Fendt optimises its square baler line

AGCO/Fendt has reworked and updated its square baler line. The six models, 870,
990, 1270, 1290, 1290 XD and 12130, now offer optimised operator and maintenance-
friendliness with improved quality and reliability. Connected with this is a higher
output as well as savings in time, fuel and costs.

Since they were launched in Germany in 2002, the Fendt square balers have enjoyed an
excellent reputation for their rugged, durable, reliable and high-output design. In the most
recent development of the square balers, the focus was on further improving these positive
properties, optimising operation and simplifying maintenance. Attention was placed on the
baling chamber, the electric bale length adjustment, modified tandem axle, automatic chain
lubrication as well as the colour design. The obvious benefits are a higher throughput
capacity, improved operator friendliness and savings in time, fuel and costs.

“Packer Cutter” available for 870 and 990 models

Besides the two existing square baler variants with cutter (S variant) or packer (N variant),
an additional variant, “R”, which is a combination of cutter and packer, is now available. On
these models, the normal packer has been modified in that the packer fingers are divided
down the middle. The knife, which is located on the packer floor, fits through this free
space. The packer cuts the crop on the knives and conveys it into the pre-compression
chamber. Just like the version with the cutter, the knives can be moved in and out.

Perfect equipment for your success

All Fendt square balers are ISO-BUS-capable, without limitations, and can be operated via
the 10.4“ Fendt Varioterminal in the Fendt tractor cab. The operating software has been
further developed and all important information is available on one display. It permits higher
load values and pressures to be set for the Fendt 1290 XD to produce the heaviest bales.
An HD spiral spring on all square baler models provides suspension and guides the pickup
over uneven surfaces, which allows it to follow ground contours perfectly. The spring can be

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adjusted quickly and easy by lifting the pickup and inserting a splint in the desired position.
Splints are also used for the transport lock and setting the working height. These settings
can be made quickly and do not require tools.
For optimal feed and chopping of the crop, the optional cutter for the 1270, 1290, 1290 XD
and 12130 models is fitted with 19 knives, the 870 and 990 models have eleven knives. All
have a theoretical cutting length of 48 mm.
The tandem axle has been strengthened on all square balers equipped with a passively
steered tandem axle to increase stability as well as to permit work in the accustomed
quality, even under tougher operating conditions. The introduction of the stronger tandem
axle allow the use of larger tyres (620/40-22.5 radial tyres), which offer a larger contact area
and therefore reduce pressure on the soil.

Electronic bale length adjustment is available as an option for all square baler models. It
permits the bale length to be conveniently varied from the terminal. The main benefit is the
savings in time, for example, for contractors, when the baler is used for different customers
back-to-back.

New stronger baling chamber

The top models 1290 XD and 12130 have a 40-cm longer baling chamber. This produces
uniform and highly dense bales. The bales are up to 20 percent heavier.
The flywheel on the 1290 XD square baler is larger and heavier than on the standard model.
The substantially higher inertia ensures that the square baler runs smoother and more
uniformly and increases the pressure of the plunger on the bale. Both the cast parts as well
as the internal components of the gearbox are stronger. The plunger also has stronger load
arms to handle the higher loads. Furthermore, the rear door profile has been changed
significantly to allow an increase in density. The design has reduced the load required to
hold the bale with the new density rams. The cross beam above the bale chamber, which
transfers the pressure to the top of the bale, now has considerably higher stability on the
1290 XD and can transfer the highest pressures safely.

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User-friendly servicing and maintenance work
Large side panels on all the square baler models provide easy access for servicing and
maintaining the pre-compression chamber, main gearbox and double knotters. The balers
have excellent illumination in the dark, so that maintenance work and servicing can be done
at night without any limitations. The centralised lubrication system for the knotters and the
sealed-for-life bearings as well as the few and easily accessible lubrication points enhance
maintenance friendliness. The double-knotter, which has proven itself over many years,
produces two knots per needle stroke and reliably ensures higher baling pressure for perfect
bales. Moreover, thanks to the Easy Fill system, up to 30 rolls of twine can be filled easily
and quickly. The standard knotter blower has an exceptionally powerful cross flow blower. It
can be swung up out of the way for perfect access to the knotters. The baler is equipped
with a mechanically controlled pre-compression chamber, which always ensures perfect
bales, regardless of the windrow size and consistency.
New for all square baler models is the automatic chain lubrication. What previously had to
be done manually is now taken care of automatically by the new system, while the machine
is running, and can be conveniently monitored and controlled from the terminal. The
lubrication oil goes from the tank to the chain via brushes. This user-friendly maintenance
increases the reliability of the machine and saves time.

New colour scheme

Not only the equipment options on the new Fendt square balers have been improved. All six
models now also have a new colour scheme. The optimised models can be recognised by
their grey twine boxes and the same colour access cover to the knotter.

Production of the new Fendt square balers starts in September 2013, so that they will be
available for the season 2014.