RACINE, Wis. - From better bale quality to improved knotter reliability – and increased operator convenience – Case IH large square balers are sporting several significant changes in 2009. “The new LB333 and LB433 balers are built specifically to meet customer demands,” says Bob Lane, Case IH haytools product specialist. “When it comes to making model-year changes on red equipment, Case IH engineers and customers work together,” Lane adds. “We ask customers what improvements, additional features and new options they’d like to see.”

“On Case IH large square balers (currently the LBX332 and LBX432) for 2009, our customers told us they wanted bales that are easier to handle and stack,” Lane continues. “So Case IH improved the stuffer speed and timing, to accelerate the crop into the pre-chamber. This allows the new balers to provide a more consistent bale shape and length, with improved fill on the bale tops and corners.”

The new Case IH LB333 and LB433 balers also have wider rear doors, for easier bale ejection and less friction. “We also changed the density system linkages to provide better control over bale ‘squeezing,’” says Lane.

Other 2009 model improvements include a new dual-bale ejection system. “The new system uses two levers,” he explains. “One lever ejects only the rear-most bale, so you can fold up the baler roller chute and move to the next field. The second lever clears out the entire bale chamber, for when it’s time to move to the next custom job, or it’s the end of the season.”

More monitor options The new Case IH large square balers are available with new monitor options, including the ability to use a customer’s existing Case IH AFS Pro 600 color display. “If you’ve already invested in an AFS Pro 600 monitor for your tractor or combine, you’re all set to plug and play,” Lane notes.

Similarly, for growers who own another type of ISOBUS monitor, the LB333 and LB433 can be ordered with no monitor. Or the balers can be equipped with the standard black and white baler monitor, which offers many of the same features as other monitors – including automatically maintaining bale density by adjusting hydraulic pressure as crop and moisture conditions change.

Best-in-class knotter After talking with customers, Case IH engineers also made several knotter changes. “The 2009 models come with a reliable, best-in-class knotter that reduces stops and increases daily output,” says Lane.

“We’ve improved the air flow of the knotter fans, so they more effectively blow out the chaff and dust that can affect performance,” he adds. “And the baler still holds 30 twine balls, so the machine goes a long time between reloads.”

Other 2009 model changes Other improvements include an optimal tractor/baler connection. According to Lane, “We’ve narrowed the front frame and hitch, making it easier to hook up to the tractor. We’ve also modified the pickup gauge wheels, so you don’t need tools to make adjustments. And the knives on both the LB333 and LB433 are now hard faced and abrasive resistant, for a longer lifespan. In addition, we updated the styling, giving the balers a powerful new look. “

Some systems are best left alone. “We’re keeping the electronic bale length kit – the option that allows the operator to conveniently change the bale length from the tractor. And we’re still using our automatic centralized grease and oiling system, to extend the life of the bearings,” says Lane. “Our customers recognize the value of that automatic system.”

Case IH is a global leader in agricultural equipment, committed to collaborating with its customers to develop the most powerful, productive, reliable equipment – for those who demand more. With headquarters in the United States, Case IH has a network of dealers and distributors that operates in over 160 countries. Case IH provides agricultural equipment systems, flexible financial service offerings and parts and service support for professional farmers and commercial operators through a dedicated network of professional dealers and distributors. Productivity enhancing products include tractors; combines and harvesters; hay and forage equipment; tillage tools; planting and seeding systems; sprayers and applicators; and site-specific farming tools. Case IH is a brand of CNH (NYSE: CNH), a majority-owned subsidiary of Fiat Group (FIA: MI).

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Photo caption: Several upgrades and innovative options are available on the new Case IH LB333 and LB433 large square balers. The 2009 models provide a more consistent bale shape and length, and improve bale density by up to 5 percent. And an improved best-in-class knotter reduces stops and increases time in the field.

www.caseih.com
www.caseih.com