Lely launched its latest big square baler model, the Welger D 6060, at the backend of 2001 in Europe, so that harvest 2002 provided the first opportunity to see this high-output machine in action. It also gave us the chance to put a pre-production model through the profi practical test. This report covers the main changes incorporated in the D 6060 baler.
Although bale size is clearly an issue, arguably by far the most important of the big baler criteria is output. Then output. Then more output. For contracting businesses, which is inevitably where most of these high cost machines end up, bales out of the chamber means money into the bank. And that, after all, is what it’s all about.
More on output on later. First up in our run-through, we start at the nose end of the machine, where Lely provides an extremely convenient hydraulic park jack. This, like most other main functions on the 6060, is controlled from the operator terminal. Indeed the hydraulically powered jack feature emphasises the highspec nature of the whole unit.
Even the machine’s electrical supply comes from an on-board alternator and battery, just in case the voltage oscillations within the tractor tug’s electrical system should cause an electronic malfunction in the baler. If the alternator belt snaps, Lely fits a standby cable that taps into tractor power to keep the machine at work. Only major drawback of the electric system is that the operator must remember to switch off the power on the terminal after finishing work; if he forgets, a flat battery quickly follows. Oil supply is via a singleacting spool and free-flow return.
On the way out to the field, road travel benefits from the fitting of a tandem axle (500/50R17 tyres) that tracks accurately behind the tractor’s wheelings, although there is still the option to spec a standard single axle (700/45-22.5 tyres) if preferred. The tandem axle, not surprisingly, also smoothes out the in-field ride, and its steering function can be locked to assist with reversing manoeuvres. Given the choice, we would spend the extra money on the second set of wheels. No question.
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