Product Review: New Holland’s Large Square Baler Mode

For large square baler operators, the characteristic nodding generated by every one of the thousands of plunger strokes per day is all too familiar. Now there is a solution from New Holland – David Williams tried it out.

‘Large Square Baler Mode’ is a new software upgrade available for latest T7 LWB and T7 HD tractors with Horizon Ultra cabs and PLM Intelligence controls. Mode activation is through the Intelliview 12 touchscreen terminal, on the tractor settings display page.

The mode is compatible with all New Holland BigBalers produced since 2018 carrying the latest software updates.

How does ‘Large Square Baler Mode’ work?

When a New Holland BigBaler is linked through Isobus to the PLM-equipped New Holland tractor, the large baler mode software monitors the baling action to predict when each plunger stroke will occur. Additional fuel is injected to meet the momentary demand for extra power, just as the ram strikes the bale. This reduces engine speed variation and means that the PTO and baler transmission speed also remain more consistent.

The Terraglide hydraulic front axle suspension is also utilised by the system, and the cushioning action is stiffened momentarily to further reduce the nodding effect in time with each plunger compression stroke.

Is it effective?

Because Large Square Baler Mode is activated and deactivated by just a touch on the terminal, it is possible to compare operation with and without it on the move, while all other working parameters remain the same. Farmers Guide tried one of the latest T7 HD tractors with a New Holland BigBaler 1290HD, baling weathered barley straw on a large farm in Essex.

With Large Square Baler Mode engaged, the tractor stationary and the baler running at its standard 1,500rpm there was very little nodding movement, but as soon as the mode was switched off, the rocking motion increased.

Baling the swath, the same comparison produced similar results – when the mode was activated, the nodding motion reduced and the ride became more comfortable.

Large Square Baler Mode is activated through the Intelliview 12 touchscreen.

Operating characteristics

Interestingly, it takes a few seconds for the engine management system to ‘learn’ the plunger timing each time the mode is engaged, so the effect is gradual at first with full synchronisation after 10–15 seconds.

Apart from the reduced rocking motion, a change to the exhaust note is another indicator that large baler mode is selected. This is because the engine droop characteristics are adjusted, and revs are kept within tighter parameters. To achieve this; extra fuel is injected at precisely the right moment; a fraction of a second before the working load peaks as the plunger meets the bale – matching the power produced to the demand and reducing engine speed fluctuations.

Without baler mode, the engine management system works retrospectively to restore the engine speed to its pre-set value after it has been pulled down by the extra load, then extra fuel is injected to restore the revs.

We monitored noise levels inside the cab while switching between baler mode engaged and disengaged. The difference in exhaust tone is easy to detect, and the sound meter indicated noise levels approximately 1dB less with baler mode activated, although the working speed and straw volume remained constant.

New Holland claims that significant fuel savings are achieved by activating baler mode – as the tractor and baler operating speed remains more constant.

Experienced user view

The T7 HD tractor tested by Farmers Guide was a demonstrator on loan to Essex-based, Blackwater Baling. Owned and managed by Gavin Strathern and his wife Liz, Blackwater Baling operates as a grass and straw baling contractor and bale supplier. The contracting service cuts, prepares and bales hay, haylage and straw for customers from private horse owners to larger professional breeding and racing stables.

Straw baling is offered as a contracting service although a large amount is also bought in the swath and baled behind the combine, then transported and stored for supply throughout the year to farms in the East of England plus a growing number in the South-West. He also supplies bales as biomass for straw burning power stations.

Experienced operator, John Baker said the mode makes a big difference to ride comfort. He also believes that it increases productivity and reduces operator fatigue, while also allowing him to drink cups of tea on the move without risking spillages caused by the baler’s characteristic rocking motion.

New Holland fleet

The company’s fleet includes eight New Holland large balers. An RB180 makes round silage hay, haylage and straw bales mainly for livestock use. Seven large square balers include BB920, BB1270, BB1290 BB9090 models, plus two recently acquired 1290HD machines selected to produce extra dense bales for biomass. The balers and Transtacker bale chasers operate behind a fleet of tractors, most of which are New Holland T7 machines.

“New Holland machinery supplied by our local dealer, Ernest Doe, makes up the core of our tractor and baler fleet,” explained Gavin. “There is no single reason for that – it’s because of the whole package including the machines and the way they are backed-up by the dealer and the manufacturer. The New Holland T7 tractors are bombproof, and we find them far more reliable than competitor brands. We own models from the T7.210 to the T7.270 currently, and hire two additional tractors through the grass and straw harvesting season.”

Up to 14 machinery operators are employed during the harvesting season which starts with first-cut haylage and concludes in the autumn when the last of the straw has been baled.

“We decided early on to specialise in baling and bale supply,” continued Gavin. “By specialising we can offer the most efficient service without being distracted by other tasks. We also offer grassland fertilising and spraying as well as pasture reseeding, which complements our grass harvesting service and is for the same customers.”

Added comfort, convenience and safety

Operator John Baker has extensive experience operating New Holland T7 tractors and balers, having worked for Blackwater Baling for the past five years. He spent a week driving the demonstration T7 HD tractor as well as a new T7.300 LWB model, both with Big Baler Mode, working with the company’s newest 1290HD large square baler. “It significantly improves comfort,” he said, “and it’s much easier to drink or eat while baling without risking spillages caused by the baler’s rocking motion. Using the touch screens and a smartphone is easier too. The effect is even more pronounced for a passenger, without the pneumatic suspension that benefits the driver.”

John said that the benefit of baler mode is especially noticeable when simultaneously baling downhill and turning. “Often, on steeper slopes it can feel as if a baler is pushing the back end of the tractor into a jack-knife with each plunger stroke, especially during tight turns. With the baler mode selected, that pushing action is reduced. The whole operation feels much more comfortable and controlled.”

New Holland tractor product manager David Redman (left) is pictured beside Blackwater Baling managing director Gavin Strathern and baler operator John Baker.

Extra capabilities

Gavin said that all the operators who tried the two tractors with the baler mode were impressed. “We have a superb team of full- and regular part-time operators who work long days during harvest, and we rely on them to provide a great service for our customers. Their feedback regarding the latest T7.300 and the T7 HD tractor with the new cabs, and the enhanced comfort due to the Large Square Baler Mode software is extremely positive, and I am quite sure that when we next update the tractors, then it will be for models with extra power and the baler mode software unlocked.”

The verdict

Large Square Baler Mode is surprisingly effective. The constant ‘nodding’ movement associated with operating all large square balers is something operators accept as part of the job. However, by selecting a New Holland T7 HD or T7 LWB tractor with PLM controls to work with a compatible New Holland large square baler, this rocking action can be reduced improving operator comfort and reducing fatigue, with no reduction in baling rate or performance.

“I believe that because it manages engine performance so tightly to suit the baler, it actually increases the work rate while also reducing fuel consumption,” concluded John. “It’s worth having and I will request it next time my current T7.270 is due for updating.

“Just being able to drink cups of tea without having to stop on a headland or fight the rocking motion makes such a difference to a long working day.”