The new Kuhn LSB 1290 iD high-density baler

Kuhn's current range of high-density balers includes four so-called "base" models: the LSB 870, 890, 1270 and 1290.
In 2014, Kuhn announced that it will market, in limited quantities, a new model designed to produce bales up to 25 % denser than conventional rectangular bales.

Named "LSB 1290 iD" (intelligent-DENSITY), this new baler is also designed to cope with the toughest conditions encountered in energy crops and biomass.

The "Twinpact" plunger system equips the LSB 1290 iD baler

To achieve up to 25 % additional bale density, the plunger force must be twice as great as that needed to produce conventional rectangular bales.

The "Twinpact" plunger is divided into a lower and an upper rod that compress the bale in two stages.

This process avoids load peaks on the machine and results in a load comparable to that placed on the drivetrain of a conventional 120x90 baler model (4x3).

According to Kuhn, the Twinpact makes it possible to work with tractors of a similar size to those used with the 120x90 baler.

Other features of the LSB 1290 iD baler:

The LSB 1290 iD has an integral-technology rotor with a diameter of 60 cm, ensuring steady feeding into the pre-compression chamber for energy crops and biomass.

The rotor tines are bolted rather than welded, which makes them easier to replace.

The pre-compression chamber incorporates a completely redesigned mechanical crop transfer fork for active feeding. According to the manufacturer, the 3-metre-long compression chamber combined with the pressure control system guarantees optimal metering of bale density.

For extremely dense bales, the machine is equipped with a double knotter tying system. Note that the onboard hydraulically driven fans reportedly provide optimal cleaning of the tying area.

The LSB 1290 iD features ultra-resistant replaceable wear plates for heavily exposed areas when harvesting dry, very dusty energy crops.

Finally, Kuhn announces that the cover design is adapted to the machine's new features: storage capacity for 30 twine balls of 12 kg, a pivoting twine storage box for accessibility and visibility of the various areas of the baler such as the pre-compression chamber and the tying system, a walkway providing access to the tying area and the fans, and standard service lighting (special lights are available as an option for night work).