Monday, 12 September 2016 08:55

Kuhn ups the ante

Written by  Mark Daniel

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.”

www.kuhn.co.nz 

More like this

Right dose, right place in any conditions

The new AERO 32.1 mounted, pneumatic fertiliser spreader offers working widths of 24, 27, 28, or 30 metres, to complete KUHN’s range of pneumatic fertiliser spreaders.

Make that large please!

KUHN Farm Machinery has introduced a new flagship FC 13460 RA trailed mower conditioner, in the shape of the FC 13460RA, aimed at users requiring increased capacity and efficiency from a wider trailed machine.

Simple, practical hay rakes

Grassland specialists Kuhn has extended its Gyrorake offering with the addition of the GA 8731+ and GA 9531+ models.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

A different shade of blue for Norwood

Norwood and ARGO Tractors, the Italian manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors, have announced an agreement that gives Norwood exclusive…

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Why?

OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…

Fat to cut

OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter