Massey Ferguson has improved the efficiency of its 2170 baler by introducing the ‘XD’ model for 2012, which offers up to a 20 per cent increase in bale density, says Howard Sherren.

Making the most of your machinery and getting the most weight in a bale is one of the key ways to reduce costs when it comes to baling. More material in a bale means less twine will be used, reduced handling and transportation times and hauliers will get more on their loads.

Massey Ferguson has launched its 2170 XD ‘Extra Density’ large square baler, which produces higher density bales in a range of crops. “For more than a decade Massey Ferguson has offered machines that make this bale size, which offers optimum transport capacity in many situations,” explains Mark Grigson, Harvesting Product Marketing Manager.

“Now the new MF 2170 XD makes much denser and heavier bales, further helping to optimise transport space and cut costs. “Evaluation trials in the UK this season have shown an increase in bale weight of between 15 to 20 per cent more than with the MF 2170 XD, compared to the standard model. The machine was regularly making bales with an average weight of 550kg in wheat straw at 12.5 per cent moisture.” Heavy duty To get this increased density a number of internal parts have been improved and strengthened. Starting with the XD flywheel, which weighs in at 545kg, some 91 per cent heavier than the previous design, and twice as thick at 250mm. This provides more inertia for the gearbox and, most importantly, the plunger. With a heavier plunger comes a larger gearbox.

This is 80 per cent wider and 35 per cent heavier. The output shaft also sees a 20 per cent increase in size to take this new load, with a plunger from the larger MF 2190 and reinforced plunger load arms. Lower down, the 2.26m pick-up has a double cam track to avoid any twisting with the increased load. Compression has been increased by using new density doors, developed by Hesston engineers. Using a lower hydraulic pressure, the doors have a refined profile, which has a gradual curve to improve compaction, and the pinch point has been moved further forward. The density cylinders have an increase of 25mm in diameter to 115mm and are attached to redesigned pivot arms and supports that provide more compression from less pressure.

The 2170 XD continues to use the original pioneering Hesston-designed, double knotters, which are kept clean and clear of debris by the standard, transverse impeller blower that operates across the whole width. An electronically-controlled automatic knotter auto-lube system is also standard. Suspended tandem axle Mainly aimed at contractors, Massey Ferguson has fitted the 2170 XD with a suspended tandem axle as standard. The self-steering, independently-sprung axle runs on 500/45-22.5 tyres and enhances comfort and stability during transport.

The high-speed axle is rated at 60km/hr and is available with hydraulic or pneumatic brakes. The previously launched Integrated Bale Weighing System (IBWS) is an option that operates through the same baler Isobus terminal that can also run other implements. This allows the operator to monitor individual bale weight, width, length and total bale weight. This provides the extra benefit of enabling contractors to buy straw or sell forage by the precise tonnage, rather than on a per bale, or area, basis. Another significant advantage of weighing the bales is that it allows operators to reduce costs by achieving maximum truck payloads, without the risk of overloading. Delivery of the 2170 XD is expected in time for next year’s harvest.