Buoyed by the success of its trailed Merge Maxx belt merger, Kuhn has developed a 3m-wide front-mounted version that can be used solo or in combination with a bigger 760, 950 or 1090 model.

The advantage of the 440 F is that it can shift grass off the ground ahead of the tractor, saving the crop from being driven on and avoiding the need to scrape the ground so aggressively with the following rake or merger – thus reducing crop contamination.

It can also be used to turn wet straw in a swath.

However, its design differs from others on the market in that the cam-guided pick-up tines flick the forage onto two 1m-wide conveyors, rather than a more conventional single-belt setup.

This means it can discharge material to the left, right, or both sides simultaneously.

© Kuhn

See also: Driver’s view: Dick Barnes’ Kuhn Merge Maxx 950

Pick-up height is set via two rotating skids with manual pin adjustment, while belt speed and direction can be altered from the tractor cab.

The merger, which weighs 1,140kg, is mounted on a ball joint that provides pendulum-type articulation to follow ground contours.

This is automatically locked when the machine is raised to maintain stability when turning.

To improve visibility, it carries a set of mirrors and the rear conveyor hood is transparent.

Kuhn also offers a containment net to reduce the amount of crop residue that is sucked up against the tractor’s grille, plus a windrow curtain for those planning to follow straight behind the 440 F with a baler.