New Massey Ferguson baler maximizes flexibility at harvest

AGCO is introducing the latest in their baler lineup: the Massey Ferguson RB 4160P Protec combo baler.

The unit, which produces 4-by-5-foot bales, combines all the features found on the RB Series silage balers with an integrated bale-wrapping unit, allowing producers to harvest and ensile high-moisture forages in one process.

Whether harvesting forage for a dairy or beef operation, the baler is able to handle any crop a grower wishes to bale, says Dane Mosel, marketing product specialist for hay and forage at AGCO.

“In climates with high humidity and lots of rain, putting up hay traditionally can be a challenge, so many forage growers are turning to baled silage,” Mosel explains. “Not only do they avoid the drydown issues, but they can harvest their forage at the ideal growth stage for maximum nutritional value.”

In addition to plastic-wrapped baleage, the machine can be used to mesh wrap forage before bagging as silage, as well as to bale dry hay, straw, and course material such as corn stover.

Mosel adds that by wrapping a silage bale as soon as it leaves the bale chamber, more protein and nutrients can be retained for animals to consume.

“It takes less than a minute from the time forage enters the Protec’s pickup to the time the wrapped bale is released,” he says. “That preserves the nutritional quality the grower worked so hard to achieve in that crop. Feeding such premium-quality forage may actually lower ration costs because you don’t need to feed as much or need as many supplements.”