Footage of what’s being described as the “biggest round baler in the world” is doing the rounds on social media.
The machine has now made its first bale, albeit out-of-season (by baling up swaths/windrows laid out in a yard).
The baler was reportedly designed by TJ Steele (‘Favor 5 Ag Innovations’) and built by Vogel Engineering.
This footage (below) – from ‘Born 2 Farm‘ – shows the machine starting its first ‘test bale’ earlier this month.
This further footage (below) – again from ‘Born 2 Farm‘ – shows the machine as it gathers up more material to fill its voluminous chamber.
Those involved in the project say that it can make 9ft X 9ft bales. These apparently weigh 5,600lb (2,540kg).
This final piece of footage (below) shows a massive bale emerging from the rear of the machine. A modification is apparently being worked on to enable bales to roll out more easily.
Stay tuned to AgriLand for ongoing updates…
Giant self-propelled mower
This isn’t the first eye-catching machine that Vogel Engineering has built. It previously pieced together a giant self-propelled mower. This video (below) shows it in action (back in 2012).
The machine carries three 13ft-wide John Deere 994 mower units. It’s powered by a 400hp John Deere engine. Its rotating cab is also sourced from John Deere.
Since then, it has built an even larger version – carrying three Case IH RD163 mower units. This version has no less than 500hp on tap – again courtesy of John Deere.
This video (below) shows it being put through its paces (back in 2016).
Vogel Engineering is based in Holton, Michigan (US).