Finally, a manufacturer has perfected the design for a round baler that does not need to stop during netting. The new Ultima baler from Krone hits the mark with its ability to make and net a bale in 40 seconds without stopping. The baler will produce 90 bales an hour.

The new baler, still in the test stage, won top honors at the Agritechnica farm equipment show in Hannover, Germany. Krone took one of only two gold medals awarded in the show’s prestigious Agritechnica Innovations contest. About 2,700 companies exhibit at the show.

The Ultima continuously loads product, compacts it, ties it, and then unloads it. Krone estimates a 50% increase in baling is possible with the baler. In addition, only one operator is needed to manage the baler from a terminal installed in the tractor cab.

Other features are a wrapping table added onto the rear of the baler and a steerable axle, which is a first for round balers.  

Early estimate of price for the Ultima is about $170,000.