John Deere has added a new fixed-chamber, roller-based unit to its round-baler range, claimed to be capable of handling a wider range of crops than standard machines.

The 568 MultiCrop is what the company describes as a “hybrid” unit, with bales being formed by a combination of rollers and chains-and-slats.

The front half of the chamber is lined by seven rollers as with Deere’s standard fixed chamber machines. However, the rear door’s rollers are replaced with a chain-and-slat set-up, claimed to provide more reliable bale rotation in slick materials such as straw.

This is said to avoid bale slippage, ensuring that the bale rotates at the speed required to maintain an even density and that netwrap is applied at the correct rate.

Although it is tagged as a fixed-chamber machine, operators can adjust door position to produce bales between 1.25m and 1.35m in diameter to suit different wrapping systems.

Deere’s CoverEdge system, which stretches netwrap down over the shoulder of the bale to provide smoother corners for when silage film is applied, will also be available. With an optional chopper unit, the basic 568 MultiCrop costs £19,340.