High-Density Vicon Baler Geared To Silage

High-Density Vicon Baler Geared To Silage HAY & FORAGE HARVESTING Balers (6) 8-6-4 Vicon Farm Equipment Company recently introduced to the U.S. market its revolutionary new high-density square baler that'll bale high moisture silage. It's been on the market in Europe for four years. The machine's totally new bale-forming mechanisms let it handle hay or straw of any moisture content, making rectangular bales that measure approximately 2 by 4 by 5¢ft. and weigh from 800 to 1,200 lbs. "It's main advantage is that it lets you make top-quality silage without the need for a silo," says Cor Kikstra, Vicon product manager. Baled silage is stacked tightly together wherever convenient and covered with plastic. "Because each bale is packed so densely, the bales produce excellent silage with excellent palatability. Tests indicate silage produced equals or exceeds that from conventional silos." The new baler is also unique in that unlike round balers it can bale continuously without having to stop to eject bales due to its two chamber system. A large capacity gathering chamber collects the crop before a plunger moves it into a bale-forming chamber. Once this chamber is full, the bale is tied and ejected without stopping as more silage collects in the first chamber. The new baler makes 45 to 55 bales with the use of a special stacker developed by the company that also cuts the wires off. "There are many advantages to being able to handle silage this way," notes Kikstra: "Besides not having to put up a permanent structure, you can separate high quality forage from low quality forage. Also, this machine makes silage a commercial product that can be shipped long distance. The silage can be stacked in any size piles around the farm so you only open up what you need." The machine is all-hydraulic except for the pickup, which is mechanically driven by pto power. All functions of the machine are controlled by electronic microprocessors. Vicon sends buyers to an operators school to learn all aspects of operation of the machine. The new machine sells for around $70,000. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Vicon Farm Machinery, Inc., P.O. Box 6313,-3741 Cook Boulevard, Chesapeake, Virg. 23323 (ph 804 485-1600).

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