Kuhn unveils 14.5m mower for high HP harvesters
With most forage harvester manufacturers offering machines touching 1000hp, the logistics puzzle has always been ‘dropping” grass and pulling into a swath big enough to feed the “beast”.
French machinery giant Kuhn bought the Vicon baler business and its factory in Geldrop, Holland, in late 2008 and has continued to develop the product ranges, now offering a choice of up to 16 variable chamber machines.
Two new machines added to the range for the coming season are the VB 2265 and 2296 models. These follow the same layout as existing 2200 series machines, with 230cm pick-ups, bale formation by three rollers and five belts and progressive density control.
However, they also include upgrades to allow 10% greater bale densities. The VB 2265 can produce bales from 0.8 to 1.6m diameter, and the 2295 up to 1.85m.
Aimed at the contractor market and dubbed the ‘heavy duty option’, the progressive density control – which comprises a belt tensioning arm, twin hydraulic cylinders and compression springs – is now subjected to greater operating pressures to control bale density from the core to the exterior.
The increase in pressure from 180 to 235 bar has necessitated an upgrade to the machine drivelines with larger size and increased quality drive chains, lubricated
by the BaleMax continuous oiling system. Driveshafts now also use heavy-duty universal joints to deal with increased torque loadings and a second driven roller on the belt drive system ensures positive bale rotation.
Durability of the machines is further enhanced by Hardox wear plates in the pickup area and on the rotor feeder tine points.
Contractors will also welcome the fitment of oversize 500-45R22.5 tyre equipment, which will help deal with increased bale weights on difficult ground. There’s also ISOBUS connectivity that will make hitch-up a breeze for suitably equipped tractors, as well as including features such as monitors connected to external cameras.
Overall choices include basic non-chopping feeder rotors, a 23 knife cutting rotor delivering a 45mm chop length, and of course the combined wrapper system dubbed VBP.
“We have already sold a number of units for the coming season, and although there is a possibility of delivering higher bale weights, we think that current weights are probably enough,” Brian Robertson, operations manager, Kuhn NZ, told Rural News.
“If that’s the case, we think users will probably run the units at around 70% density to deliver similar weights, but with less stress and achieving a longer service life by the machines.”
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.
All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.
Claims that some Southland farmers were invoiced up to $4000 for winter grazing compliance checks despite not breaching rules are being rejected by Environment Southland.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.