Kuhn has upgraded its largest fixed-chamber round baler – the FB 3135 – with the introduction of a version with fully-automatic chamber opening, closing and unblocking.
The so-called ‘AutoMate’ package consists of three main functions.
‘AutoGate’ brings fully automatic tailgate operation. The baler’s tailgate opens and closes automatically, enabling bales to be ejected without the need for any operator input or intervention.
Visual and acoustic signals on the baler’s in-cab control terminal provide information during the baling and netting process to “ensure the operator still has overall control of the machine”.
‘AutoDeblock’ promises automatic chamber unblocking. An overload protection clutch, which is activated whenever the crop is coming in too fast or heavy, automatically retracts the baler’s knives and lowers the drop-floor system.
After the PTO is re-engaged, the baler’s rotor restarts and the crop is guided into the bale chamber. At this point the drop-floor and knives automatically return to their working position. This process is also illustrated on the machine’s control terminal, so the operator can stay abreast of what’s happening.
The latest incarnation also comes with an automatic knife cleaning system. The baler’s ‘OptiCut’ knives are automatically cleaned after a pre-defined number of bales. In reality, the system is designed to keep the knife slots clean and free of debris – for easier knife removal and replacement.
Balers equipped with the new ‘AutoMate’ system can be operated in a fully automatic or semi-automatic (press a button to commence each baling cycle) mode. Alternatively, a manual override can be selected (press and hold buttons to activate the baling sequence).
The ‘AutoMate’ system is available as an option on the FB 3135. No euro price is available as yet; in the UK the feature adds £2,400 excluding VAT to the price of the baler.
New, wider ‘hydraulic’ rakes
In other forage equipment news, Kuhn recently introduced a new 15m version of its existing GA Gyrorake.
The GA 15131 is now the largest in the firm’s range of four-rotor grass rakes, offering a variable working width of between 9.5m and 14.7m. This new trailed machine adds to the existing GA line-up, which also includes the 13m GA 13131 and two semi-mounted machines – the GA 8731 (7.7m to 8.6m working width) and GA 9531 (8.4m to 9.3m working width).
The GA 15131’s front two rotors are fitted with 13 tine arms, while the rear units are equipped with 15 tine arms.
Each rotor is mounted on four pivoting, large-diameter wheels to enable ground contouring. Kuhn says that the wheels sit close to the tines, to further improve ground following, while the three-dimensional rotor suspension system is claimed to provide “greater stability when working at high speeds”.
Rotor working height can be adjusted hydraulically as standard, with all four rotors powered by a headstock-mounted hydraulic drive unit. This gives the option of increasing front rotor speed by up to 20%, when working in lighter crops.
The new rake requires a minimum tractor PTO power output of 115hp. When readied for transport, it stands 4m high and 3m wide.