IntelliSense, an innovative feature for New Holland’s High Density BigBaler, enhances operator productivity, bale quality, fuel efficiency, and comfort by automating key functions of both the baler and tractor. It has earned one of the highest honours from American agricultural engineers.
The Davidson Prize, which celebrates groundbreaking innovations in agricultural, food and biological systems engineering, is awarded based on the AE50, a collection of 50 cutting-edge agricultural engineering products selected by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).
These products are chosen for their innovation, significant engineering progress, and market impact. The ASABE, in partnership with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), identifies three standout innovations for the Davidson Prize.
This year, New Holland’s IntelliSense baler automation was one of the top three products selected.
Operating large square balers usually requires long periods of concentrated attention, adjusting steering to follow the swath and carefully managing crop flow to avoid overloads and blockages by altering tractor speed.
To ensure consistent bales, the operator must monitor the bale fill indicator and adjust the tractor’s path accordingly while also keeping an eye on the bale slice count and weight.
IntelliSense eases this process by automatically adjusting tractor steering to follow the swath ahead and regulating tractor speed based on swath density. This allows the driver to maintain high productivity with minimal blockage risk, reduce fuel consumption through optimised engine management, and ensure consistent bale weight and shape.
It also reduces operator stress, helping less-experienced drivers optimise output without worrying about plugging the baler.
A LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor mounted on the tractor roof sends out a laser pulse 6-8 metres ahead, which reflects off the swath. The system then uses this data to analyse the swath’s position and shape, adjusting the ISOBUS-controlled tractor steering and aligning with the baler’s plunger load sensors to maintain even chamber-filling. The data also determines tractor speed, slowing down in dense areas to prevent blockages and speeding up in thinner sections.
Feedrate control is possible with IntelliCruise II, where a speed limit and a maximum number of slices per bale can be set. The tractor then adjusts its forward speed to maintain the target slice count.
Alternatively, Swath Guidance mode uses SmartSteer technology to steer the tractor according to the swath, ensuring it stays centred on the pick-up and adjusting automatically to achieve perfect bale shape based on plunger load cells.
IntelliSense is compatible with all New Holland T7 Long Wheelbase, T7 HD, and T8 AutoCommand tractors, provided they have Class 3 ISOBUS functionality for steering and speed control and differential GPS.
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