recent innovations, New Holland remain at the forefront of large square baler technology. The latest BigBaler High Density introduced two new features one of which was the patented Loop Master technology, claiming to be the world’s first commercialised double knotter. The second feature being the introduction of the SmartShift gearbox which scooped a silver medal in innovation award at Agritechnica 2019.

The CNH Industrial factory in Zedelgem, Belgium is also responsible for the development and manufacture of the rest of New Holland’s harvesting range, including its flagship combines and forage harvesters.