New Holland’s IntelliSense is changing the baling game

IntelliSense™ bale automation’s precision in navigating different crop densities and creating evenly filled bales has captured farmers' attention, with early adopters positive about its potential.

Farmers are appreciating how IntelliSense™ can optimise baling efficiency and provide a level of automation and precision not previously available in baling equipment.

Ryan Gault, Sales Manager with McIntosh & Son Narrogin, has been at the forefront of testing the IntelliSense technology in Western Australia's Wheatbelt region.

Early trials on demonstration farms with local contractors are highlighting how automating key baler and tractor functions is delivering greater productivity, bale quality, fuel efficiency and operator comfort.

"IntelliSense uses a LiDAR [Light Detection and Ranging] system which allows the baler to speed up or slow down the tractor,” Ryan said.

“The system will automatically adjust speed based on different row conditions, even in areas where the rows aren't consistently dense.

“IntelliSense will also auto-steer to the windrow, which feeds the baler evenly, reducing blockages and optimising bale quality.”

Ryan demonstrated a T8 tractor with IntelliSense paired to a 1290HD Baler for hay contractor Craig Cousins, who couldn't believe the improved baling capacity.

“I was amazed by the system's ability to automatically adjust baling speed and direction. The productivity gains were just unreal,” Craig said.

“IntelliSense allowed us to push the baler faster and more efficiently than I thought possible.

“Some of the rows weren't actually that big, and then some spots were, but this was actually allowing for it and speeding up."

CNH Product Manager Hay & Forage, Sune Nielsen, said IntelliSense offered farmers and contractors a way to optimise their baling process with minimal manual effort.

“Using a LiDAR camera mounted on the front of the tractor, the technology can automatically navigate along the windrow with remarkable precision.

“The system calculates ground speed and steering automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operator fatigue while ensuring perfectly square bales.

“It allows farmers to reduce physical labour, increase their efficiency, and maintain productivity.” Sune said.

He said that IntelliSense comes pre-integrated with new BigBaler HD models, or as a retrofit kit available through the parts system.

“The retrofit kit allows farmers to upgrade their current equipment, providing flexibility for those who don't want to purchase entirely new machinery.

“Whether they are purchasing a new baler or looking to enhance their current machinery, New Holland is providing farmers with choices in adopting this automated steering technology.”

IntelliSense is available on all PLUS models from end of 2022 onwards. It is also available as a kit which allows it to retrofit on all existing BigBaler HD models starting from model year 2020.

It is compatible with all New Holland T7 LWB, T7 HD and T8 AutoCommand tractors equipped with Class 3 ISOBUS unlocked for steering and speed control.

For more information on IntelliSense and 1290HD BigBalers, reach out to your local New Holland dealer.