Kuhn’s “SB 1290 iD” square balers are the only machines of their kind featuring the “TwinPact” system—a dual-piston compression mechanism that super-compacts the crop—and offering the option to add a pre-chopper for fine straw shredding
In fields with vast cereal crops, once the combines finish their work, a valuable byproduct remains: straw. Given the current low prices of both soft and durum wheat—lower than in recent seasons—the additional income from straw becomes particularly significant. However, as with any agricultural operation, the collection must be managed with efficiency and productivity in mind; otherwise, it’s not worth the effort.
Square balers reign supreme in this area. Kuhn offers them in a wide range of chamber sizes—80 or 120 cm—to ensure both individual farmers and contractors can find the right solution for their needs. At the top of the range sits the “SB 1290 iD”, where “iD” stands for “Intelligent Density”, highlighting the key difference between this model and any other on the market, whether from Kuhn or a competitor.
At the heart of this uniqueness is the “TwinPact” system: a dual-piston setup operating in the compression chamber with rhythmic, split-impact strokes. This allows the “SB 1290 iD” to apply up to 25% more pressure than single-piston models, while subjecting the machine structure and operating components to less mechanical stress.
High Compression with Low Stress
The loading and compression sequence begins with a feed fork positioned after the rotor, filling the machine’s pre-chamber. Once the sensing plate detects the optimal fill level, the pre-chamber empties, pushing the material into the main compression chamber. There, the alternating movement of the two pistons doubles the 46 strokes per minute of single-piston systems, compressing smaller surface areas with higher pressure and lower power demands.
The productivity and final quality of the bales produced by the “SB 1290 iD” are further enhanced by the integrated pre-chopper, identified by the code “CBB 200”. With a working width of 2 meters, it features a 670 mm diameter cutting rotor that finely chops straw using 48 blades and 98 counter-knives arranged in two sets of 49.
The average final fragment size is about 19 mm—ideal, for example, for bedding. When not needed, the pre-chopper can remain mounted thanks to a 65 cm ground clearance, which keeps it safely above the windrow. If its use is only occasional, it can be removed from the baler in about 30 minutes, and reattached in 45 minutes.
Unmatched Throughput with No Clogging
Capable of producing bales measuring 90×120 cm and lengths from 60 to 300 cm, the “SB 1290 iD” features a 230 cm pickup width, equipped with five tine bars and 23 teeth. The pickup rides on fixed wheels as standard, or optionally on semi-pneumatic or pivoting wheels—recommended when operating on uneven terrain.
Once straw is engaged, it is smoothly fed to the Power Feed Roller, developed by Kuhn to enhance product flow. This roller can adapt vertically by up to 25 cm, adjusting to the varying volumes of straw to be processed.
The “SB 1290 iD” can also be equipped with:
- The OptiFeed rotor (non-cutting), available in 48 or 60 cm diameters
- Or the OptiCut rotor (cutting), with a single 60 cm diameter and drawer-style knife system, featuring 23 knives for an average chopped length of 45 mm
Title: Square balers Sb 1290 iD by Kuhn: unique and exclusive
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