Belt merger MERGE MAXX 442 F – MERGE MAXX 762, MERGE MAXX 952 – MERGE MAXX 1092

• KUHN introduces the MERGE MAXX 102 range of belt mergers, featuring five models including front-mounted and trailed versions.

• Advanced ISOBUS technology in models 952 and 1092 enables comprehensive in-cab control for improved operator comfort and machine adaptability.

• The machines are designed for versatility, allowing quick adjustments to handle different fodder types, terrains, and harvesting conditions.

• Durability is enhanced through reinforced structures and wear-resistant components, ensuring reliable performance in intensive use.

• Maintenance costs are minimized by innovative features like replaceable Hardox® cam parts and easily serviceable tine arm bearings.

• The design maintains proven delivery options and ground-following skids to optimize fodder quality and protect plant cover during operation.

The KUHN range of belt mergers has evolved to become the MERGE MAXX 102. Renowned for their versatility, excellent work quality, and high work output, KUHN belt mergers are now pushing the boundaries in terms of user comfort, durability, and maintenance costs.

A comprehensive range to meet all needs

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The range of belt mergers counts five models.

The front-mounted MERGE MAXX 442F model, with a 3-meter pickup width, guarantees perfect fodder quality by moving it before the tractor wheels pass over it. Its market-exclusive double conveyor system allows for bilateral delivery with the same amount of fodder on each side.

The four trailed models offer working widths from 5.50 to 10.95 meters.

The intermediate model, the MERGE MAXX 952, is available in two versions: standard, without ISOBUS functionality, and an ISOBUS version for greater comfort and functionality.

MERGE MAXX 952 and 1092 ISOBUS: a new era in terms of comfort

For both models, all machine settings can be adjusted from the cab using the ISOBUS.

Thanks to the tractor's onboard ISOBUS terminal or the CCI 60, CCI 800, or CCI 1200 ISOBUS terminals, numerous functions can be controlled: windrow delivery, working height, unit suspension, Windguard volute position, and many more.

The setting menus and the work screen have been designed to be intuitive and easy to understand for users. This makes it easier to learn and manage the various controls.

The operator can work with peace of mind by monitoring the indicators on the work screen. The speed and ground pressure of the conveyors and pick-ups are displayed, allowing for rapid adaptation to working conditions and optimization of machine performance.

Versatility and adaptability are the key words

Changing practices mean fodder harvesting is occurring almost year-round. Working conditions and fodder types are evolving. For agricultural contractors, customer requirements vary. Therefore, it's necessary to adapt machine settings quickly and easily.

Designed to handle different types of fodder, terrain and harvesting methods, the MERGE MAXX 102 ISOBUS can be adapted quickly and easily via the in-cab ISOBUS terminal:

• Adjustment of the WINDGUARD roller and transfer plate: Necessary for perfect and regular transfer of fodder from the pick-up to the conveyor belt, the angle and position relative to the pick-up are adjusted continuously from the terminal.

• Ground pressure adjustment with 5 settings: From one day to the next, from one plot to the next, the soil structure changes. This setting offers the user different possibilities to work optimally without damaging the topsoil.

• Adjusting pick-up and belt speed: Depending on the quantities and volumes of fodder, it is important to adjust the rotation speed of the pick-ups and conveyor belts to ensure regular fodder transfer without affecting its quality. These parameters are adjustable from the work screen. In automatic mode, the rotation speed of the pick-ups and conveyor belts can be adjusted based on the ground speed. Similarly, in the side delivery configuration, the conveyor closest to the windrow and handling the largest load of fodder, can rotate faster than the conveyor furthest from the windrow. This feature prevents the formation of fodder clumps in the machine channel. Three modes are configurable and can be saved to avoid wasting time during plot changes.

• Adjusting the working height: Pick-up height is a key parameter for maintaining excellent fodder quality without incorporating impurities and stones into the harvested product. It is also a factor influencing tine wear. Adjustment from the in-cab terminal allows the user to easily adapt to working conditions.

• “Pick-up without delivery” function: Some areas of the plot can be difficult to harvest (wet areas, narrow passages, obstacles, etc.). To avoid the harvesting machine having to pass through these complex areas, the MERGE MAXX 102 incorporates a pick-up function. The latter consists of temporarily stopping the conveyors when collecting the fodder to move it later to a more favourable area.

Many other functions have been developed to increase simplicity, versatility and user comfort.

Built to last, without stopping

To cope with the most intensive uses, KUHN has further developed numerous parts to increase durability without compromising work efficiency. Designed to work for long hours and in conditions that can be difficult, the MERGE MAXX 102 belt mergers benefit from reinforced parts so that users are able to work with confidence and peace of mind during the fodder harvesting process.

The tubular structure supporting the pickup units are of larger diameter. This increases the machine's

service life and makes it ideal for professional use as in alfalfa dehydration plants.

As the pick-up, the centrepiece of the belt merger, is the part most exposed to wear and stress, the R&D department paid particular attention to this part of the machine. Numerous tests were carried out in real conditions around the world to find the best solution in terms of performance and durability. These criteria are achieved thanks to the following features:

• High-displacement hydraulic pick-up drive motor to promote fodder flow while reducing rotation speed

• Hardox®-coated cam

• Tine arm with extended crank pin to reduce stress and strain

• Tine arm bearings resistant to soil, water, sand, etc.

• Angled tines with superior load-bearing capacity

• WINDGUARD transfer plate made of high yield strength steel

The fodder flow, which is particularly important for consistent work, has also been optimized. The tine path and the area between the pick-up and the conveyor belt have been refined to ensure excellent fodder flow and thus a uniform, clump-free windrow.

Finally, the front and rear sealing of the conveyor belts has been redesigned to prevent fodder, soil and impurities entering the machine.

Reduced maintenance, a guarantee of profitability

A task’s profitability is strongly influenced by a machine's operating cost, which in turn depends on maintenance costs. This criterion is essential when choosing and purchasing a machine. KUHN, drawing on its experience and close ties with belt merger users, has done everything possible to minimize the maintenance costs of the MERGE MAXX 102.

Unique on the market, the tine arms feature bearings with plastic wearing parts that are highly resistant to deterioration. This maximizes service life. In the event of replacement, there's no need to disassemble the tine arms and tines; parts can be changed in less than a minute.

After thousands of hectares, the cam track wears out, regardless of the machine. KUHN has thought of everything by integrating a cam with removable and replaceable wearing parts. These are made of Hardox® steel, which provides excellent durability. When changing them, there is no need to replace the entire cam. Only the worn parts need to be replaced, and this can be done very quickly without disassembling the entire pickup: guaranteed cost and time saving.

A recognized and proven concept

Drawing on its experience and user feedback, KUHN has retained its concept and strengths with its new generation of MERGE MAXX 102 belt mergers. Their design consisting of two mobile units, remains identical, offering great versatility in terms of fodder delivery:

• In central delivery, the windrow width is adjustable up to 2.20 m, offering perfect adaptation to conditions, harvesting equipment, etc.

• In side delivery, to the right or left.

• For windrow turning or nighttime windrowing, the user can deliver the windrow in two windrows.

In terms of ground following and plant cover preservation, four large articulated skids follow the ground contours and ensure quality raking. Their large surface area ensures excellent weight distribution on the ground. Unlike roller systems, the skids adapt perfectly to wet conditions without damaging the plant cover.

During transport, the pickup units are positioned horizontally, ensuring good clearance under the chassis as well as good visibility to the rear of the machine. The operator can therefore move around comfortably and safely.