Massey Ferguson branded versions of Welger round balers have broken cover. The machines will make their official debut at next month’s Agritechnica show in Hanover, Germany – on Massey Ferguson’s stand.
This news follows closely after the launch of Fendt-branded Welger balers, details of which have already appeared on AgriLand.
This development, like the earlier Fendt story, follows on from news – earlier this year – that AGCO was to purchase Lely’s ‘forage’ division, including its mowers, tedders, rakes, (Welger) balers and wagons.
The deal includes the transfer of ownership and control of the German factories in Wolfenbuttel (balers) and Waldstetten (self-loading wagons) to AGCO. The employees will also ‘move’ from Lely to AGCO.
This will leave Lely to “focus on the development of robotics and other innovations in dairy farming”.
Also Read: Updated: Fendt unveils ‘green’ Welger balers and Lely Tigo wagonsFendt-branded Welger round balers are expected to arrive here in Ireland next year. Will Massey Ferguson versions arrive at the same time?
Similarly, Lely Tigo forage wagons will also become available as Fendt-badged products. These are not expected to arrive on the Irish market until later – possibly even 2019. When, if at all, will we see these break cover in Massey Ferguson colours?
It is still unclear what the long-term, future strategy is for Lely-produced mowers, tedders and rakes. These are currently built in Holland. It’s unknown whether AGCO will build them elsewhere (and, if so, in what livery) or “consolidate” its line-up, given that it already has mowers, tedders and rakes in its own line-up (courtesy of its tie-up with Fella).
New RB Series round balers
Massey Ferguson’s so-called RB Series (essentially updated Welger machines) will consist of five models, including fixed and variable-chamber machines. Designed to cope with hay, silage and straw, Massey Ferguson claims that they incorporate a number of patented and unique features.
“The MF RB Series joins the recently introduced mower, rakes and tedders,” explained Adam Sherriff, market development manager, Massey Ferguson Harvesting (EME).
Customers are now able to buy a well-proven, quality baler from their local Massey Ferguson dealer.
“The addition of these balers enables Massey Ferguson to expand its world-class range of hay and forage equipment, as well as provide arable operators with the industry’s most respected variable-chamber round baler,” he added.
Key features include a camless pick-up, ‘Hydroflexcontrol’ anti-block system, ‘Constant Pressure System’, ‘Xtracut’ chopper and ‘Varionet’ wrapping.
The balers are fitted with a positive, mechanical tailgate lock, to “ensure uniform bale diameter and density, while reducing power consumption”.
The MF RB Series is also available with a range of options, including air brakes, wider pick-ups and larger tyres.
Three fixed-chamber machines create 1.25m diameter X 1.23m wide bales, using 18 rollers.
The choice includes the straight-forward RB 1125F, with net-wrap; the RB 2125F with a 13 or 17-knife chopper; and the top-of-the-range RB 2125FPR, with a 25-knife chopper.
Two variable-chamber balers, which create bales using four belts, are available with three chopper options – offering 13, 17 or 25 knives. The RB 4106V makes bales from 0.9m to 1.6m in diameter, while the RB 4180V goes from 0.9m to 1.8m.
