John Deere launches weave automation in the USA, for select round balers that helps streamline the baling process. With this automation, the operator simply places the windrow between the front tires of the tractor and lets the baler do the work.
Today, round balers have gate and speed automation, which automates stopping the tractor when the bale is full sized, wrapping and ejecting the bale. The addition of weave automation allows less reliance on the operator skill to make a uniformed bale.
“Gone are the days where operators must weave a tractor during the baling process to ensure quality bale shape while not driving over windrows,” said Kaylene Ballesteros, John Deere go-to-market manager for hay & forage equipment. “Weave automation allows the baler to align with the tractor’s movements to effectively cover windrows of varying shapes and sizes.”
The weaving hitch system allows a +38-degree swing from left to right, allowing for enhanced feed system and bale feeding capabilities. The automation makes operation more streamlined and enhances feed quality by minimizing contamination of debris introduced by driving over windrows. The added maneuverability of the baler allows the machine to position bales in a way that reduces the risk of rolling on uneven terrain or hillsides, increasing operator safety, productivity and efficiency.
“To some, the traditional baling process can be frustrating due to the weaving needed to ensure a quality bale,” Ballesteros said. “Weave automation mitigates the need for manual correction and is an easy-to-use feature that provides consistent quality bales, no matter the operator’s expertise level.”
