Optimized for More Throughput

In this article a reference is made to the earlier Profi large square baler comparison test that was published in November 2018.

At the time the KUHN LSB 1290 iD stood out from its competition in terms of density. Now, we get to learn what the new SB 1290 iD is capable of in terms of capacity and density. 

The driving impression took place in August 2021, at Voigstedt, Germany. The moisture averages were between 12% and 13%. A 325 hp Fendt 933 is used to pull the SB 1290 iD.

Some quotes from the article:

"In our comparison test (Profi 11/2018), the Kuhn baler with double plunger system surprised with very high bale densities. Now they have stepped it up in terms of throughput as well."

This is exactly where the new SB 1290 iD has been improved:

"’Powerfeed roller’ is the magic word when it comes to increasing throughput. This is an actively driven feed roller positioned directly in front of the familiar Omnicut rotor. The roller features up and down movement and therefore able to optimally adapt to the crop flow."

In addition, the new SB 1290 iD features a 20% increase in torque on the automatic cam clutch of the rotor and a 10% higher torque on the automatic cam clutch of the feeder fork.

"We were all excited to see what the baler was now capable of. Pulled by a Fendt 933 Vario (239 kW/325 hp), we were able to measure bales in dry wheat straw (Table: "Bale density and throughput"). According to this, the Kuhn SB 1290 iD achieved a maximum bale density of 13.2 lbs/ft³ (or a 1170 lb 8' bale) at a throughput of 48.5 ton/hr - very good! Even when the machine ran at a maximum throughput of 72.3 ton/hr, the bales still weighed almost 11.9 lb/ft³ (or a 1055 lb 8' bale). Although the results are not directly comparable with the values from our baler comparison test, KUHN has delivered on its promise to realize 20% more capacity with the new generation balers."

Profi's conclusion is clear:

"With the driven feed roller in front of the rotor, we measured throughput rates of up to 72.3 ton/hr with a bale density of almost 11.9 lb/ft³ in dry wheat straw on the KUHN SB 1290 iD. This means that KUHN is now not only at the forefront when it comes to bale density, but also plays in the premier league when it comes to throughput.”

Profi Magazine is a monthly professional farm machinery publication featuring in-depth technical articles. This German based magazine prides itself on independently evaluating, scientifically testing, and advising on agricultural machinery.