Case IH unveils Optum for CTF practices
Case IH has unveiled a new 3-metre centre set-up for the the Optum tractor range, designed to meet the needs of growers operating under Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) practices.
Designed to make high density bales in crops, including dry straw or wet silage, the company reports an extensive development and pre-production phase that saw machines producing more than 150,000 bales.
Aimed at farmers or contractors who make 10,000 bales a year or more, much of the development has centred around ensuring reliability and consistent bale shape. In the case of the former, machines have been fitted with heavy-duty components and fewer moving parts. Engineers have also enlarged and strengthened rolls, shafts and the rear door assembly, while also introducing a heavier duty gearbox and driveline.
Up front, an extra-wide diameter rotor is said to help prevent blockages, while a newly introduced, active drop floor means blockages can be cleared quickly. The bale chamber has also been redesigned to incorporate a revised belt path, said to deliver well-formed, dense bales that will stack efficiently.
The RB456 HD Pro makes 120cm-wide bales from 90cm to 165cm in diameter, while the RB466 HD Pro is also 120cm wide, but offers increased diameters from 90cm up to 190cm.
Each model offers a choice of three rotor options, including a basic feeding rotor, 13 or 25 knife chopping rotors. Bale size, number of net wraps and density can be easily set on the in-cab control panel.
