Vicon has introduced a third model to its existing LB range of big square balers.

The new LB2290 – with 90cm bale height – joins the existing LB8200 and LB12200 models.

The LB12290 features Vicon’s “Power Density” pre-chamber system, which uses a non-stop feeding fork to pre-pack material before it enters the main bale chamber.

Operating on a continuous cycle, the fork is used to transport the crop upwards into the bale chamber when the required pre-chamber density is exceeded.

Effective operation

It is a system that allows the balers to operate as effectively in extremely light crops as they would in heavy swaths, says Vicon’s technical manager, Tim Baker.

“With Power Density, swath size and crop volume no longer have a direct effect on bale formation.”

The new model uses integral rotor technology – borrowed from the LB8200 and LB12200 – which uses auger flights on the outer edges of the main feed rotor, ensuring a smooth crop flow over the 2.3m wide pickup.

The Opticut crop chopping system can also be fitted, which gives the machine a 23-knife system.

Shaft drives

Vicon uses shaft drives throughout the baler, and claims that this combined with a cam-type overload clutch means that the drive-train can automatically clear blockages.

“Should a blockage occur, the operator only needs to stop and reduce pto speed to automatically re-engage the clutch. Low-rpm then allows the baler to process its own blockage,” says Mr Baker.

Equipped with auto-greasing, last bale ejector, roller bale ramp and a single axle shod on 700/40×22.5 tyres, Vicon says the LB12290 is expected to be priced from £74,975, with the 23-knife Opticut version costing from £86,095.