Case IH Unveils New RB6 Round Balers & 2026 Square Baler Upgrades
Case IH has released details of its all-new round balers and redesigns to its large square balers aimed at increasing productivity.
Case IH has announced new G500V VariCut variable knife grain headers for its Axial-Flow combine harvesters with features aimed at enhancing performance and easing operator workloads.
Spanning 6.1-12.5m working widths, seven G500V models each feature knife movement over a 575mm fore/aft range to ensure consistent crop flow in all crop types and conditions.
Wider models feature new hydraulically operated gauge wheels that can be switched from the cab between transport and field mode, making it unnecessary to manually raise the wheels before loading the header onto its transport trailer.
In addition, attachment and removal times are reduced with all connections grouped on the left-hand of the harvester, alongside a single PTO connection.
The VariCut headers feature an in-line knife drive, with fully-linear output shaft motion, for smooth operation with minimal vibration. The belt drive has been replaced by gearboxes and a telescopic PTO, reducing overall driveline maintenance requirements and easing the operator workload to maximise comfort.
The 10.5m and 12.5m models feature 100% synchronised dual knife drive, with the right-hand knife driven via the intake auger, which is said to minimise vibration. A knife speed increase from 660rpm to 735rpm enables higher forward speeds without compromising cutting performance.
The auger stripper setting is now altered from the rear of the header, encouraging operators to regularly check for correct adjustment, and to ensure even and consistent crop flow. The new auger height adjustment assembly provides two pre-set positions: High, primarily for rapeseed/ canola, and Low for small grains. Change is achieved by simply loosening four bolts and rotating the over-centre cam system.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.
Fears of a serious early drought in Hawke’s Bay have been allayed – for the moment at least.

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