Having gained experience with the first Impress balers, Pöttinger has come out with a facelifted version. Read on to find out what’s changed. Although there have been tweaks along the way, this is the first big change to the Pottinger Impress range of fixed and variable balers, both as stand-alones and combi wrappers, since the line-up was introduced in 2016. We caught up with the 3190VC Pro.
New film/net set-up
The chamber film/net wrapping unit has been optimised on the new generation. While net is the standard method of holding the bale together, there are two other options available: option one is for either a single roll of net or film and costs £5,551; or, alternatively, you can spend £8,432 for a two-roll set-up and simply hit the button on the terminal to apply the net or chamber film as both are in place and ready to go.
The new unit has two cradles to accommodate the net and film rolls. This eliminates the need to fix the rolls via the roller core. The new brake system is hydraulic, which helps to ensure the stretch is consistent. And to deal with heavy rolls, there’s a new loading aid.
Freewheel drive
The new pto from Bondioli and Pavesi only has the chain guard fastened at the machine end. A slip clutch protects the driveline. On tractors with abrupt pto disengagement, this allows the drive to freewheel. Pottinger has developed a useful automatic mechanism for the pick-up that raises it automatically when reversing — as long as the tractor’s ISObus
signal is available.
Variable chamber
The bearings on the rollers are now bigger, increasing baling pressure by 20%. Another new feature is the optional moisture sensor, which shows the current output on the terminal. Pöttinger is now fitting a protective tarp at the rear and on the sides. This guides fragmented material down and out of the machine, so nothing collects on the inside of the implement. The film storage compartments on either side have been updated and can accommodate eight rolls of wrap, or six if you
want to carry one chamber film roll on the left and right.
New wrapper functions
The wrapper has new and more lightweight pre-stretch dispensers with a new safety bar. The dispenser arms have been improved, too. There is also a new clamp to fix the end of the film when changing rolls. Before wrapping commences, you can choose to roll the bale on the table to press on loose film. After wrapping, you can also spin the bale again to help remove air and ensure that the cut film tails are stuck to the bale.
More comfort
The updated Impress balers also get the new PowerControl 3 ISObus unit in the cab. This is straightforward to use thanks to the eight membrane buttons with pictograms printed on them. And there is a handlebar to provide support when you are using the controls. Machine settings are carried out using the 5” touch screen.
The display also informs the baler operator of service intervals, with a brief reminder being issued at every restart. We also liked the new camera system with a split 10-inch screen as well as the LED lights under the panels, at the pick-up and around the wrapper.
Summary
Better operator comfort has been a big part of the updates on the new Impress balers, which, to be fair, wasn’t too bad on the earlier machines. Small details make the operation, monitoring and maintenance easier for the user. The Austrian firm has also increased the maximised baling pressure. The chopping system with 32 blades and the rotor remain unchanged.
These improvements do make a difference in the field, with the PowerControl 3 unit being particularly enjoyable. But Impress operators will also appreciate the smaller details such as the film cutter, the automatic pick-up lift when reversing and the net/chamber film unit. However, if you get happy ticking the options list, then you’ll be asked to cough up a whopping £157,512 for the 3190VC Pro, the spec of the machine that we used.
