Farmers and contractors seeking to pack more material into every bale to reduce handling requirements and transport costs could benefit from the latest model added to the top of the Case IH LB 4 XL large square baler range for 2020. With new designs and components throughout, the LB436 HD is capable of creating bales with up to 22% greater density than the LB434 XL model, which produces the same 120 x 90cm bale size and remains in the range.
Features unique to the LB436 HD include a new main gearbox and mid-ship gearbox with gearshift overload protection for high power transfer and driveline safety. In addition, an innovative new twine knotter system is designed to boost productivity while eliminating field litter and bale contamination. The LB436 HD is fully ISOBUS Class 3 compatible, meaning not only can it be controlled from an ISOBUS terminal in the tractor cab, but the baler can also control the tractor’s actions, such as increasing forward speed in light areas of swaths, to automatically boost workrates.
Built around a heavy-duty frame, the chassis of the LB436 HD has been constructed to withstand the loads imposed by a high-density system. The drawbar, kept short to aid visibility and manoeuvrability, is bolted to this, and is easily adjusted for the height of different tractor hitches, while the top section of the feeding chamber is an integral part. Benefits for the customer include minimal stress on both baler and tractor.
The 2.35m pick-up fitted to the LB436 HD features a mechanically-driven top-assist roller and roller windguard to ensure effective crop transition even in large swaths. Tines are steel coil types of 5.5mm diameter, and are set across five tine bars rather than the four of other Case IH LB models, for swift, clean crop gathering during the highest output baling. Pivotable gauge pick up wheels are an option.
The LB436 HD is equipped as standard with Case IH’s Rotor Cutter chopping system, incorporating 29 knives, with an adjustable knife selector allowing 7, 8, 14, 15 or 29 of these to be engaged. The knives are individually protected, and selection is indicated on the in-cab monitor.
To begin baling, it is recommended to engage the tractor PTO at 850rpm. The baler flywheel will speed up in two stages, from 0-684rpm and then from 684-1,244rpm. A message displayed on the tractor’s ISOBUS display will then indicate that engagement of second gear is permitted and tractor engine speed can be increased to bring the PTO speed to 1,000rpm, raising the speed of the baler flywheel to its maximum 1,445rpm. As with other main elements of baler operation, ISOBUS control means the operator is fully informed and in control. With the Case IH AFS Pro 700 ISOBUS terminal, the operator now benefits from a new control layout that improves user-friendliness and ease of operation.
The new TwinePro knotter system offers multiple benefits, not only for the owner and operator, but also for livestock and for the environment, says Maxime Rocaboy of Case IH.
“Key advantages include the prevention of animal feed contamination and environmental impact by eliminating twine offcuts that can find their way into both the forage and the field. TwinePro knotters also provide a significant increase in tensile strength, and increased daily productivity from greater baling efficiency with reduced twine breakage risk.”
“With TwinePro, once the first standard knot is tied, a second knot – the loop one – is created for additional bale security,” explains Maxime Rocaboy.“Not only does this loop knot provide increased strength of up to 30% according to twine manufacturer TAMA, resulting in greater baling efficiency and productivity, but it enables well-tied bales of standard density to be made using lower-cost twine, or higher densities to be achieved with standard twine.
