Case IH brings LiDAR technology to hay producers

Oct 20, 2024

Automation kit improves productivity, bale quality, and operator experience.

Karen Jones is the machinery executive editor at Successful Farming and Agriculture.com. She joined the Successful Farming team in 2023 following a 19-year career on the communications team of an agricultural cooperative.

Case IH

Case IH introduced baler automation at the 2024 NCBA Cattle Con in Orlando, Florida. The technology allows for hands-free operation and consistent large square bales regardless of operator experience level.

A dealer-installed automation kit connects seamlessly with Class 3 ISOBUS Puma, Optum, and Magnum tractors. It is compatible with HD models from model years 2020-2024, and XL models from model years 2022-2024.

“Productivity is the name of the game when it comes to the tight operating windows hay producers face,” says Brian Spencer, hay and forage marketing manager at Case IH. “Baler automation is the perfect example of purposeful technology from Case IH. It aims to tackle efficiencies by taking the duty off the operator to steer and make adjustments in field, allowing them to add productivity while in the cab.”

Case IH baler automation is the industry’s first LiDAR (light detection and ranging) baling system, opening opportunities for hay producers in efficiency and productivity, the company says.

The LiDAR-based swath analysis sends out laser pulses to measure the position and size of the windrows. The technology adjusts the speed and steering of the tractor to maximize throughput without overloading the baler, resulting in increased runtime compared with traditional baling. With automatic adjustments and hands-free baling, producers can put less experienced operators in the cab, or spend their time in the cab running farm operations or focusing on other business.

“This technology is built for the unpredictable yet expected challenges in baling with crooked windrows, and inconsistent widths and heights,” adds Spencer. “The automatic adjustments in steering and speed ensure the bales are consistent and the baler is running at peak performance, avoiding blockages and overfilling.”

Case IH precision technology through AFS Connect also ensures that tracking and monitoring occurs during the baling process. Hay producers can remotely monitor field performance and tractor diagnostics during baling, while securing records for review after harvest. For more information, visit caseih.com.