Bigger, Stronger, Faster
With innovative new features and tried-and-true Massey Ferguson reliability, the new RB Series of silage cutter balers has set the bar even higher.
By Tharran E. Gaines | Photos By AGCO Corporation
The new Massey Ferguson® RB Series of variable-chamber silage cutter balers brings exceptional versatility, reliability and bale density to the market. It starts up front with a cam-less pickup design that allows higher operating speeds in a wide range of crop types and moisture levels. With fewer moving parts, the pickup assembly is also quieter, simpler and more reliable than cam-style pickups.
Helping to further distance it from the competition, the RB Series features five tine bars with teeth spaced just 2.5 inches apart, allowing for even more complete capture of crop on the field. Meanwhile, a crop press roller is positioned in front of the pickup to enhance crop feeding into the chamber.
The RB Series silage cutter balers also feature two sets of XtraCut hydraulically operated knife banks that can be controlled or disengaged from the tractor cab. Select zero, eight, nine or all 17 knives to attain forage cuts as small as 2.65 inches in length. That ability to chop silage, as well as stover or hay, eliminates the grinding step when running a total mixed rations mixer, as the feed is already small enough. What’s more, the chopping capabilities of the RB Series help achieve greater bale density, reducing labor, as well as transportation and wrapping costs.
To maximize efficiency and minimize downtime from crop slugs and plugging, all RB Series balers also are equipped with a unique Hydroflex Control System, which works in two stages. “The first stage allows cushioning, or movement, of the front part of the feed chamber floor to prevent peak loads from turning into blockages that affect crop flow,” explains Matt LeCroy, AGCO® marketing manager for hay and forage. “This feature alone prevents up to 80% of potential blockages. However, should a major blockage occur, the operator can hydraulically activate stage two from the cab, which lowers the rear of the feed table floor and the cutting knives to provide enough space for the material to pass through into the chamber.”
In the meantime, Massey Ferguson’s Constant Pressure System (CPS) uses a combination of springs and hydraulic cylinders to maintain the correct amount of pressure from the core to the finished bale. Other unique features include automatic chain lubrication, centralized grease banks for quicker roller bearing lubrication and storage for two extra rolls of net wrap. Also, a Powersplit gearbox ensures a balanced delivery of power to vital baler components, reducing overall power requirements.
“The operator is always informed and in control, too, thanks to the E-link Pro color touchscreen monitor that tracks bale formation and allows in-cab control of cutter engagement and knife group selection,” adds LeCroy. “The baler’s ISOBUS design also allows use of any compatible tractor monitor for baler monitoring and control.”
Available in two popular sizes, the variable-chamber RB4160V and RB4180V from Massey Ferguson share a common platform and produce bales that measure 48 inches in width with a diameter that can range from 35.5 inches up to 63 or 71 inches, respectively. To learn more, see your local Massey Ferguson dealer.