Standard Features
2.1m Profi-Flo Pick-Up
15 Knife Chopper Rotor
Drop Floor Unblocking System
18 Roller Bale Chamber
50mm & 55mm Bale Chamber Bearings*
1′-1/4″ Chain on the Bale Chamber
Automatic Progressive Greasing System
Dual Feed Net System
Continuous Oiler System
i-Control 5 Console or ISOBUS (Optional)
500/50-17 Tyres
15 Knife Chopper Unit
Knife Pressure Display
Knife Position Sensor
Drop Floor Sensor
F5-550 - 15 Knife Fixed Chamber Baler
The McHale F5-500 Fixed Chamber Baler Range consists of 4 models;
• F5-540 – Non-Chopper Baler
• F5-550 – 15 Knife Chopper Baler
• F5-560 – 25 Knife Chopper Baler
• F5-560 Plus – 25 Knife Chopper Baler with Film Binding Technology
Offering innovative ideas to allow you to work smarter, whilst achieving more output, the McHale name has become synonymous with the production of robust and reliable machines, making McHale the number one choice for professional users.
The McHale F5-550 is a semiautomatic, 15 knife chopper Fixed Chamber Baler, which comes fitted with automatic progressive greasing as standard. It is equipped with a i-Control 5 terminal, which allows the operator to control features such as drop floor and knife position. Bale density can now be adjusted on the terminal in the tractor cab. The machine is fitted with 500/50-17 tires as standard.
Features
Profi-Flo Pick-Up
McHale have created their highest output pick-up for the F5 range. The new Profi-Flo pick-up has been designed to increase crop intake through more efficient crop flow and had been engineered to ensure end users are operating with a high performance pick-up that is designed to suit various working conditions
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The new tapered feed channel encourages the crop to flow from the pick-up and then move towards the rotor and into the bale chamber, maximizing throughput.
McHale have also moved the lateral feed augers forward and their ends are angled towards the rotors for improved crop flow.
These changes combined offer a massive reduction in the potential for blockages to occur and in turn, increase output for the operator.
To reduce maintenance, all Profi-Flo pick-ups are fitted with a heavier driveline which reduces chain load and increases chain life
Pick-Up
Over the last decade, McHale has designed and developed various types of pick-ups. After extensive testing, McHale decided it will offer customers the choice of 2 pick-up options depending on their working conditions:
Cam Pick-Up
As standard, a cam operated 2.1m high-intake galvanized pick-up ensures excellent ground cleaning in all types of crop. The cam pick-up runs on a can track that is fitted with double raced cam bearings to stand up to the most testing conditions.
All cam pick-ups across the McHale Fixed Chamber Baler Range are fitted with 5 tine bars for excellent ground cleaning and delivery of crop to the bale chamber. A side inspection port allows the operator to quickly check and change the cam bearings if needed.
All McHale cam pick-ups have heavy-duty tine bar supports to ensure long service life. McHale have also developed a pick-up tine designed to lift even the shortest of crop.
Camless Pick-Up
A 2.1m camless pick-up is available as an option on all machines in the McHale Fixed Chamber Baler Range. Six Tine bars are fitted to all McHale camless pick-ups to provide excellent ground cleaning and fast delivery of crop to the bale chamber.
The camless pick-up has been designed to increase output, reduce levels of maintenance, and perform better in certain conditions.
All Camless pick-ups are fitted with a fully welded tine bar. McHale have also developed a pick-up tine designed to life even the shortest of crop.
Heavy-Duty Pick-Up
The specially designed McHale pick-up is positioned close to the rotor to improve delivery of the crop through the rotor to the bale chamber. Large diameter lateral feed augers help direct crop to the bale chamber ensuring a consistent and even crop flow for producing high density bales.
Adaptive Intake
Over the course of a baling season, machines have to work with different volumes of crop. The McHale patented adaptive intake allows the intake area to automatically adjust for light and heavy crops to facilitate a smooth crop flow into the chamber.
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The adaptive intake plate sits higher in low volumes of crop and can adjust to a lower position for higher volumes of crop. This avoids peak loads and results in higher daily throughput regardless of working conditions.
Split Drive GearBox
A 540rpm Split Drive Gearbox is fitted to all machines in the McHale Fixed Chamber Range as standard. The gearbox design ensures that power is evenly distributed to both sides of the machine.
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Optimal Power Distribution:
The rollers in the bale chamber are driven from the left-hand side of the machine and the pick-up and chopper unit from the right-hand side of the machine. This system ensures direct, short transfer paths, leading to optimal power distribution.
1000rpm Gearbox (Optional)
In order to optimize machine performance, a 1000rpm gearbox is available as an optional upgrade on all machines in the McHale integrated baler wrapper range.
Rotor
The star shaped, twin finger feed rotor ensures a high-capacity flow of crop into the bale chamber.
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The flights on the rotor are laid out in a spiral formation to achieve consistent crop flow. As crop enters the rotation, rotating flights feed it to the bale chamber. These ensure high output, while the star layout reduces the load peaks as the machines work in heavy swaths.
The feed rotor or chopping unit boasts a heavy-duty rotor and comb.
The flights are welded on both sides for superior strength and on the drive side, the rotor is fitted with a double row bearing with a long service life.
F5-550 Rotor Types
15 Knife Chopper Rotor (Standard)
Rotor Formation | Spiral |
Flight Thickness | Inner: 8mm Outer: 12mm |
Number of Knives | 15 |
Selectable Knives | Optional |
25 Knife Chopper Rotor (Optional)
Rotor Formation | Spiral |
Flight Thickness | Inner: 6mm Outer: 12mm |
Number of Knives | 25 |
Selectable Knives | Optional |
Chopper Unit
To ensure a consistent and even chop quality, two chopping options have been developed for the McHale fixed chamber machines.
15 Knife Chopper Unit (Standard)
The 15 knife chopper unit is the standard chopper unit on the McHale F5-550. A bank of 15 knives provides a chop length of approximately 65mm. | |
Flight Thickness | Inner: 8mm Outer: 12mm |
Number of Knives | 15 |
Selectable Knives | Optional |
25 Knife Chopper Unit (Optional)
The 25 knife chopper unit is available as an option on the McHale F5-550. A bank of 25 knives provides a chop length of approximately 46mm. | |
Flight Thickness | Inner: 6mm Outer: 12mm |
Number of Knives | 25 |
Selectable Knives | Optional |
Selectable Knife System
All McHale F5-500 machines have the option to be fitted with a selectable knife system. Various knife configurations can be chosen depending on the knife bank specification.
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25 Knife Bank Options: 0, 12, 13, 25 Knives
BENEFITS OF SELECTABLE KNIVES
ADJUSTABLE CHOP LENGTH
With selectable knives, the operator can vary the chop length by engaging or disengaging either knife bank. If fine chopping is required, the operator can choose to engage both knife banks. Should a longer chop length be required, the operator can disengage one bank of knives from the comfort and safety of the tractor cab.
REDUCED SHARPENING INTERVALS
When using both knife banks separately, if the first bank of knives become blunt, the operator can lower the first knife bank and raise the second bank. This reduces the downtime and allows the operator to continue working. By having consistently sharp knives, fuel consumption is reduced and the machine always delivers optimum chop.
OPERATOR COMFORT & SAFETY
A new sharp set of knives can be engaged, without the operator having to physically replace knives, ensuring a well chopped crop and continued high output. Should different chop lengths be required the operator can make the adjustments by engaging or disengaging the knife bank without having to leave the tractor cab.
Drop Floor Unblocking
For over a decade, all machines in the fixed chamber baler range are fitted with the McHale Drop Floor Unblocking System, a feature which operators have come to love for it's simplicity of use and effective unblocking cycle.
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The McHale Fusion 4 range is fitted with a Drop Floor Unblocking System, which means blockages can be fed through in three simple steps.
1 - Drop the Floor
Should a blockage occur, the sound of the slip clutch alerts the operator, who can hydraulically lower the floor from the tractor cab. When operating the drop floor cycle, the knives and the drop floor drop together during the unblocking process, giving even more clearance to allow the blockage to be fed through.
2 - Re-engage the PTO
This widens the feed channel at both the front and rear of the drop floor where the blockage is more likely to occur. By lowering the front and rear of the drop floor, the blockage can be fed through and effectively cleared when the PTO is re-engaged.
3 - Reset the Floor
The floor can then be reset to its original position and bailing can resume. On the F5-550, F5-560, and F5-560 Plus, the drop floor is equipped with a drop floor sensor to ensure the chop quality is consistent by indicating to the operator via the control box if the drop floor is open and the knives are down.
Bale Chamber
The bale chamber on the McHale F5-550 is comprised of an 18 roller bale chamber. It has a diameter of 1.23m x 1.25m (4′ ½” x 4′ 1¼”) and is formed from heavy duty rollers.
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The 18 rollers are formed from high-grade tubular steel delivering maximum traction, improved bale rotation, enhanced machine performance and produces well-shaped, uniform bales. As a result, the F5 range is noted for superior performance in dry crops such as hay and straw.
Heavy Duty Chains
High quality heavy-duty chains ensure reliable operation all around the machine. The main drive chain coming off the gearbox is a high tensile, heavy duty 100H endless chain for maximum strength. All other chains on the drive side of the bale chamber are inch and a quarter (20B). The rotor chain is inch duplex (16 B2) and all pick-up chains are three quarter inch (ASA 60H).
New chain tensioners are fitted on all machines in the F5 range to allow for a spring to be tensioned by simply tightening a bolt at the end which replaces the need to manually release the spring and reattach.
Chamber Bearings
All roller assemblies utilize high quality 50mm bearings on the drive and non-drive side of the bale chamber. On the main load points, heavy duty, double raced 55mm roller bearings are fitted to ensure maximum reliability. This combination provides maximum strength and ensures a long working life.
Bale Density Adjustment
On the F5-550 balers, bale density can be adjusted from the comfort of the tractor cab via the control console inside.
Roller Design & Sealing
The roller ends are fitted with high performance self-cleaning seals that have a unique reverse-thread sealing system, which hinders the crop from getting into the bearings. As the roller moves in one direction, the thread on the seal moves in the opposite direction, ensuring that any crop that tries to find its way into the bearing is automatically threaded out. The seals prevent the grease around the bearings from becoming contaminated by crop.
Oiling and Greasing
The McHale fixed chamber range of balers are all fitted with a continuous oiling system. Once the PTO is engaged, the continuous oiling system constantly lubricates the chains to ensure a long lifetime. A lube alarm sounds after 300 bales to inform the operator to refill the oil tank.
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Continuous Oiling System
The continuous oiling system on the machine is driven off the gearbox and delivers oil to the following chains:
Chamber Drive Side Chains
Rotor Drive Chain
Pick-Up – Drive Chains
Pick-Up – Cam Track
Pick-Up – Drive Gears
Greasing
All machines come fitted with a number of manual greasing points which are easily accessible throughout the baler either individually or through a centralized greasing block. The following bearings highlighted below are greased:
Bale Chamber – Drive Side
Bale Chamber – Non-Drive Side
Rotor Bearings – Drive Side
Rotor Bearings – Non-Drive Side.
Automatic Greasing
With the exception of the McHale F5-540, all machines in the McHale Fixed Chamber Baler Range are fitted with automatic greasing as standard. A pressurized system delivers a measured amount of grease every time a bale is ejected from the bale chamber. Automatic greasing saves time as it reduces the amount of manual greasing to be done by the operator. A lube alarm sounds after 300 bales to inform the operator to refill the grease cartridge.
Dual Feed Netting System
A high performance netter has been designed and developed for the F5-500 range. A Dual Feel Netting System is fitted to all F5-540, F5-550, and F5-560 machines.
Net Tension Application
Each of the simple, yet effective net binding systems apply net to the barrel of the bale. These systems ensure efficient net usage and that a tight layer of net is evenly applied to the bale. The net tension can be adjusted on the machine or control console to suit operator’s requirements depending on the model.
Net Layer
The number of layers of net being used can be easily adjusted as the machine passes through different crop conditions. On the F5-540 and F5-550, by simply moving the net adjustment handle down, more net will be applied, while by moving the handle up, less netb can be applied. On all ISOBUS machines, net/film adjustment can be controlled from the control console in the tractor cab.
The high performance netter is extremely reliable and features:
Endless Adjustment
Various adjustment of tension to ensure optimum net/film usage and bale shape
Up to 1300 mm
Capacity to take rolls of net wrap up to 1300 mm in width and 4500m in length.
Direct Feed & Clamp
The route in which the net feeds is adjustable and eliminates any slippage when netting.
Net Loading & Storage
Net loading has been optimized on the F5-540, F5-550 and F5-560machines by the rock and roll net loading system.
The operator simply releases the straps on the spare roll of net on the machine platform and rocks the net roll from its storage position over the lip on the platform and rolls it into the net box. Net Loading Assistance Rollers aid the operator when loading net onto the platform. Store for an extra roller of net is provided on the baler platform.
i-Control 5 Control Console
The F5-550 is equipped with the i-Control 5 control console. This contains a large 5 inch graphic display which allows the operator to control machine features such as drop floor and knife position.
The i-CONTROL 5 Control Console features:
Floor Position | Net Feed Indicator | Knife Position | Density Pressure |
Knife Pressure | Tailgate Position | Voltage Supply | Bale Count |
The F5-550 i-Control 5 Console is also equipped with a lube check alarm, which reminds the operator to check the grease and oil levels. The alarm signals after a set number of bales. The operator can also select from 10 customer profiles and check the machine total either for the day or the machine’s life.
ISOBUS Integration
All McHale F5-550 machines can be selected with ISOBUS as an optional extra. McHale ISOBUS machines can be plugged into any ISOBUS tractor connection and operated via the tractor’s own terminal in the cab.
The machine is connected via the tractor's ISOBUS connector, which eliminates large cables being routed through the back window of the tractor cab. Alternatively, with an ISOBUS tractor, the operator can use a separate ISOBUS terminal.
McHale ISO-PLAY Control Console
If the customer wishes to operate an ISOBUS controlled machine with a tractor that is not ISOBUS compatible, they can do so through the optional McHale ISO-PLAY terminal.
McHale offers two ISO-PLAY monitor options.
Customers can purchase a McHale ISO-PLAY 7 or ISO-PLAY 12 control terminal, which can be used to operate the functions of other ISOBUS machines. Should the customer already own an ISOBUS control terminal from another machine this then can be used to control the functionality of the McHale F5-550,F5-560 & F5-560 Plus. Through the ISOBUS tractor’s terminal or McHale’s ISO-PLAY terminals, the operator is provided with clear indicators of machine performance and allows for increased levels of monitoring, through the graphic display.
Options
McHale machines work in different conditions around the world. To optimise machine performance, we offer a number of options in the McHale Fixed Chamber Baler range. Speak with us and find the best configuration to meet your requirements.
Options F5-550
ISOBUS / ISO-PLAY | Optional |
Camless Pick-Up | Optional |
Chopper Unit | 25 knife – Optional |
Selectable Knives | 0,12,13,25 -Optional |
1000rpm Gearbox | Optional |
Crop Roller | Optional |
Air/ Hydraulic Brakes | Optional |
Moisture Meter Kit | Optional |
Standalone Camera Kit | Optional |
Tire Options | 520/55-22.5 Optional |
ISOBUS/ ISO-PLAY
All McHale F5-550 machines have the ability to be specified with ISOBUS as an optional extra. This allows the operator to control the machine using the ISOBUS screen in the tractor or an ISO-PLAY control console which brings a host of additional functionality.
Camless Pick-Up
The 2.1m camless pick-up runs smoothly, particularly in short crop, and requires less maintenance due to a reduced number of rotating parts. All camless pick-ups in the McHale fixed chamber baler range are fitted with six tine bars to provide excellent ground cleaning and fast delivery of crop to the rotor.
Rotor / Chopper Unit
The 25 knife rotor and chopper unit is available as an option on the McHale F5-550,F5-560 and F5-560 Plus fixed chamber machines and delivers a chop length of approximately 46mm.
Selectable Knives
All F5-550 machines can be specified with electronically Selectable Knives when upgraded to a 25 knife bank chopper unit. This allows the operator to engage and chop with a bank of 12 knives, 13 knives or engage both knife banks which will give a 25 knife chopper system capable of delivering a theoretical chop length of approximately 46mm.
1000rpm Gearbox
McHale machines work in different conditions around the world so in order to optimize machine performance, a 1000rpm gearbox is available as an optional upgrade on all machines in the McHale baler range.
Crop Roller
A small diameter high throughput crop roller is available as an optional extra. This crop roller helps to level out uneven swaths and has the ability to increase baler throughput. A Crop Roller with Spring Tines is also available should it be required.
Brakes
All balers in the McHale F5 fixed chamber baler range can be equipped with brakes as an optional extra. McHale offer the choice of hydraulic or air brakes.
Tire Options
McHale offer a number of tire upgrades depending on customer preferences and ground conditions.