AGCO and Massey Ferguson have designed the new RB Series Balers with a modern look, similar to European style balers with the rounded profile rather than a traditional square design. Another notable design feature that you’ll notice upfront is a cam-less pickup.

The RB Series is designed for small to mid-sized farms. As you can tell by the name, the RB Series Silage Balers are meant for harvesting forages in damp environments where hay dry down is challenging, but can also handle dry and coarse materials like corn or wheat straw.

Massey announced two models: the RB1460V, for a four-foot-by-five-foot bale from 35.5 inches to 63 inches in diameter and the RB418OV, for a four-foot-by-six-foot bale with a diameter ranging from 35.5 inches to 71 inches.

The new camless pickup has an 84-inch tine-to-tine pickup width and a five-tine heavy-duty bar design that ensures clean pick-up of heavier wet forages and smooth intake into the bale chamber. Long, heavy-duty tines feature a large coil for added flexibility. This reduces the chance of tines breaking when picking up heavy crops.

Several features of the RB Series baler design ensure the uniform, well-shaped bales, according to the company:

• The compact pick-up is positioned close to the rotor, ensuring smooth, consistent crop flow into the bale chamber, well-shaped uniform bales and increased baling output.
• The Constant Pressure System (CPS) increases the pressure as the surface of the bale grows, so density stays consistent through the entire baling process.
• Four continuous belts, made of multiple layers of rubber and synthetic material, have great tensile strength for a firm grip on the crop and significant pressure on the bale. The belts are manufactured with substantial overlap rather than joined with a seam, for less potential for belt breakage and downtime.
• The bale chamber has two rollers above the feed system and large CPS springs help the belts flex, allowing a quick start but ensuring that plenty of pressure is put on the crop right from the beginning as the core of the bale is formed.
• A crop press roller helps the pick-up feed in smaller volume crops, ensuring efficient flow and improving bale shape. It also levels out large quantities of crop to prevent lumps

Reducing downtime

While making uniform, proper bales is important, Massey Ferguson has tried to go a bit further with its design, in hopes to increase operating control and reducing downtime with less plugging. A mechanical floor underneath the rotor helps to reduce plugging. Massey is calling this the HydroFlex Control system.

The RB series silage balers also feature the Xtracut 17 with two sets of hydraulically operated knife banks giving operators the option of not chopping or having 8, 9 or 17 knives engaged, allowing for smaller cuts and adjustable cutting lengths up to 2.65 inches. The Xtracut 17 also is controlled from the cab, for quick adjustment so operators can cut the forage to best match crop conditions and animal feed requirement.

Watch for upcoming videos on the new RB Series Silage Balers, which were on display at the Farm Progress Show and Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, on AgDealerTV.

The post Silage baler a first for Massey Ferguson appeared first on Farmtario.

One of the places where farmers or employees can get injured is inside of the grain bin.

Thinking back to my time on the family farm, the first job I was able to do on my own was unloading bins into the grain truck. While we had augers and a bin-sweep, when the bin got to be 1/3 full it was time to jump in with the broom and shovel.

While nothing happened, looking back I can easily see how I could have gotten hurt in a number of ways whether it be the auger, getting stuck in the grain, or even the inhaling of grain dust and particles. GSI’s new Z-Series Grain Bins eliminate the need for you or anyone else to step inside the bin. As you can see in the picture, it’s not a hopper bin, so like most other flat-bottom bins it requires complete cleaning before switching between products.

If you don’t have to step inside, you might ask, “How is it going to get emptied?”

That’s where the new features come into play. Using inflating bags inside of the bin, the Z-Series is a self-emptying grain bin that can go from completely full to completely empty without you having to step inside. This system is called the Zero-Entry Unload System with Flexwave Technology.

To start the unloading process, you begin like any other bin, by opening the door and setting up your auger.

As the grain begins to unload and the auger pulls the product towards itself, often times the grain doesn’t unload level, and this creates the need for someone to get in and shovel, or for an auger extension (which still requires some shovelling).

With the press of a button, an air system begins inflating a large bag on one side of the bin. As the bag inflates with air, it pushes the grain from that side into the middle and towards the auger. The bag can inflate to a radius of 120 degrees, and this means that it can completely expand beyond its half of the bin and ensures that every grain from that side is pushed towards the auger. After one side is finished emptying, the process repeats on the opposite side of the bin.

The system can be monitored with cameras to allow operators to see the unloading. The bags inflate with a gentle air pressure so the grain isn’t being shoved or forced resulting in auger jams or seed damage.

For producers using aeration, the system is built ready for aeration and can be set up with large black tubes that feed the air into the grain and allow the air to flow just like classic aeration systems.

The post New grain bins make cleanout safer appeared first on Farmtario.

Dual product spraying will also be available on the 2019 model year machines.

The model year 2019 (MY19) Hagie STS10 and STS12 machines will be powered by 6.8L PowerTech John Deere diesel engines, providing 280 and 300 horsepower.

The move is part of the continuing integration of the company’s products since John Deere bought controlling interest in Hagie in 2016. The deal gave John Deere a front-mount sprayer to sell at a time when front-mount sprayers were growing in popularity.

The new John Deere engines are turbocharged and air-to-air aspirated and are used in the John Deere R4030 Sprayers and a number of other Deere machines to deliver consistent power over varying speeds and terrain.

Along with the engines, Hagie is including a new high-performance cooling package that improves fuel efficiency and overall performance of the STS10 and STS12 models.

The engine compartment and hood on the STS10 and STS12 models have been redesigned to match the new Deere engines. The new design also incorporates a new tool box and air intake scoop.

The right side of the chassis now includes new fuel and diesel-exhaust fluid (DEF) tanks, and a fuel-fill ladder and platform for easier access.

Doug Felter, product marketing manager for John Deere application equipment, said ”The move to integrate John Deere diesel engines across more Hagie models makes it easier for Deere dealers to support these machines.”

John Deere is updating its Dual Product System (DPS) that has been offered through Hagie Custom Solutions. DPS allows the tank to be divided so two different products can be applied in a single pass. The Hagie DPS is available for 1,200- and 1,600-gal. (4542 L and 6057 L) capacity Hagie Sprayers. This update gives operators the ability to accurately and variably place nutrients in the root zone while simultaneously applying crop protection products to the plant.

The Hagie Dual Product System is available on STS12 and STS16 machines with split-tank configurations equipped with dual pumps and separate rate controllers. It is compatible with Raven or John Deere Precision Ag systems and other plumbing modifications are necessary.

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The model year 2019 (MY19) Hagie STS10 and STS12 machines will be powered by 6.8L PowerTech™ John Deere diesel engines, providing 280 and 300 horsepower, respectively.

The new John Deere engines are turbocharged and air-to-air aspirated, which are used in the John Deere R4030 Sprayers and a number of other Deere machines to deliver consistent power over varying speeds and terrain.

Along with the engines, Hagie is including a new high-performance cooling package that improves fuel efficiency and overall performance of the STS10 and STS12 models.

The engine compartment and hood on the STS10 and STS12 models have been redesigned to match the new Deere engines. The new design also incorporates a new toolbox and air intake scoop.

The right side of the chassis now includes new fuel and diesel-exhaust fluid (DEF) tanks, and a fuel-fill ladder and platform for easier access, (as seen in photo at top of page).

In a press release the Product Marketing Manager for John Deere application equipment Doug Felter said, ”The move to integrate John Deere diesel engines across more Hagie models makes it easier for Deere dealers to support these machines.”

John Deere is updating their Dual Product System (DPS) that has been offered through Hagie Custom Solutions. DPS allows the tank to be divided so two different products can be applied in a single pass. The Hagie DPS is available for 1,200- and 1,600-gal. (4542 L and 6057 L) capacity Hagie Sprayers. This update gives operators the ability to accurately and variably place nutrients in the root zone while simultaneously applying crop protection products to the plant.

The Hagie Dual Product System is available on STS12 and STS16 machines with split-tank configurations equipped with dual pumps and separate rate controllers. It is compatible with Raven or John Deere Precision Ag systems and other plumbing modifications are necessary.

For more on the changes and updates to Hagie Sprayers for model year 2019, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit JohnDeere.com/ag.

This article originally appeared on AGDealer.com.

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The first thing you might notice when seeing Krone’s Comprima Round Baler is the new look. It’s a rounded, sleeker design than previous models from Krone. While it looks fancy, that’s not the only change in the newest model.

The Comprima Round Baler is the only round baler offering the exclusive Krone belt and slat system. This system is designed to build denser bales from any crop. This includes straw, dry hay, and wet hay for silage.

Another notable feature is Krone’s new camless pick-up design to deliver better feeding and less wrapping. This results in more uniform-shaped bales. Like earlier models, the Comprima offers the capacity for producers who want to bale more tonnage per-day.

Krone’s Comprima Round Baler is offering a free, three-year/30,000 bale warranty on their exclusive Krone NovoGrip belt and slat system.

Producers can choose from a variety of bale chamber sizes in fixed, variable, and the Krone exclusive semi-variable model.

This machine is also build to be easy to maintain and service. Balers, especially ones being heavily used, require a bit of maintenance to produce the best-possible bales.

Knowing this, Krone made it very easy to see and access the chains, belts, grease nipples, that producers will need to access for maintenance.

The Comprima Baler also gives you a few different hitch options, depending on what you plan on pairing the baler with. The hitch configurations vary depending on whether you choose a fixed, variable, or semi-variable model. Farmers can ask their local dealer what model would work best with their tractor options.

Krone North America says, “Farmers can expect cutting edge hay quality thanks to the Comprima’s ability to build higher density bales, particularly for silage bales.”

Especially in Canada, farmers are limited by the time and the weather. On smaller operations it’s common to have only two or three qualified operators. If one person is able to make more bales in a shorter time period, it could help get your straw off faster and get back to your other tasks.

It’s not unusual to check a field one day and it be too moist, only to check the next morning and enter a panic-state to get the straw off the ground before the next rain.

Krone is trying to help make it easier by offering a baler with superior parts and the ability to build a variety of bales with one machine.

To learn more about the Comprima Round Baler and other products from Krone North America, visit krone-na.com.

Tis article first appeared at AGDealer.com.

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“Seeding equipment steadily grows in popularity,” said Trent Nowosad, Case IH marketing manager for seeding equipment. “When it comes to meeting cropping challenges with maximum flexibility, seeding provides the versatility that allows producers to quickly react to changes in crop selection. Our goal is to constantly offer improvements that help producers achieve high-efficiency seeding.”

“More and more, producers rely on a diverse crop mix — from wheat and other cereal grains to specialty crops and soybeans. And then, there’s the rapidly growing interest in cover crops,” Nowosad said. “Access to accurate real-time tank weighs are critical to help monitor seeding rates.”

What are the improvements?

The newest models from Case IH are aiming to give you more convenience and more durability. The Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk air drill has an on-board tank with seed metering, available in either 70 or 100-bushel tank size. The four-section overlap control gives it unmatched manoeuvrability, increasing the operator’s control.

New for 2018, farmers can add tank-mounted weigh scales, seen in the picture below.

Tank weighs are accessible through the Case IH Advanced Farming Systems AFS Pro 700 display or other compatible displays. A display on the rear tank platform also provides on-the-go weight readouts. Optional tank lights also are available for the Precision Disk 500T single disk air drill to help extend the workday and improve operator safety.

If you’re dealing with high-capacity air seeding, the Precision Disk 500 air drill and Case IH Precision Air 5 series air carts can offer some benefits. Precision Air 5 series air carts feature a modular metering control system that helps to accurately place seed and fertilizer.

The air carts also feature an AFS AccuSection™ modular metering control system for more efficient crop input use.

Case IH’s Trent Nowosad had this to say about the high-efficiency seeding:

“Consistent high-efficiency seeding starts with the row unit,” Nowosad said. “We designed our row unit to cut and handle the heaviest residue. Precision Disk air drill row units feature a parallel-link system. The upper and lower arm ensure even depth placement across varying soil conditions.”

In-cab down pressure adjustment and down force springs provide consistency at each row unit. This gives better depth control at higher speeds.

Also New for 2018, to help ensure optimal performance across the toughest field conditions and soil types, Case IH has added a grease point for the packer arm on the Precision Disk 500 and 500T row unit.

This change improves packer arm movement in the most challenging situations.

A new extended-wear gauge wheel option provides added durability and longevity. The front hitch on both models now also includes a hose holder that stores hydraulic lines and electrical connections safe and out of the way when the drill isn’t hitched to a tractor.

Technology advancements

The newest software update provides a better user interface for easier operation.

“This new software update brings greater consistency across our seeding products,” Nowosad said. “The interface for our Precision Disk air drills now has a similar look, feel and functionality to that of our Precision Air 5 series carts.”

An optional wireless flow blockage monitoring system uses acoustic sensors to “listen” for the sound of seed and fertilizer flow. It’s available on for the Precision Disk 500, Flex Hoe 400 and Flex Hoe 700 air drills.

For more information, visit your local Case IH dealer or caseih.com.

A version of this article also appeared at AGDealer.com.

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Unfortunately as farms become larger, the number of total farms in Canada is decreasing rapidly with each generation. This isn’t a uniquely Canadian problem. Large farms across North America are finding it harder to find quality workers who are experienced and can also operate the new machinery as it becomes more advanced.

Trouble finding quality labour is only one factor leading to companies investing more money and research into autonomous solutions like the technology from ASI or the DOT from SeedMaster, which we saw unveiled in 2017.

To read the full article on AGDealer.com, click here.

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Now in production for a launch in the near future, AGDealerTV will be AGDealer’s new video series, aiming to inform viewers about new farm machines and technology and why they’re going to matter.

AGDealerTV staff, along with Grainews machinery editor Scott Garvey, will be travelling around Canada to events, trade shows, manufacturers and farms to learn about new machines and technology coming to the agriculture market.

AGDealerTV also plans to compare machines side-by-side to give viewers a realistic view of how different models measure up against each other.

The series will also show viewers product reviews, visit product launches and offer behind-the-scenes coverage from events such as Ag In Motion, Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and Germany’s Agritechnica.

If you have a product you’d like to show on AGDealerTV, send a request with your contact information to Spencer Myers by email. Be sure to use “AGDealerTV” in the subject line.

— Spencer Myers is the host of AGDealerTV in Winnipeg. Follow AGDealer on Twitter and visit AGDealer.com for more information.

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