A HISTORY IN SQUARE BALING INNOVATION
New Holland has been putting the ‘big’ into big square baling for over three decades. Since its first big balers rolled off the production line in 1987, some 30,000 examples have been put to work in the world’s fields. Today, all BigBalers are produced in Zedelgem, Belgium, New Holland’s Centre of Harvesting Excellence, where they are designed, manufactured, tested and shipped the world over.
HIGH-DENSITY PERFORMANCE - BigBaler High Density balers can deliver up to 22% higher-density bales than other conventional large square balers, and up to 15% more when compared to BigBaler PLUS models.
SMOOTH BALER ENGAGEMENT - Exclusive SmartShift™ gearbox features two-speed start-up technology for smooth baler engagement while protecting the tractor’s driveline.
HYDRAULIC AXLE SUSPENSION - Provides excellent ground following ability and superior accessibility underneath the baler.
STRONGER KNOTS - Patented Loop Master™ knotter system increases overall bale tensile strength up to 26% for lower operating costs while eliminating twine offcuts.
The baler's short and narrow drawbar, coupled with its non-reflective yellow color, provides operators with excellent visibility of the pick-up during baling. This design enhances control and precision, ensuring that the baling process is both efficient and effective.
The CropCutter™ system is now available with two options: 15 knives for a medium cut or 29 knives for a short cut. Each knife is individually spring-protected, and the paired rotor fingers for each knife ensure controlled cutting action and superior performance, even under heavy loads. For those seeking extended durability, an optional hard-faced rotor is available, and the durability of the system has been further enhanced by increasing the thickness of the outside teeth by 50%.
The BigBaler 1290 High Density not only produces bales with up to 22% higher density compared to conventional balers and up to 15% higher compared to the BigBaler Plus range, but it also delivers superior productivity. This increased efficiency is partially due to the new five-bar pickup, which allows for faster crop intake and higher feeding rates, enhancing overall baling performance.
The BigBaler 1290 High Density is equipped with New Holland’s innovative Loop Master™ knotting technology, which enhances the brand’s well-known double knotting system. The second knot is now a loop style, offering a 37% increase in strength compared to a standard knot, leading to a 26% boost in overall tensile strength, thereby reducing breakages. A significant advantage of this system is the elimination of twine offcuts, which traditionally remain in the field and could end up in fodder. Over a 10,000 bale season, this innovation can save over six kilometers or 46 kg of twine.
During long baling days, small conveniences can make a big difference, but significant innovations can have an even greater impact. The IntelliView™ IV colour touchscreen display on the BigBaler 1290 High Density has been completely redesigned. It now features a user-friendly interface that allows operators to control main functions directly from the screen. This includes specific ‘action’ buttons for quick access to crucial features such as bale density, bale length, and PTO engagement.
The award-winning IntelliSense™ Bale Automation system represents a groundbreaking advancement in the baling process. As automation becomes increasingly integral to modern farming, New Holland's IntelliSense™ system introduces a pioneering proactive steering and speed control automation system for the BigBaler range. This innovation transforms the baling experience by significantly reducing the operator's manual workload.
Previously, operating a large square baler required extensive focus, with constant adjustments to steering, swath density, and crop flow to avoid overloads. Operators had to frequently adjust tractor speed to match varying conditions, monitor bale fill indicators, and ensure consistent bale slice numbers and weights. IntelliSense™ bale automation alleviates much of this burden, automating these critical tasks to enhance efficiency and consistency while minimizing operator fatigue.
New Holland FieldOps™ offers the convenience of connecting to your BigBaler 1290 High Density remotely from your office. Through mobile network utilization, you can monitor over 27 machine operating parameters, staying informed about your baler's performance at all times. This system allows for real-time communication, enabling you to send and receive information instantly, which helps save time and boosts productivity.
Larger diameter tyres, up to 1.4 metres tall, can be fitted to the BigBaler 1290 High Density, which helps reduce soil compaction. The customer has a choice between two-wheel sizes which always stay within a 3m road width. A 600/50R22.5 and 600/55R26.5 are offered, which greatly reduces soil compaction.
The new high-capacity Packer models come equipped with 3, 9-tine packer forks, designed with heavy-duty components to ensure durability and match the baler's high throughput. Additionally, the overload protection clutch on these Packer models is 25% more robust compared to that on BigBaler Plus Packer models.
The award-winning SmartShift™ gearbox features two-speed start-up technology to deliver exceptionally smooth baler engagement while protecting your tractor driveline. The process begins when the PTO reaches 850 rpm; at this point, the baler engages and automatically shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. This mechanism accelerates the flywheel to a maximum speed of 1440 rpm at full tractor PTO speed, which is among the highest in its segment. The flywheel itself is notably larger and heavier than those on BigBaler Plus models, with a 16% increase in diameter, reaching 1080 mm. This design allows the SmartShift™ gearbox to generate 230% more energy than previous models, thanks to the combination of its higher speed and increased size.
A full LED 360° lighting package has been developed to turn night into day, and to maintain productivity and ease of operation even in the dead of night.
The BigBaler 1290 High Density has been designed with ease of maintenance at its core, allowing you to spend more time baling and less time in the yard. The baler features minimal daily greasing points and wide-opening side and front shields, facilitating easy access to all critical areas. The pick-up is equipped with poly tine bands that are quicker and simpler to replace. Additionally, the large, flat upper service deck provides immediate access to the knotter system, further enhancing maintenance efficiency.