Automated baling assistance technology

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Continuing the automation journey of Vermeer self-propelled balers

The ZR5-1200 self-propelled baler was the first of its kind when it was introduced back in 2017. Producers across North America have benefited from the in-cab automation, which helps reduce the steps in the baling process, down to one. The automated baling assistance technology’s goal is to help producers make the most ideal bale, in the most efficient way. Using a suite of sensors, the system tracks and follows the windrow and steers the machine, helping to reduce the learning curve of making square-shouldered bales.

*Concept only. Currently not available for sale.

 

FAQs

The automated baling assistance technology uses sensors to track the windrow with patent-pending features to follow the windrow and steer the self-propelled baler along the windrow for the operator.

There are a few goals surrounding this technology:

  • There are a lot of steps in the baling process. The ZR5-1200 self-propelled baler took a lot of those steps out but this is continuing to build on that automation journey.

  • Eventually, we want this technology to be able to help build a better-looking bale for the operator and reduce the learning curve.

  • Customers have been asking for it, as they are used to the automation technology in their row-crop tractors and tools.

  • Allows operators to focus on other aspects of the baling process, like reviewing data and information on their monitor.

Unlike “autosteer” in the row crop industry, this does not use RTK or GPS technology, rather relies on the information right in front of it, the windrow. Sensors track the windrow and feed that information to the machine to steer.

When the machine gets to the end of the windrow, it will beep and once it runs out of crop, the machine will slow down and stop. If the operator turns the steering wheel before the end of the windrow, they can manually steer it to the next windrow without having to slow down or stop and will have to re-engage the system.

We are still in the testing stage, so we are unsure, but we envision it at least being an option on all self-propelled balers in the future.