Stronger built baler adding contractor output confidence

The heavier duty build specification of the Krone Comprima X-treme variable round baler is having a positive impact on a Yorkshire mixed farmer’s contracting business.

David Hawkswell of High Pond Farm, Burrell near Bedale, says switching his Comprima V150 XC for the meatier X-treme version could boost output by at least 20% without compromising bale quality, operating cost or operator safety and driving experience. Approximately 500 silage bales have already been produced this season with a target by the end of August of 1200 bales.

The versatility of the X-treme and the EasyFlow cam less pick ensures means he can confidently pick up virtually any swath and still produce a quality bale. With a number of customers up in the Yorkshire Dales Mr Hawkswell adds that even baling on slopes and steep hill sides presents few challenges.

Although the contracting arm of the business is in expansion mode Mr Hawkswell says that a 37,000 indoor broiler unit, 85 beef cattle and 120 hectares of arable crops including wheat and short term grass leys plus permanent pastures is the primary income source.

First and second cut silage produced on the home farm makes around 200 round bales. A square baler also produces 900 large straw bales for animal bedding and for selling locally. Main contracting services include making silage, hay and straw bales plus ploughing and drilling.

“My contracting business has grown organically,” says Mr Hawkswell. “I currently make about 4000 four foot round bales, but I’m hopeful of building this up to about 5000 bales. Our new baler is certainly capable of achieving this level of output.”

Mr Hawkswell explains that his first Comprima baler replaced a four year old Vicon round baler.

“Our first Krone Comprima baler came with a chopping facility which was not an option on the Vicon. At the time customers didn't seem too fussed about not being able to chop their grass, but having tried it and witnessed an improvement in the quality of the silage produced, over 90% now specify that the grass is chopped prior to baling.

“In my opinion chopped silage ferments much better which improves palatability. It is also much easier to feed through a feeder wagon,” he explains. “As a result we have seen a steady increase in demand for contract baling work since switching to the Comprima.

Comprima V150 XC X-treme is fitted with either two sets of blades (17 or 26) attached to the cutting rotor in a unique ‘Chevron’ formation, which assists in the uniform distribution of material across the full working width of the machine producing well shaped bales. Depending on the desired chop length and the condition of the grass, blades can be hydraulically raised and lowered in or out of work.

Mr Hawkswell says that both the old Vicon and his first Comprima were capable of producing about 100 bales/hr, but the X-treme is already achieving in excess of 130bales/hour. However, he adds that the power on the front - coming from a Class 520 (127hp) tractor - remains the same.

“I had the Comprima X-treme on demo last season and I was really impressed with its ease of operation and the build quality. Touch button controls in the cab means I can infinitely vary the bale size from 1.0m to 1.5m and density without leaving the seat.

“This baler runs about 20% faster than the previous model which is where the extra output comes from, but I also find that the unique extra strong and wider Novogrip belt and fabric slat elevator improves crop flow and uniformity and density of the bale. Hydraulic rams and springs provide the pressure.

“The X-treme is subtly different from my previous Comprima, although in essence it does the same job. But it’s a more robust and heavy duty machine which is essential because I can’t afford any downtime with breakages. It’s only me in the business and so when it starts getting busy I must be ready,” concludes Mr Hawskwell.