Currently in the development stage, the Lely Welger CB starts forming a new bale while tying off the last one.
Lely’s latest continuous baling system, the Lely Welger CB, is a variable baler the company claims doesn’t need to stop or slow down when baling any type of crop.
Currently in development, the Lely Welger CB secures one bale while simultaneously starting the next one, a new baling concept aiming to improve the productivity and the lives of farmers and contractors.
Lely says a machine which continuously stays in motion enables baling to be much more efficient and comfortable.
“More high quality bales can be made because no time is lost waiting for tying and releasing,” the company states.
“Driving at a constant speed significantly improves the comfort for the driver, reduces fuel consumption, and minimises wear and tear as frequent breaking is no longer required.
The Lely Welger CB uses a specialised transfer system to achieve continuous baling.
As soon as the desired bale size is reached, a transfer system moves the bale within the belt to the extended back of the baler. This creates room for a new bale to start immediately in the front.
After the first bale is tied by the net wrap system, the tailgate opens and drops the bale on the go. The baler returns to its compact position, ready again to finish the bale which is being made in the front.
During this continuous process, a cleverly engineered belt buffering and tensioning system ensures a consistent tension on the belt to produce high density bales.
Lely says it will now continue extensive testing and fine-tuning of the machine in different circumstances with potential customers. If all goes well, it will soon be available commercially.
“Lely has maintained its focus on improving its round baling technology in order to meet the demands of its farmer and contractor customers,” the company says.
“Lely’s experience round balers in silage is that round silage bales are less sensitive to crop conditions.”
Extensive field research undertaken by Lely indicates that in wet conditions round bales reach the correct pH values sooner compared to square bales. Round bales also tend to have a more consistent density compared to square bales.
Furthermore, round bales need less wrapping as they are a more efficient shape.
The surface contact area is much smaller for round bales versus square bales, giving less opportunity for oxygen to intrude.
“Lely strives to be innovators in agricultural technology,” the company adds.
“When Lely introduces a new product which is a breakthrough for the agricultural sector, it is labelled a Yellow Revolution.”
Part of Lely’s ‘Yellow Revolution’ initiative, the Lely Welger CB concept is the ninth Yellow Revolution in nine years.
Lely held the global launch of the Lely Welger CB at a Yellow Revolution event in the Netherlands on September 4th.