The headline act in Kuhn’s big square baler range is the SB 1290 iD, a high-density version of the standard six-stringer with which it shares 85% of the internals – including the flywheel.

The main point of difference is a split plunger system that allows it to pack up to 25% more straw into each bale.

See also: How to get a big square baler ready for the new season

Farmer and contractor Fred Wootton, of TEW Farming in Ravensden, Bedfordshire, gives us the lowdown on his six-year-old machine, which pumps out 9,000 straw bales a year for power stations and merchants.

Fred Wootton © MAG/Oliver Mark

Why an SB 1290 iD?

We took on the baling when our straw contractor packed up prior to harvest 2022.

As I was buying it before I’d ever driven a baler, he gave me a steer on what to look for. In his view, the Kuhn was user-friendly and, though it might not keep pace with a Krone for output, it would cost less to run.

Collings Brothers had a 1,000-bale ex-demo model in stock, which I picked up for £80,000.

It’s identical to the newer ones but for the old-style body panels, and it’s fitted with the Omnicut 23-knife chopper, which I’ve never used.

How has it performed?

I love it, particularly the twin plunger (Twinpact) system.

This delivers a double punch on the straw that reduces the peak loads, and makes it smoother and less power hungry.

I’ve heard of people running iDs on a 150hp tractor, and it’s more than comfortable on the John Deere 6190R that I hire in for the summer.

I tend to cruise at a steady 8-10kph. This gives stable flake sizes for consistent 500kg bales, which makes it easy to work out exactly how much straw I’ve got.

It’ll sit at this level all day and, though it would go to 520kg, the 500s are a happy middle ground for customers.

There’s enough in them for the power stations, I can get 24t on a 48-bale wagon – 2.4t more than with 450kg bales – and they’re not too densely packed for stock farmers’ bedding machines.

String cutting knife © MAG/Oliver Mark

Optimum moisture is 12-15%. The power station will take up to 20%, but I don’t want to be storing wet straw in the shed, nor put undue pressure on the knotters.

As it is, they’re reliable, though I think it helps that I religiously replace the string cutting knives every year.

It’s a cheap service item that reduces the risk of busted bales.

What could be improved?

Pto shaft © MAG/Oliver Mark

Not much. I’ve only had a few minor breakdowns, the most expensive of which was a replacement pto.

I couldn’t get the bits for the original in timely fashion, so I swapped to a Weasler shaft stocked by Big Bale South.

I also had to change all the cover latches as they fell apart after a year, and a little spring on the stuffer arm – which I had to get from John Deere at Langar.

One thing that does bug me is the tyres on the pick-up jockey wheels occasionally popping off their rims when cornering. I’m tempted to fill them with foam or swap to solid rubber.

And the bale weighing system has never really worked – despite having someone out to fix it. Fortunately, I can manage without by monitoring flake count and general performance.

Other than that, the only thing I’d add is a decent moisture meter.

That said, I’m not convinced they’re accurate enough, anyway. You need to get out of the cab with a probe to get a true reading.

Pick-up jockey wheels © MAG/Oliver Mark

How long are you going to keep it?

I’d definitely have another. My only concern is the backup.

Collings Brothers was a Kuhn big baler specialist, but it closed almost 18 months ago and the company is yet to sort out similar support elsewhere.

As it is, I have a local engineer and the guys at Ben Burgess to lean on for mechanical problems, but I might be left in the lurch with a major electrical or Isobus fault.

Spare parts are an issue, too. Ben Burgess carries some stock, but I’ve found myself having to drive to Deere’s Langar HQ more than once (components are shared with Deere’s old Kuhn-built balers).

The only reason I’d swap brand is for a good, local dealer. I’ve just been offered £50,000 to trade this one in, so it’s a decision for next year. 

I can’t see its replacement coming close to matching £30,000 depreciation in four years though, especially given it’s likely to cost £140,000.

Twine cutting knives are replaced annually to keep the knotters in tune © MAG/Oliver Mark