This has a 196cm (77in) pickup and can
produce bales up to 1.5m wide and 1.8m in diameter (5x6ft). However, the ZR5’s design allows the baler
unit to be removed quickly and simply, which means other units could be adapted to fit.
Non-stop baler There is also a chance a non-stop baler could be installed in the future. “We believe in a continuous baling solution and are working to make that concept a reality,” says Mr Vrieze. But for the time being, the main purpose of the baler unit removal process is to make maintenance more straightforward. All the operator has to do to remove it is
disconnect a hydraulic coupling and wiring harness. The baler unit can then be lowered to the ground hydraulically, allowing the self- propelled unit to drive away. All in, the process takes a couple of minutes. Vermeer also expects the tractor unit to outlast several balers, so this function makes it easy to add in a replacement.
Automatic functions One of the keys to the ZR5’s speedy operation is its automatic baling mode. Once set up, this means the driver simply needs to steer and press one button when prompted to do so. When the bale is formed the machine will
automatically come to a stop and cut the pickup drive, allowing the tying process to
Hydraulic baler drive means the speed of the pickup and belts can be adjusted independently
take place. If programmed to do so it will then perform a quarter turn as the bale is tying, before opening the tailgate and dropping the completed bale. The operator can tweak settings on the cab’s
monitor to change the angle so it lines up with other bales in the field, or adjust the angle based on the slope of the hill so the bale doesn’t roll away. Finally, it will close the tailgate, pivot back
into the work position and prompt the driver to press a button, sending it straight back into action. “This takes the steps to complete a bale from nine down to one,” says Mr Vrieze. As well as safer placement of bales on
hillsides, Vermeer claims the quarter-turn function makes the bale collection process up to 35% faster.
The ZR5 is still in the concept phase and
Vermeer is working to hone the design and add a few more features to this process before its commercial launch.
Launch date Vermeer hopes to have some machines working on US farms in 2018, which is when potential buyers will get an idea of how much it’s going to cost. Production models are then expected to be available for the 2019 season. Initially the maker will be focusing on the
North American market, but it could introduce the machine in other countries if there is sufficient demand. However, the fact it sits at just over 3.6m
(12ft) wide means it’s too big to travel on many European roads without an escort.
Vermeer isn’t the only manufacturer to have a stab at building a self-propelled baler. Here are a few of the other examples: OTHER SELF-PROPELLED BALERS
▶ Krone As far as we know Krone is the only other manufacturer to have a serious stab at a self-propelled round baler. Its baler and wrapper prototype was unveiled in 2000, but never made it into production.
▶ New Holland This 1426 is one of several self- propelled small square balers built by New Holland.
▶ Freeman Oregon-based firm Freeman builds both small and large self- propelled square balers. The four- wheel drive 1592 is the largest machine with 375hp on tap.
▶ Deutz-Fahr Deutz-Fahr’s Powerpress 120H large self-propelled baler was based on a combine chassis.
▶ FUTURE FARMING | 9 November 2017
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