John Deere’s new 1 Series Round Balers feature advanced sensors and automation technology so customers with any size operation can optimize the quality and consistency of their hay bales. The updated John Deere Round Balers retain the most popular features of previous models while adding upgraded capabilities that enhance bale quality, reduce operating time, and decrease operator fatigue.
The most significant improvement is the addition of Bale Doc technology, which tracks bale moisture levels and weight in real time. While harvesting hay, operators receive instant data on moisture levels, enabling them to make informed decisions on whether to delay baling or apply a hay preservative like John Deere GREEN-GARD. These insights are delivered via a user-friendly 8-inch G5e display, which provides total visibility over baling operations and comes standard on all 1 Series models.
The data applications extend beyond the field, too. Post-harvest, bale moisture and weight data flows into the John Deere Operations Center online farm management system for analysis. Operations Center insights provide farmers with detailed information that helps them optimize bale prices and field nutrient management, potentially reducing fertilizer costs.
Operators will also appreciate the Baler Automation technology now standard on John Deere Round Balers. With automated gate cycle functions, operators no longer need to worry about opening and closing the gate at the right time. Automating this repetitive process reduces manual errors and minimizes downtime, enabling operators to harvest more bales while experiencing less fatigue.
Other optional features enable farmers to customize their equipment to fit the size and scope of their baling operation. These include:
- High-Capacity Pickup, which enhances baling efficiency with a 33% boost in pickup and feeding capacity compared to earlier models, resulting in an expedited baling process
- Net-Lift Assist to reduce the physical strain of loading netwrap into the baler by 90%
- Net Lighting to illuminate the netwrap and wrapping components for easier reloading in low light conditions
- A preservative application system to ensure the optimal amount of preservative is applied to each bale
"Customers said reliability, serviceability and productivity were three important factors for them when considering the purchase of a new round baler," Chase Milem, marketing manager for John Deere, said of the 1 Series Round Balers. “We took what farmers liked most about our previous round balers and added new features to boost their baling capacity and new technology to help farmers make more informed agronomic decisions based on real-time data,”
Given the advanced technology and range of features available on the 1 Series Round Balers, there are plenty of reasons to consider upgrading your baling equipment, regardless of the age of your tractor. Your local John Deere dealer can help you find the right baling equipment to meet your needs.