Kuhn launched its fixed chamber FBP 3135 BalePack wrapper baler in 2015, with an update to the Twin-reel binder in 2017. The variable chamber VBP 3165 Combi Baler was introduced in 2019, a Twin-reel film wrap system, like that used on fixed chamber balers, arriving in 2021. 

First, a little bit of background to clear up any possible lingering confusion between Kuhn and Vicon balers. Back in early 2009, Kuhn purchased the Kverneland Group baler division, taking over the former Vicon factory in the Netherlands and renaming it Kuhn-Geldrop BV.

Early 2001 Vicon RV 1601 Balepack produced a 1.20m wide bale with diameters of 0.8m to 1.60m. This machine established the design template of the Kuhn VBP 2100 and subsequent VPB 2200 series combination balers (centre). By 2017 and the introduction of the VPB 3100 series, Kuhn has clearly retained some of the heritage it inherited from Vicon back in 2009 but there have been numerous developments, with no connection between current Vicon, Kverneland and Kubota branded balers.

Since then, Kuhn branded fixed and variable chamber round balers continue to be produced in this factory. Initially these were based on the same Vicon design with not much more than a name and paint change. Indeed, Kuhn even continued to produce balers for Kverneland under a transitional arrangement which came to an end in September 2010. Today there is no link between the Kuhn machines and Kverneland (including Vicon and Kubota) offering. 

The fixed chamber Kuhn FBP 3135 BalePack combi was launched as part of the all-new designed 3100 baler series in 2015. Used Kuhn fixed chamber balers are more likely to be found in livestock areas, as you would expect.   

Cam track pick-up is 2.30m wide on both FBP 3135 BalePack and VBP 3165 Combi Balers, with integral rotor. When looking the baler over, take your time to give the pick-up a good going over and, if possible, look at the drive chain. If the chain is slack and the sprockets are worn to sharp points it suggests other maintenance needs have also been missed.

Variable chamber Kuhn VBP 3165 combination balers arrived in 2019. The VBP 3165 has a ‘progressive density’ baling chamber. This uses two chamber rollers, a starter roller and five endless baling belts to produce the bales. As the bale grows, the belt pressure can be adjusted from the tractor cab to compensate for variations in crop quality to maintain a constant density as the bale is formed. The system is designed to cope with dry dry crops such as hay and straw from around 5-20% moisture, haylage at 18-35% and silage at 35-80% moisture. 

Kuhn has since replaced the VPB 3100 series with a revised VFB 3200 range. Meanwhile the fixed chamber FBP 3100 models continue as before.

A baler using just net for ‘binding’ is fine if you are baling a lot of straw. However, film-on-film is seen as the way to go if you bale a lot of forage. Not only does it make plastic recycling easier the extra ‘hold’ from the film is said to reduce air hampering the silage process – more on that on page 79 of this issue.

The OptiCut system comes with a choice of 14 or 23 knives. As wear items you cannot expect a used baler to have a fresh set fitted, but there should be some life left in each individual blade. A simple check is to look at the depth of the wavy edge. If the cutting edge is blued it suggests over enthusiastic sharpening with an angle grinder. This could have an impact upon the blades hardening, leading to them getting blunt sooner.
With the tailgate propped open to allow safe inspection, you can really see how well a machine has been cleaned and prepared. Heavy pitting on the wearing surfaces suggests crop residues have not been cleaned off prior to the baler being laid up for winter.
The roller bearings on all models are obviously wear items. If you get the chance, wedging a prybar between the rolls and levering it up and down should help you spot and play. Contractor balers will typically have had key bearings renewed ahead of intensive work periods, along with more frequent maintenance. Put condition above bale count? Possibly, but seek advice.
Look under the belts on VBP variable chamber models. Crop residues build up is normal but on a used buy you should expect this area to have been cleaned out.

The initial aim of this article was to cover just the fixed chamber FBP 3135 BalePack models. In the UK the variable-chamber VBP 3165 Combi Baler has a strong following, but it is the FBP models are stronger sellers overall, with a split of around 20 and 80% respectively. 

FBP 3135 BalePack and VBP 3165 Combi Balers use 750mm film roll for both binding and wrapping. Note how the spare rolls are stored under the canopies.

Kuhn VBP variable and FBP fixed chamber round balers in all variants have benefitted from developments with the bale ‘binding’ and wrapping elements having seen the greatest development (see page 52). Other changes are shown in the picture captions.

Models produced from 2023 have improvements made to the driveline. Although this area of VBP models in general is not a weak spot, hard worked machines operated behind a powerful tractor at speed can develop acerated wear. Hence the upgrade.
More recent balers are increasingly likely to have added extras such as the pictured moisture sensor. When looking for a used buy it pays to make a list of ‘must have’ options. If you are working with a Kuhn dealer to source a baler, it pays to make sure any priorities are made clear and where you may make a compromise to secure a machine.

Summary

No apologies for trying to cover a fixed and variable chamber baler in one article. There are those who suggest fixed chamber combi-balers are the only way to go for forage, with others suggesting a variable chamber baler is more versatile and can always make a smaller bale if dealing with heavier damp grass. There will be those who are on the fence with regard to which system best suits their needs.

With reference to used buys, now is a good time to look out for a baler that may come up for sale for next year. With the silage making season about to kick-off, this is not the best time to find used examples, the more so if you want to buy locally. 

With reference to prices, used FBP 3135 BalePack and VBP 3165 Combi Balers tend to hover around £45k for sound entry level machines, with double that securing a closer to new machine. As always, talking to a Kuhn dealer will help you get a feel for what is out there and what you can expect to pay. 

With grateful thanks to: Colin Blood, B and B Tractors, Nottinghamshire, Josh Hardwick, Hardwick Agricultural Engineers, North Yorkshire, Rhodri Jenkins, Kuhn UK and Edd Mowbray.

James de Havilland

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