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Johan and Andries Kramer - Welger RP 435 - The Netherlands

Choice for variable chamber round baler made easier by practice test

Eighteen years ago, Johan Kramer and his son Andries started an agricultural contracting business, mainly focusing on baling and wrapping of round bales. In the course of time, they have grown into that specialism and by now they are operating a combination of two fixed chamber balers and two variable chamber balers.

In their early days, the Kramers started with a Welger RP 200 and a separate wrapper with an output of 15 bales per hour. At the time, they opted for Welger equipment because they had already been operating a Welger AP square baler. This baler was exceptionally reliable and boasted a high output for its time. In the meantime, Johan and Andries have purchased 12 more balers because they moved along with innovation to stay ahead of their competitors. The Kramer contracting business processes approximately 20,000 bales per year.

In the context of their constant quest for improvement it was decided in the summer of 2008 to embark on testing - together with agricultural equipment dealer Gerlsma - a variable chamber baler in a wrapper frame. Testing went quite well and it appeared that far higher speeds (15 to 20 km/h) could be attained with the variable chamber baler while in addition bale density was improved due to constant compression. Shortly afterwards, it was decided to start with a new RP 435 model in a wrapper frame in the next season. Quite soon after the start of the new season, reactions from customers were so positive that a second combination was soon purchased. Present output is around 30 bales for the fixed chamber baler and 40 to 44 bales for the variable chamber baler.

In Johan Kramer's opinion, the major benefits of a variable chamber baler are: improved output, increased bale density as well as a larger volume per bale, because they mostly produce bales with a 1.40m diameter. In spite of the higher price per bale, Johan has managed to motivate many clients for the variable chamber baler. Eventually, that system benefits both parties. The customers receive bigger, more tightly compressed bales with increased volume and, hence, better forage preservation. They pay a slightly higher price but that is amply compensated by the lower number of bales, bigger volume and improved density. Kramer's most important benefit is situated in output. The baler makes bigger and heavier bales and therefore there is less standstill for net binding and bale transfer. In addition, the contractors can drive faster with the variable chamber baler. The most immediate saving is achieved in costs for film; those costs are higher per bale but substantially lower in total.

On the whole, the variable chamber balers perform excellently in Dutch silage crops. When operating in - softer - autumn grasses, the contractors are often in favour of the fixed chamber baler because of its reliable performance. However, you never can tell... The next development is on its way. The Kramer contracting business is one of the firms where the Lely Tornado will be extensively tested this season. Definitely a fresh challenge for these seasoned experts!