A baler that steers? Well, not quite – although the Vicon LB 12000’s tandem axle, which allows the baler to track behind the tractor wheels, does its best to give that impression. profi tested the LB last summer
Vicon red, Deutz-Fahr green, perhaps even Kverneland red – the pan-European colour scheme possibilities would seem endless for Vicon’s new LB 12000 baler. For now, though, UK buyers will have to content themselves with the familiar Vicon livery, and it looks like remaining that way for the forseeable future. Brand politics aside, the LB 12000 is packed with many interesting mechanical features, making choice of final spec a difficult one.
Arguably the most important decision is whether to go for the relatively conventional single axle or Vicon’s sprung, ‘tracking’ tandem beam. Our test model came on the latter, and it certainly did an excellent job of smoothing out travel both on the road and in the field. The benefits of tracking showed up on grassland where there was none of the scuff usually associated with fixed ‘twins’; and, making life safer on the road, there is a hydraulic ram to lock up the system for transport.
Choice of axle also affects tyre options. On the tandem, for example, the LB buyer can only spec up to 500/50-17s, while the two-wheelers are able to stand on wider 700mm rubber. So before coming to an axle decision, there are a number of factors to weigh up: The tandem axle provides an excellent ride across the roughest terrain; whereas the wide-tyred single axle may be the better bet in wet going. Then, of course, there’s the price to consider. The tandem axle carries a £4,950 premium, and that in itself may be sufficient to make up some prospective buyers’ minds.
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