John Deere Introduce Eight New Round Baler Models

John Deere recently announced the introduction of their new Premium and Professional range of round balers to the European market. This range will be available for the Australian/New Zealand market in 2010 and has been designed for large scale farmers and contractors looking for higher density bales and increased versatility.

There are eight new models being introduced for the 2010 season; the 644 professional & premium fixed chamber balers, the 744 professional & premium wrapping balers and the 854 or 864 professional & premium variable chamber balers. The range features four completely new models as well as replacing the 578, 678 and 582 or 592 models respectively.

All premium machines can be equipped with a new 2.2 m MaxiCut™ 25-knife precutter pick-up. The new fine chop pick-up allows four different cutting lengths depending if there are 25 or 7 knives engaged and can chop from 40 mm (25 knives) to 140 mm (7 knives). To extend working time, it is also possible to run with a half set of knives at a fixed chop length, for example, by simply closing off the rest of the knives.

The professional fixed chamber models feature two pick-up options – the 2 m or 2.2 m MaxiCut™ 14-knife precutter, whilst the professional variable chamber models offer the choice of the 2 m or 2.2 m RotoFlow or 2 m or 2.2 m MaxiCut™ 14-knife precutter. Similar to the 25-knife precutter, the 14-knife version allows the length of harvested crops to be easily adjusted between no cut, 70 mm or 140 mm.

The traditional rotor reverser unplugging device has given way to the new ‘drop floor’ system on all models. Operated from the cab the ‘drop floor’ system prevents blockages caused by the build-up of crop material. A gas accumulator reduces plugging frequency due to smoother crop flow.

The new 744 wrapping balers come ISOBUS certified. Simply fit a John Deere GreenStar™ 2 (GS2) display to see all your baler functions at a glance. No need to use a dedicated display, use a single GS2 ISOBUS monitor to manage your baler, as well as guidance and documentation features. This is designed to be easier to operate with more functionality, and offers an automatic greasing system option that enables the operator to adjust the baler lubrication process from the tractor cab.

Bale diameter on the 744 is adjustable between 1.25 m, 1.30 m and 1.35 m for additional versatility in all crop conditions. The baler can also load up to 12 rolls of film for longer working days.

The 644 premium fixed chamber baler is a heavy-duty machine delivering high-density bales for intensive silage operations. The net-wrapping system features storage capacity for three net rolls, including CoverEdge™. Other features include a pick-up roller compressor, pivoting gauge wheels and an electronic bale shape indicator.

The 854 and 864 variable chamber balers produce up to 15 percent higher density bales than the previous 5X2 series balers. You can now bale up to 1.55 metres (854) or 1.80 metres (864) in diameter in all crops, from straw to silage, by utilising larger diameter tensioning cylinders and reinforced density arms. These newly styled models incorporate reinforced composite side panels, and are fitted with a range of other features as standard, including an adjustable starter roll, pick-up roller compressor and cleaning auger on both professional and premium models and automatic chain lubrication on premium models only. All models can be equipped with the exclusive CoverEdge™ net-wrapping system.

For more information on the new John Deere Professional & Premium range of round balers, FREECALL 1800 800 981 in Australia or 0800 303 100 in New Zealand to contact your local John Deere dealer or visit our Web page.

John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE: DE) is the world's leading provider of advanced products and services for agriculture and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.