Driving impression: Vicon RV2190 Balepack round baler/wrapper Launched at the end of last summer, there are some important specification differences between Vicon’s RV2160 and 2190 variable-chamber round balers and the RV1601 and 1901 machines that they replace. On one of this season’s better afternoons, Martin Rickatson made some silage with the combi baler/wrapper version of the RV2190 to see what has changed.
Vicon has revised both its RF fixed and RV variable-chamber round balers for the 2008 campaign, but it is the latter machines that benefit most from Vicon engineers’ upgrades. Before we go any further, though, it’s worth just touching upon the updates to those ‘fixed’ 1.2m diameter models.
All RF balers are subjected to an external restyle, and the range now consists of one base unit, the RF2121 machine with 1.85m ‘Integral’ intake – the firm’s chamber feed system – followed by two RF2235 models in either ‘Classic’ or ‘Pro’ specs with 2.1m or 2.3m Integral intakes. The RF machines come with Vicon’s new Autoplus control system, which now has a clearer display and graphics along with simple five-button operation.
A Balepack combi wrapper version of the RF2235 unit is also available, and is supplied with a modern Focus II monitor/control system – more of which later, as it also lists as standard specification on RV ‘variable’ balers – and Vicon’s novel 3D wrapping option, also offered on RV models. An Opticut chopper is optional to all.
Manufacturing of ‘fixed’ balers, incidentally, has recently switched from Gottmadingen, Germany, to Geldrop, near Eindhoven in Holland, a plant that also makes bale wrappers and square balers for Vicon and other Kverneland brands.
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