By John Greig
The forage industry has witnessed an impressive innovation with the introduction of the new Marcrest 210 baler. This machine, when used in combination with the Bale Baron, promises to transform efficiency and production capacity of bales. But what makes this baler so special?
Unmatched Capacity
Presented at the Ontario Forage Fair last July 4th, the Marcrest 210 can produce over 1,000 small bales per hour with sun-cured material. This matches the capacity of the well-known Bale Baron, but with the additional advantage of being able to pack these bales into large “packages” that can be handled with a front loader.
Keith Horst, the manager of the engineering team at Marcrest, emphasizes that the baler was designed with robustness and durability in mind. “We wanted to build something with greater capacity,” commented Horst during the Forage Expo. “It is robustly built and has a longer service life.”
Innovation in Design and Operation
The more robust construction of the Marcrest 210 is reflected in its components: gearboxes, rotating flywheel, and the increased quantity and quality of steel used. Weighing nearly 5,000 kg, this baler outweighs many others on the market, equaling even a round baler.
One of the most notable features is its control capacity from the tractor cab. Operators can adjust various variables, including the bale weight, which can vary between 20 and 40 kg. Additionally, the baler features a knotter without string remnants, a popular innovation in Europe that reduces field waste.
Technology and Efficiency
The Marcrest 210 is equipped with a series of technological advances that facilitate its operation and improve the quality of the final product. The camless pickup, hydraulically driven, adjusts its speed in sync with the tractor. The augers feeding the rotor are equipped with a torque clutch, allowing a continuous flow of forage, even when the PTO stops and restarts.
The focus of the Marcrest 210 is to produce high-quality bales with standard dimensions of 35 cm by 45 cm by 81 cm, using three strings to ensure their firmness and density. “Three strings ensure that the bale stays intact, even if one of the strings breaks,” Horst explained.
A Perfect Complement
Although the Marcrest 210 is an ideal complement for the Bale Baron, it can also be used with other high-capacity balers. Its robust construction and ability to process up to 50% more forage than its competitors make it an attractive option for commercial forage producers.
“When it comes to capacity, that’s where it shines,” states Horst. “We are 20% faster than the fastest competition, and we can ensure it processes up to 1,200 bales per hour.”
Looking to the Future
Marcrest has ambitious plans for its new baler. It is expected that ten units of the Marcrest 210 will be operational in the field this year, and orders are already being accepted for 2025 production. With its capacity, durability, and efficiency, the Marcrest 210 promises to be an indispensable tool for modern forage producers.
This baler not only represents a technological advance but also a practical solution to maximize production and reduce idle time in the field. The forage industry has taken a significant step forward with the arrival of the Marcrest 210, setting a new standard of excellence and performance.
