Five years ago, Austrian-based agricultural machinery manufacturer Pottinger successfully launched its IMPRESS round baler range, which has been developed entirely in-house from the ground up. With time experience, consistent trials and field testing have paved the way for further technological developments resulting in six patents with the new Impress 3000 baler range.
With well-thought-out details, high-quality materials and high-tech manufacturing techniques, developments have no compromises by Pöttinger, which underlines its machinery uniqueness and articulates their mission statement “More success with Pottinger”.
The first Prototype Baler arrived in New Zealand for testing back in October 2015 and a subsequent updated model arrived the following year. After extensive testing in New Zealand conditions as well as overseas, the Variable chamber and fixed chamber combination balers are now finally available for sale for the 2023/24 season with limited machines available for 2022.
Controlled floating pickup
A unique patented controlled floating system with a centralised suspension allows for side-to-side movement of 120mm. A 2.3m pickup is fitted standard with trailing side mounted jockey wheels that are easily adjusted to guide the pickup over uneven ground, meaning perfect ground tracking consistent with the tines. To reduce ground pressure in challenging conditions weight alleviation springs have been fitted to reduce the pressure on the ground to approx. 100kg.
The perfect flow
A key feature of Pottinger balers is the LIFT UP flow technology of the rotor where the forage is passaged up and over the rotor into the baling chamber. This smooth, straight feed flow, without the forage being deflected results in less blockages and lower power requirements. The patent rotor features a V-shape tine arrangement that automatically feeds the chamber with a wide flow of crop, which results in a perfectly shaped bale.
Flexible chopping system
Another key feature of the Impress is the design of the chopping system. LIFT UP technology places the chopping system and knives above the rotor. This system allows full flexibility of the machine allowing you to have a full set of 32 knives on board at all times but being able to simply select the correct knife group for the chop length you require from the side of the machine from as low as 36mm.
The individual knife protection system is designed to help minimise any downtime with each knife being individually secured by its own spring. This means that if any foreign object enters the machine the knife is pushed back automatically and returns to its working position after the object has passed through. TWIN BLADE reversible knives are fitted which allows the operator to simply turn the knife over during the working day to keep the chopping quality up all day.
Unique wrapping system
A baler that can be used for so many different applications needs an equally adaptable wrapper. The capacity of a machine to work on steep inclines is also defined by its low centre of gravity. The wrapping table on the impress has a unique compact design with a low centre of gravity because the wrapping arm is driven from below. During the design phase of the Impress, Pottinger targeted the ability of the wrapping unit to handle bales with different diameters and they wanted it to deliver high throughput with flexible storage.
The wrapping arm is robust and it is smooth running with minimal vibrations so it reduces any tearing of the wrapping film.
Large-diameter bales can pass over the wrapping platform without any problems, as there is no upper clearance limit. It can wrap 1.1m – 1.5m diameter bales effectively.
The film pre-stretching unit works with 70% or optionally 50% rotating at up to 36rpm, so the wrapper always works faster than the baler.
On the Impress fixed chamber FC Pro and variable chamber VC pro there are two film magazines with six roll holders each. Underneath there is space for a further two rolls of wrapping film or one binding material roll.
When equipped with the second roll holder for binding material, a maximum of 4 or 6 rolls of binding material can be carried. That is enough for a long day in the field.
Bale Tipper
Stubble or stones can puncture the film on silage bales when unloaded. The flat faces of the bales are always much better protected because they have a much higher number of layers. Using the integrated bale tipper, the bale can be placed face down on the ground. On slopes, the bale tipper can be deactivated at the touch of a button; this allows you to react quickly to operating conditions – a feature that is unique to the Impress balers.
by giving the bale extra turns, the air between the layers of the film is pressed out. this increases puncture resistance and ensures the perfect seal and better-quality silage. Loose film ends are avoided for transportation and storage by rotating the bale prior to unloading to ensure the film tail is secured.
rear-mounted controls are fitted as standard on the Impress. the operator can work all functions of the wrapper with them. In addition, the film magazines can be folded downwards from these controls.
The control keys on this control panel are backlit in case it’s dark. an optional LED lighting package for all Pro models ensures optimum illumination of areas such as the pickup, the bale projector and the wrapper platform. LED strips with switches are installed under the side panels for maintenance work and changing rolls of film in the dark.
The key principle in the development of the Impress round baler was to enable maximum versatility in operation, regardless of silage or hay, in the field performance and requirements are convenient for contractors and farmers alike, Pottinger makes the Impress balers a reliable and all-rounder.
