Vicon has introduced a new high-capacity fixed chamber baler for contractors and farmers forced to deal with heavy crops.

The Fixbale 500 replaces the RF 4235 fixed baler, with notable changes including an extra roller (now 18 in the chamber) at the base to help with the extra weight, while the pick-up is now 100mm wider at 2.3m, with all tines now 100mm longer to help with crop flow.

Capacity has been boosted by a larger-diameter intake rotor and a new drop floor system, with a rounded profile giving extra clearance at both ends of the machine.

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A 70mm chop length is possible from the 15 or 25 Supercut knives, with auto chain lubrication and bearing greasing as standard.

The five-tine reel has a cam-track located at either end of the wider pick-up, while the driveline components have been pinched from Vicon’s Fastbale non-stop baler.

Chamber rollers all run on 50mm bearings, up from 38mm, and double-row roller bearings are used on all the main load points.

There is one selectable hydraulic valve that is switched from the cab to control the pick-up raise and lower, drop floor and engaging the knife block, so only one pipe needs plugging in.

Prices and availability are yet to be announced.