Fendt offers 13 different models in its ISOBUS-ready large square baler line. They differ in bale-chamber size, whether they carry a bale spreader or a ProCut chopping unit, and axle type. Alongside the technical updates come new model designations. For example, the Fendt 1290 TC is a large square baler with a 120 x 90 cm bale chamber on a tandem axle (T) with a ProCut (C) chopping unit, while the Fendt 12130 SP is a 120 x 130 cm model with a single axle (S) and a pick-up (P).
New tandem axle with suspension
Starting with the 2023 model year, all large square balers with a tandem axle will come as standard with a new, improved suspension and a passive steering axle. The design increases manoeuvrability and prevents damage to soil and meadow turf. All series-production models are additionally fitted with larger tyres than the previous generation. Even with the largest tyre size of 620/50R-22.5, the balers’ overall width stays under 3 m. A lubrication strip provides one-shot greasing and cuts servicing time.
An even more powerful pick-up
An additional row of tines boosts the pick-up’s power. Starting with the 2023 model year, five rows of tines grip crop material even better and increase working speed. New plastic strippers are now also standard on the pick-up. Their smooth surface improves bale quality and keeps dirt particles out. The smooth surface of the plastic strippers also reduces friction, ensuring a clean flow of crop material. The strippers’ durable polypropylene significantly extends their service life while also lowering noise. Their low weight and smart placement further simplify maintenance.
Durability and greater operating comfort
The bale-spreader crankshaft bearings now come with long-life grease as standard. This lubrication cuts down on daily maintenance and extends service life.
To further improve durability, pre-compression can now be quickly and easily adjusted to conditions using a lever – this helps achieve the ideal bale shape.
For even greater operating comfort, the bale chute can now be folded from the tractor cab via the terminal. This cuts down on downtime in the field, especially with frequent field changes. The highly durable tie-down straps are quieter and lighter than the previous chains.
Road, work and function lighting now comes with LEDs as standard.
Smart options for even greater operating comfort
The electronics of the large square balers have been comprehensively reworked. This includes an updated Bale Create user interface. In addition, all models now measure bale length as standard, with high precision. A smart electronic control system ensures bales don’t exceed their set length by adding extra layers. The optional twine monitoring feature tracks how much twine has been used and issues a warning when a twine spool is running low. This cuts downtime and ensures reliable bale wrapping. On XD models, the twine monitoring system is standard equipment. The new electronics also make it possible to use the Fendt Connect telemetry system and to control operation via the press with TIM (Tractor Implement Management).
Trailer throughput thanks to TIM
With TIM (Tractor Implement Management), the tractor adapts perfectly to the implement’s requirements and boosts trailer throughput. Paired with a TIM-capable tractor, the large square baler controls the tractor’s travel speed according to harvest conditions and chosen target parameters, such as bale length, number of layers per bale, individual layer width or bale weight. The result: perfectly consistent bales, the pick-up always running at its optimum, the trailer always fully loaded, and the driver free to focus entirely on monitoring the baling process.
Full connectivity with AGCO Connect
The central AGCO Connect telemetry system provides location-independent fleet management and optimizes machine deployment. AGCO Connect can read machine data such as machine utilization, bale length and weight, speed and operating time, as well as service information. This data then appears in the corresponding app or web application. That way, a farm manager always keeps their machines in view.
With the customer’s consent, the dealer can also access machine data. Location-independent analysis of fault codes and upcoming service intervals can reduce or entirely avoid downtime, and allows service dates to be planned intelligently. Machine-related data is not stored or transmitted beyond this. The whole process is subject to the strict requirements of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Transparency on bale quality with Bale Link
Bale Link is a system for collecting and processing information about each individual square bale. During baling, the baler records bale-specific data covering quality, GPS position, moisture, number of layers per bale, and information about additive dosing and bale dimensions. A special weather- and temperature-resistant twine with an RFID chip is woven into every bale during baling, along with the third or fourth twine strand. The chips are placed in the twine so that one chip is woven into every bale up to 2.40 m long. The RFID chip assigns each bale a code, and information about each individual bale is stored in a cloud. Based on this information, bales can be stored and sold according to their quality.
To read a bale’s data, the RFID chip is scanned. The BaleLink app displays the corresponding data on a smartphone, PC or tablet. Users can also share this bale data with dealers or other farmers. This provides transparency on bale quality at the point of sale.
Bale Link will be available in North American markets starting with the 2023 model year, and in Europe from the 2024 model year.
The new Fendt large square baler models can be ordered from July 2022. Deliveries will begin in 2023.
