Historically among the market leaders in Italy, the New Holland BigBaler large square balers are capable of producing bales with up to 22 percent higher density than comparable conventional machines.
This performance is achieved through a series of exclusive engineering solutions, including the MaxiSweep pick-up and the Loop Master knotting system
Maximum bale density. The ability to store large quantities of forage in limited space while protecting the crop from deterioration caused by weather, fermentation, mold, and bacteria. This is, in essence, the design philosophy behind the New Holland BigBaler range, a series of machines that has consistently occupied a leading position in the Italian market thanks to unique engineering solutions developed to maximize operating efficiency, beginning with crop collection itself.
This task is entrusted to the MaxiSweep pick-up, available in two working widths: 1.96 meters on models equipped with an 80-centimeter bale chamber and 2.35 meters on versions featuring a 120-centimeter chamber. The unit operates through spiral-mounted tines that handle the crop aggressively yet gently, minimizing damage while remaining highly resistant to wear, even when working in rocky or uneven fields. This is made possible by plastic wear strips that act both as guides and as support surfaces for the crop.
Crop protection is further enhanced by a spring flotation system for the pick-up and a windrow compensation roller. Working together, these components ensure a smooth and consistent crop flow while improving the efficiency of the optional CropCutter chopping system. Equipped with up to 29 knives, CropCutter allows operators to adjust chop length according to the intended use of the bale, selecting an average cut length of eight centimeters for bedding applications or four centimeters for silage, forage, and biomass production.
The W-shaped CropCutter rotor is also designed for easy removal, simplifying blade sharpening and replacement. When chopping is unnecessary, the system allows the baler to operate conventionally without affecting performance. Positioned between the pick-up and the pre-compression chamber, CropCutter optimizes both feeding and pre-compression efficiency.
Once the crop has been pre-compressed, it is transferred directly into the main bale chamber, where three-sided hydraulic density cylinders continuously monitor bale density during formation. This enables electronic control of bale density directly from the tractor cab, ensuring that every bale meets the operator’s predetermined specifications.
Depending on the model, bale dimensions are 80 × 70 centimeters for the BigBaler 870 Plus, 80 × 90 centimeters for the BigBaler 890 Plus, 120 × 70 centimeters for the BigBaler 1270 Plus and BigBaler 1270 Plus Density, and 120 × 90 centimeters for the BigBaler 1290 Plus and the flagship BigBaler 1290 High Density.
The latter has been specifically engineered to meet the demands of large mixed farming operations and professional contractors engaged in intensive harvesting activities. It delivers the highest productivity levels in the segment by producing bales with up to 22 percent greater density than standard models. A significant contribution to this performance comes from the SmartShift transmission system.
Based on a two-stage powershift gearbox, SmartShift reduces power demand while increasing flywheel speed to as much as 1,440 rpm without generating overloads. The result is smoother power delivery, greater efficiency, and consistently high output under demanding field conditions.
Common to the entire BigBaler range is CNH’s patented Loop Master knotting system. This mechanism forms two different knots: the first serves as the primary securing knot, while the second creates a loop at the twine end that prevents loosening. Compared with the previous generation, Loop Master increases bale strength by approximately 30 percent while simultaneously reducing twine consumption by eliminating both the loose twine ends normally left in the field and the waste generated at the knotters.
Finished bales can also be monitored through sensors that measure moisture content and weight. Their formation process and field location can be remotely tracked using the MyPLM Connect telematics platform. Operational management is handled through the IntelliView IV color touchscreen monitor, which, thanks to the IntelliCruise function, enables continuous communication between tractor and baler.
IntelliCruise automatically adjusts forward speed according to crop conditions and windrow characteristics, delivering productivity increases of up to nine percent while reducing fuel consumption by as much as four percent.
Productivity can be further enhanced through the IntelliSense Baler system, which employs a LiDAR sensor mounted on the tractor cab roof. The sensor continuously analyzes the size and position of the windrow ahead of the tractor, allowing the system to proactively adjust both travel speed and steering path. The result is more consistent bales in terms of length, weight, and flake count.
The balers are also equipped with an integrated telematics system capable of mapping both machine performance data and agronomic information for every individual bale produced. These data are automatically transmitted to New Holland’s FieldOps portal, where operators can analyze machine productivity and crop quality, ensuring complete bale traceability while simplifying storage and logistics management.
Title: New Holland BigBaler: anatomy of a leadership
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