Massey Ferguson has launched a new extra-density big square baler called the 2170XD that can pack 15%-20% more material into each bale. The aim is to boost output, cut handling time and lower transport costs of the 2170XD’s 1.2m x 0.88m bales. It can make bales with an average weight of 550kg in wheat straw at 12.5% moisture.

The new model is designed and built in Agco’s Hesston factory in Kansas, USA. The engineers there have fitted a new flywheel with twice the weight, an uprated XD gearbox with stronger, larger components, a new chamber design and standard high-speed tandem axle.

The new XD flywheel, which weighs 545kg and has a width of 250mm, is apparently 91% heavier and more than twice the thickness of the standard version. There’s also a new, stronger gearbox with uprated gears and bearings.

The new bale chamber design not only increases the compression on the material to form the extra density bales, but also does this at a lower hydraulic pressure than the standard MF2170, says the company. It’s fitted with a 2.26m pick-up.

There’s also a self-steering independently sprung axle as standard and 500/45-22.5 tyres are fitted. This should improve driver comfort and machine stability in transport, as well as giving good flotation and ground clearance in the field. It’s rated at 60kph and is available with hydraulic or pneumatic brakes.

An Isobus-compliant terminal is standard and Integrated Bale Weighing System (IBWS) is an option that operates through the same terminal. This allows the operator to monitor individual bale weight, flake width, bale length and total bale weight. The HayBoss G2 bale preservative applicator system is available, too, allowing crops to be baled at moistures between 15% and 30%.