The new LB434XL 3x4 large square baler from Case IH helps high-volume hay and forage producers bale more acres per day, thanks to improved capacity and greater bale density. Paired with a Puma or Optum tractor, this rugged and reliable baler produces consistent, uniform bales acre after acre — regardless of the crop or field conditions.

With the addition of Model Year 2017 RB5 series round balers, Case IH offers ISOBUS Class 3 functionality across the majority of its baler lineup and all Maxxum CVT, Puma and Optum tractors. This Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) technology enhances both productivity and bale quality.

From the beefed-up bale chamber to the rugged frame, the LB434XL is designed from the ground up for large-scale hay and forage operations. Operators will notice a 31.5-inch longer bale chamber. This 31 percent increase over current LB434 balers delivers up to 10 percent higher bale density.

Greater density means more crop per bale, decreasing the bale count.

ISOBUS Class 3-enabled Feedrate Control technology makes the dense, well-formed bales produced by the LB434XL easy to achieve for operators at all skill levels. This technology allows the baler to run at optimal performance and capacity by controlling the speed of an ISOBUS Class 3-compatible tractor, such as the versatile Optum.

Feedrate Control includes two running operations:

Charge Control: Automatically adjusts the tractor’s speed to reach optimal capacity from the baler. This results in higher throughput by up to 9 percent.

Slice Control: Automatically adjusts the tractor’s speed based on bale slice thickness. This allows the operator to predetermine the number of slices per bale to create more consistent bale weight and length.

In addition to ISOBUS Class 3, the LB434XL comes with AFS capability built in. The intuitive, easy-to-read AFS Pro 300 or 700 control center display monitors bale weight and moisture.

The LB434XL baler is built to handle capacity. Additional enhancements to this workhorse model include:

Robust design: The heavy-duty plunger hammers out uniform, dense bales at 48 strokes per minute while the rugged PTO driveline handles 40 percent more peak torque. Increased pickup auger thickness, more robust axle and bearing options and a stronger frame add to overall durability.

Larger platform: A larger platform makes baler clean-off easier for greater productivity. Folding safety railings simplify shipping and road transport, along with better access to the front of knotter fans.

Improved bale-ejection system: The extended bale chamber ensures bales drop more gently with less twine breakage. Partial or full bale eject options feature an active teeth system for greater durability and reliable bale ejection.

Hydraulic hose identification: Color-coded decals identify hydraulic lines to simplify tractor hookup.

LED work and service lights: Clear illumination to key areas such as pickup, twine boxes, needles and knotters, and the rear safety rail provide better visibility.

ISOBUS Class 3 technology boosts round baler productivity

For Model Year 2017, RB5 series round balers can be equipped with a new ISOBUS Class 3 Tractor and Baler Automation option. This system controls the tractor stop, bale wrap and bale eject functions without any operator input required.

Attached to a Puma or Maxxum CVT tractor, operators can take advantage of ISOBUS Class 3 controls to automatically stop the tractor when the target bale size is reached. From there, net wrap is automatically applied. When the wrap cycle is complete, the baler tailgate raises and lowers automatically to eject each wrapped bale.

Once the completed bale is ejected, the operator can simply move the tractor shuttle lever to the forward position and go.