New automation and data collection features for round balers are among the technical innovations set to be revealed at the EIMA agricultural machinery show in Bologna, Italy.

Kuhn proposes a system for the VB 7100 baler that records individual bale weight, size and moisture content using on-board sensors and the isobus geolocation function.

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Previously available only on high-density big square balers, this setup could help assess forage and straw yield variations within fields instead of on a whole-field basis.

Kuhn engineers have also adopted isobus section control to automatically lift and lower the pick-up at headlands to save the operator another job, as well as a fully automated sequence to remove blockages from the baler’s intake channel.

Automated unblocking

Kubota also plans a fully automated intake unblocking sequence, while proposing added functions to the isobus tractor implement management (TIM) system that enables the baler to initiate certain tractor controls, such as coming to a stop for bale binding.

These include a delay function to avoid releasing finished bales on a slope, and regulating an adjustable drawbar to evenly fill the chamber across its width so that the operator does not have to steer a weaving path along the swath.

Both packages won recognition in the show’s technical innovation awards, which also went to New Holland and Deutz-Fahr autonomous orchard/vineyard tractors that collect crop data.

Other recipients include an isobus-equipped disc harrow from Kuhn that regulates working depth uniformity across the implement, keeps it aligned with the tractor across slopes, and lifts/lowers it at headlands.

And an all-in-one attachment system from Dieci that automatically makes the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical connections.

The EIMA show runs from November 6-10.