Ultimate guide to buying a round baler 2024

New balers and baler-wrappers ' mostly promising increased output and denser forage packing for fewer bales per field and storage stack ' feature in this year's Ultimate Guide to round balers.

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See also: Driver's view: Andrew Sommerville's Vicon Fastbale baler-wrapper

Round baler specs

Download the complete buyer's guide to round and square balers

Kubota

The two variable-chamber combination baler-wrappers previously offered in the Kubota range have been dropped, namely the BV Plus and the BV Plus, both featuring the FlexiWrap film application system.

In their place, Kubota has brought in the non-stop baling and wrapping FB , which makes bales of a fixed 1.25m diameter continuously.

Grass is first accumulated in a 17-roller front chamber while the previous bale is being finished off and wrapped.

The partially formed bale is then transferred to the second chamber, where further layers and net are applied ready for moving on to the wrapping table.

Also joining the range is a non-crop slicing version of the BF all-roller baler, which has previously been available only with a 15-knife cutting mechanism.

Kuhn

More substantial changes have been made to the Kuhn line-up, including the introduction of the VB series variable-chamber balers and VBP baler-wrapper combinations as improved replacements for the equivalent series machines.

Kuhn reckons the new versions offer 10% more output capacity and also a 10% increase in bale density in dry crops such as hay and straw compared with their predecessors, the latter as a result of the Progressive Density Plus pressure boost mechanism.

Capacity gains are attributed to a new heavy-duty crop roller and spring-loaded tines that pre-compress the incoming crop into a more compact swath before it reaches the intake rotor.

At the end of the bale rolling and netting process, the tailgate now lifts and lowers faster to cut bale discharge time to just six seconds.

Durability, meanwhile, is further improved by installing stronger main and rotor drive chains, and upgrading the reinforced bearings and seals for rollers under the greatest stress.

As before, there are OptiFeed non-chopping and OptiCut chopping versions of the revised balers, the latter with a choice of 14-knife and 23-knife assemblies.

Also introduced are bale wrapping versions of the high-specification series balers featuring the i-Dense 'intelligent' density system.

This uses two tensioning arms ' as opposed to the single arm of the series ' each having two hydraulic cylinders to apply pressure to the four bale-forming belts.

With automatic moisture sensing also part of the package, automatic pressure/density adjustment can be engaged for more consistent bale weights in fields where moisture content varies.

The orbital arm IntelliWrap system enables operators to add an extra layer (or subtract one) when required, rather being limited to the more common even number of layers only.

So-called 3D wrapping applies film to the shoulders first, then the rest of the circumference and the end sections, and the new baler-wrappers can also apply film instead of net using the twin pre-stretch dispensers at the front of the machine.

McHale

For baling and wrapping in a combined operation, McHale has replaced its existing Fusion Vario model with the upgraded Fusion Vario Plus, which makes bales of 60cm to 1.68m diameter in straw and hay, and 1m to 1.45m in haylage and silage.

The Plus specification indicates that the machine can apply stretch film to the barrel of the bale ' as is already available on the fixed-chamber balers and baler-wrappers ' to provide an extra layer of wrap and a common material for recycling.

Increased bale density through an improved belt tensioning system, a tailgate that lifts only as far necessary to eject a given diameter of bale, speedier bale transfer from baling to wrapping sections, and faster wrapping speeds are said to contribute to greater output from the machine.

Up front, there is a heavier duty driveline and revised intake area that automatically adjusts to the volume of incoming material.

The pick-up now lifts forage into a tapered channel, where the side augers have been moved further forward and angled towards the intake rotor for improved crop flow.

Operation is improved by installing isobus electronics as standard, enabling users to set up and monitor various functions using a tractor's built-in or third-party display, including McHale's own Iso-Play terminals.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Heavy-Duty Baler Machine Supplier.

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Bale weighing and moisture measurement are among the options that can be specced.

McHale has also added isobus to create top-spec versions of the V series variable chamber baler, producing packages up to 1.68m diameter, and the V series 1.9m machine.

Vicon

A non-chop version of the FixBale 500 has been added to the Vicon range, this being a model with an intake rotor but no knife system to complement the existing version with a 15-blade crop slicing setup.

The FixBale uses 18 steel rollers to form bales 1.25m in diameter, with bale density determined by hydraulic resistance at the tailgate.

A bale-and-wrap combination is out of the range, however, with the RV Plus FlexiWrap having been dropped, leaving the FastBale non-stop machine as Vicon's only wrapping baler.

This machine rolls up grass in a chamber before the juvenile bale is transferred to a second chamber where it is completed and netted, then moved to a wrapping table.

With so many modern machines 'built to last' it's perhaps no surprise the used baler market is booming. But, just as you wouldn't buy a second hand car without doing your research, it's important that you know what to look for when buying a pre-owned baling press too.

With careful consideration, a used or refurbished baler could be a very wise and cost-savvy investment that will reap returns long into the future. But how do you distinguish a 'top find' from a 'poor deal'?

Whether you're searching on an eBay auction or buying from a waste machinery supplier, here are our top tips:

·         Know what you want from the machine

Just because you're buying a used baler rather than a brand new machine doesn't mean you should deviate from your specification. Don't be tempted to settle for a baler that doesn't offer the functionality or capacity you require. It will soon become apparent that it can't fulfil your requirements, and you'll be left baler hunting again within months.

·         Look for signs of wear and tear

Sometimes a baler will show signs of age and in many cases this isn't a big problem, providing the manufacturer is renowned for its robust construction of such machines. Many balers are built to have a long service life but excessive wear could indicate that the press hasn't been looked after. One of the benefits of buying a used baler from a machinery supplier is that they may be able to fully or partially refurbish it to a 'like new' condition. Alternatively check over the machine, service it and guarantee it is fit for re-sale. This means you get a great quality machine for a second hand price.

·         Ask specific questions

There are a few key questions you can ask to gain an insight into how resilient the baler is likely to be in future. Of course, enquire as to its condition and if it works, but don't be afraid to be specific. Have the rams been left extended for example, and therefore exposed to moisture? Then, request confirmation that the machine is fully operational and ask to see it in action. The manner in which a baler has operated in the past will often directly influence its future working life too.

·         Request a health check report

Don't go into the investment 'blind'. Ask for a health check of the used baler you're looking at and carefully digest the report before signing on the dotted line. This will give you a clear understanding of the baler's condition, operational and service history, any faults, integrity of the baling chamber, and so on. If the vendor is unable to provide such information, you have to question the transparency of the purchase.

·         Understand what is included within the purchase

A used baler bought direct from a previous user, or even via eBay, may appear to have a low price tag if it is bought as a standalone piece of kit. However, cheap doesn't mean good value. It is still possible to buy ' or hire ' a used baler, inclusive of operator training, service inspections and maintenance. This will boost your return on investment and give you greater peace of mind long into the future.

·         Think about 'what next'

It is important to remember that a baler is an asset which needs to perform. So, when you've followed the advice outlined above, checked the condition of your chosen machine and found the perfect bargain, think about locating a partner to help you maintain its optimum running condition long into the future. Look for a waste baling specialist that can provide after sales services and support including maintenance, service inspections, repairs, spare parts, training (including bi-annual refresher training for certified competence) and baler consumables.

·         Enquire about trade in options

If you already have a second hand baler of your own, consider a trade in, to make your next purchase even more economical!

Even the most experienced baling experts don't always get it right first time and many have been known to be misled by sellers. If you need any more advice about investing in a used baler, please contact Riverside Waste Machinery on or [ protected]. If you're ready to start 'shopping', please visit our used baler page to see what machines we currently have to offer.

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