John Deere Previews Four New Premium Balers
2009-04-28

Designed for large farms and contractors looking for higher density bales and increased versatility, John Deere’s new Premium range of round balers will be previewed at Grassland UK in May 2009.

John Deere 644 Premium round baler

There are four models being introduced for the 2010 season; the 644 fixed chamber baler, the 744 wrapping baler and the 854 or 864 variable chamber balers, which replace the 578, 678 and 582 or 592 models respectively. All four machines will be equipped as standard with a new 2.2m Maxicut 25-knife precutter pick-up, and a new ‘drop floor’ device operated from the cab, which prevents blockages caused by the build-up of crop material.

The new fine chop pick-up allows four different cutting length adjustments from 40 to 140mm, or it can be removed from work for maximum versatility. To extend working time, it is also possible to run with a half set of knives at a fixed chop length, for example, by simply closing off the rest of the knives.

A new pto driveline with longer greasing intervals for easier servicing is also featured on the 644 and 744 models. In addition, the 744 wrapping baler features as standard the new CAN-Bus VTI 1300 display, previewed at last year’s Grassland event. The VTI (Virtual Terminal Implement) system replaces the previous combination of a BaleTrak Plus monitor and a GreenStar display unit in the tractor cab.

This is designed to be easier to operate, with more functionality, and offers an automatic greasing system option that enables the operator to adjust the baler lubrication process from the tractor cab. Bale diameter on the 744 is adjustable between 1.25m, 1.30m and 1.35m for additional versatility in all crop conditions. The baler can also load up to 12 rolls of film for longer working days.

The 644 fixed chamber baler is a heavy-duty machine delivering high-density bales for intensive silage operations. The netwrapping system features storage capacity for three net rolls, including CoverEdge, and optional features include a pick-up roller compressor, pivoting gauge wheels and an electronic bale shape indicator.

The 854 and 864 variable chamber balers produce up to 16 per cent higher density bales up to 1.55m or 1.80m diameter in all crops, from straw to silage, by utilising larger diameter tensioning cylinders and tension arms. These newly styled models incorporate reinforced composite side panels, and are fitted with a range of other Premium features as standard, including the pick-up roller compressor, automatic chain lubrication, a cleaning auger and the CoverEdge netwrapping system.

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