New Holland aims for balance with new BigBaler 340 High Density

New Holland announced the introduction of the BigBaler 340 High Density this month at the 2020 World Ag Expo in Tulare, California. This large square baler was designed to produce bales with up to 22% higher density than conventional large square balers, cutting down handling and transport costs for commercial hay producers and large livestock operations.

"This baler is exceptional in delivering higher density for customers baling straw and cornstalks," says product manager George Rigdon.

The BigBaler 340 High Density has the longest bale chamber in its segment and a plunger force of as much as 58% more than New Holland's Plus models. The plunger operates at 48 strokes per minute.

Product manager Jordan Milewski explains this new baler was created to serve farmers with needs between standard density balers and the ultra-high density (UHD) balers. With bales from a UHD baler, it is possible to put too much on a truck, causing weight problems with the DOT.

"This baler fills a nice niche where you're not going to get yourself in trouble and you're going to have good density that's going to save you money. It's a balance," Milewski says.

Loop Master knotting technology

In addition to denser bales, the BigBaler 340 High Density has a brand-new knotter system New Holland calls Loop Master.

"To tie off a more dense bale, there's a lot more memory in the crop and a lot more pressure on the twine," says Milewski. A stronger knot is necessary to keep the package together.

Although the Loop Master still uses the traditional double tie style of knot, the knots are stronger, Rigdon explains. "The Loop Master uses the proven double knotter system with only a slight modification to the knotter stack to achieve improved overall bale tinsile strength. The first knot produced is a standard knot that ties off the completed bale in the chamber. A loop knot is produced on the second knot as this knot starts the next bale and absorbs the impact of the plunger stroked as the bale is being formed. This greatly improves the strength of the second knot, which used to be the weakest spot on the twine."

Another benefit of the Loop Master knotter is the elimination of twine tail cutoffs, which results in cleaner fields and less contaminated feed.

The loop style knot provides up to a 26% increase in overal twine tensile strength, which means producers can run a more inexpensive, lower knot strength twine without compromising overall bale tinsile strength, explains Rigdon. Over the season, this can also save operators money.

The Loop Master knotting system was also introduced as part of the New Holland BigBaler Plus line for the 2020 model year.

Other features

The 7.7-foot MaxiSweep pickup on this baler can be operated at higher speeds than New Holland's standard balers, covering more acres per hour.

A short drawbar offers improved visability and maneuverability for the operator.

The large, heavy-duty, two-speed SmartShift gearbox was awarded the Agritechnica Silver Medal in 2019. It offers a soft start feature that is less taxing on the tractor driveline and delivers smooth baler engagement at start-up. "All that torque from starting the machine up doesn't hit the tractor all at once," Milewski explains.

A new user interface on the IntelliView IV touch screen display improves operator comfort.

The IntelliCruise technology system automatically adjusts the tractor speed.

This baler's hydraulic axle with a hydraulic suspension is the first of its kind in the industry. It offers proper weight distribution as well as better ground following and easy access to maintenance points.

Product availability

The BigBaler 340 High Density will be built at New Holland's Centre of Harvesting Excellence in Zedelgem, Belgium.

Units will begin arriving at New Holland dealerships in the fall of 2020. Pricing has not yet been announced.