V8 - a baler with a grunt

For the 2021 season, McHale will introduce the V8940 non-chopper and the V8950 15-knife chopper balers, which can produce high density bales from 0.6 to 1.9 metres in diameter.

Marketing and sales director Martin McHale says the increase in bale size, and improved density, meant the V8 baler could pack up to 30% more crop into a 1.9m bale than can be achieved in a current 1.68m, V6 machine.

The new V8 range will also feature new pick-ups.

There is a choice of cam track or cam-less design, bigger lateral feed augers, larger rotors, a drop floor unblocking system, automated greasing and bale chambers with three heavy-duty endless belts. 

“The new McHale V8 variable chamber baler range is fitted with heavy-duty components ensuring long life, high levels of reliability and a machine that is rugged enough to handle the toughest of crops and ground conditions,” McHale says.

“Our new V8940 and V8950 have brought baling to a new level with higher density, increased bale size, better intake and easier maintenance. All balers in the new V8 range come with a new adaptive intake which has been specifically designed to allow the intake area to automatically adjust to changes in material flow,” he adds.

As standard, a 15-knife chopper unit is available on the McHale V8950. This delivers a theoretical chop length of about 65mm, with engage and disengage selected from the tractor cab.  An optional selectable knife system consists of two knife banks allows the choice of 0, 7, 8, or 15 knife configurations in work. 

“The endless belts are reinforced with synthetic material to ensure they can absorb shock loading and apply high pressure to the material in the bale chamber,” McHale says.

Graeme Leigh, general manager machinery division – Power Farming NZ, confirms that the machine will be available in NZ, but on an indent-only basis. He suggests that the market for such machines is relatively small.