Intake Options to Meet Your Operation’s Needs

Optimal Crop Pickup

 All VB 3100 models feature a wide pickup with standard crop roller. The pickup is designed to maximize the full capacity of the machine. With a working width of 83 or 91 inches, the machine is capable of working in all windrows and will not let you down, even in the toughest conditions. Straight pickup tines help release the crop and reduce crop wrapping. The pickup roller compresses the crop against the pickup tines reducing friction, thus reducing leaf loss and increasing baler efficiency by evening out the windrow.
The 91” rotor model pickup features standard pendulum frame and optional pivoting pickup wheels to allow the pickup to adapt to changing field conditions. Camless-shaped crop guides, on 91” pickups, result in more aggressive and efficient pickup by exposing more of the tine when needed and by pulling the crop away from the tines as it approaches the intake. A cam track pulls the tines straight down in the rearward position to avoid wrapping, making this the only hybrid pickup on the market today.
To better meet your operation's specific needs, there are four intake options available. Choose the direct feed intake system or select one of our three patented Integral Rotors – the non-cutting OptiFeed rotor or the 14- and 23-knife OptiCut cutting rotors. Availability dependent on VB model – See Specifications.

Direct Feeding System

The direct feeding system is an unrestricted intake unit for maximum capacity in all crop conditions. In heavier conditions, like big wide straw or silage windrows, the top roller is acting like a pre compactor which is powered by the primary driveline of the baler. There are no stuffer fingers which can disturb the flow and therefore limit the intake capacity. This generates a huge input potential and prevents plugging of the unit resulting in a high output and minimum downtime.

Integral Rotor Technology

Available across the entire VB 3100 range is our patented Integral Rotor Technology found on OptiFeed and OptiCut models. This simple, low-maintenance intake system guarantees an enormous throughput capacity at all times. The short distance between rotor and pickup tines maintains consistent crop flow. The design of this force-fed intake makes higher forward speeds possible for increased productivity and reduces crop damage. The Integral Rotor on all models, except VB 3155 & 3185 units, are provided with rotor tines made out of Hardox® wear plates. Hardox combines extreme hardness and toughness to reduce rotor tine wear. Longer wearing life of the rotor tines will help to provide time and money savings for the operator.

Non-Cutting, OptiFeed Rotor

The OptiFeed rotor, with single feeding tines and integrated augers, provides a consistent flow of crop into the bale chamber. This rotor design helps even out incoming windrows for consistent bales every time.

Cutting, OptiCut Rotors

The OptiCut (OC) cutting rotors are designed for unlimited intake capacity and excellent cutting quality. KUHN (OC) cutting rotors, with elliptical shaped rotor tines, are acknowledged by users as one of the best cutting systems on the market. The silage is guided and drawn down to the knives from an early stage which improves flow and cutting performance and also prevents unwanted plugging.

OptiCut 14
The Integral Rotor, with the 14-knife OptiCut system, is designed to even out the windrow and force-feed the crop into the baler for maximum throughput. The 14-knife OptiCut cutting system provides a theoretical cutting length of 2 ¾". Each single knife is spring protected against damage from foreign objects. With group selection (VB 3165 & 3195 models) the operator can choose to have 0, 4, 7, 7, or 14 knives in operation.

OptiCut 23
The Integral Rotor with the 23-knife OptiCut system from KUHN has the benefits of intensive cutting and mechanical protection. The 23-knife OptiCut system provides a theoretical cutting length of 1 ¾". Each single knife is spring protected against damage from foreign objects. With group selection the operator can choose to have 0, 7, 11, 12, or 23 knives in operation.

Progressive Density – The KUHN Solution

The Progressive Density system has proven its value on all KUHN VB balers. The system increases tension as the bale grows providing a firm bale with a tough outer shell.
How Does It Work?
As the bale grows within the bale chamber, the belt tensioning arm is subjected to steadily increasing resistance from two hydraulic cylinders and a spring tensioner. So as the diameter increases, the bale’s density does too. The result is a very firm bale with a moderate core – not too soft, not too hard. With a tougher outer layer, straw bales will be more tolerant to bad weather conditions, while silage bales will maintain their shape for improved stacking and easier handling.

Fast, Perfect Bale Formation

The 5 belt, 3 roller design of the VB 3100 Series bale chamber ensures fast, consistent bale formation whatever the intake system. The aggressive profile of the top chamber roller improves crop contact and reduces crop loss. The front segment of the baler is fitted with a large smooth roller and driven cleaning roller that prevents crop build up at the front of the machine. The unique mix of the KUHN Progressive Density system and smart bale chamber design guarantees perfect bale formation every time.

KUHN Net & Twine Solutions

KUHN Net & Twine Solutions

One of the final steps in creating the perfect bale is the wrap. Securing a bale to protect it from the elements and from losing its shape is one of the most crucial steps. The less time required to secure the bale, the higher the baling operation output. KUHN net & twine solutions guarantee reliable and secure wrapping.

Net Wrap System

The net wrap with active stretch technology ensures a firm bale shape with constant net tension throughout the entire wrapping cycle. The net is fed into the front of the bale chamber to ensure it is taken by the bale immediately. A second net roll storage enables the operator to carry a sufficient net supply for a longer working day. Changing of the net roll can be done easily while standing safely on the ground.
KUHN’s innovative design maintains constant net tension during the wrap process. The net wrap system runs at 90% of the bale’s rotational speed to be able to stretch the net without breaking it. After leaving the bale chamber, the bale will not expand and therefore it will hold its density. The net wrap system spreads the net to the corners of the bale to prevent air pockets once the bale is wrapped, which will preserve the forage quality for longer.

Twine System

When using the double twine arm system, the tying cycle time is reduced to a minimum. In the twine tying cycle, both of the twines start at the bale edge and overlap before moving to the center of the bale. In the center of the bale they overlap again, this ensures the twines are fixed and that there are no loose ends.
When required, the VB can be equipped with a combination of twine and net binding.