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IntelliSense™ has become a cornerstone of New Holland’s BigBaler technology, delivering measurable gains in baling efficiency, bale uniformity, fuel use and operator comfort. What was once a job demanding constant manual correction is now far more controlled and predictable thanks to intelligent automation across both tractor and baler functions.
Running a large square baler manually requires unwavering attention. It means keeping the tractor perfectly aligned with the swath, adjusting speed to match crop flow, and monitoring slice counts and bale weights to maintain consistency. Uneven windrows, heavy patches, and variable crop conditions add to the workload, making farming more demanding.
IntelliSense™ alleviates these pressures by automating the most demanding aspects of the job. A roof‑mounted LiDAR sensor scans the swath several metres ahead, using rapid laser pulses to map crop volume and position. This allows the tractor to steer automatically for optimal pick-up alignment, while plunger load sensors refine steering inputs to ensure the bale chamber fills evenly from side to side.
This single-sensor system remains one of the most advanced baling automation solutions available. It performs reliably in bright sun, darkness, dust and low-contrast conditions, which are situations that often challenge manual steering. Operators benefit from more consistent bale shape, reduced fuel consumption and significantly less fatigue, particularly during long shifts or overnight baling.
The LiDAR data also drives automatic speed control. When heavier crop is detected, the tractor slows to prevent overloads. In lighter areas, it accelerates to maintain throughput. The result is smoother, more efficient baling across variable field conditions.
Sune Nielsen, CNH’s hay and forage product manager for Australia and New Zealand, has seen IntelliSense™ perform across a wide range of local environments.
“Having spent many hours baling myself, it was great to see how straightforward and effective IntelliSense is,” he said. Producing straight, uniform bales can be difficult when windrows are narrow or uneven. “If the baler isn’t fed evenly, you end up with banana-shaped bales or even broken twine. IntelliSense solves that by steering the tractor to keep the crop flowing evenly into the feed system.”
IntelliSense™ offers two automation modes that can operate independently or together:
- Feedrate control, managed through IntelliCruise II, lets the operator set a maximum speed and target slice count. Lower slice numbers create thicker slices and higher throughput, with the tractor adjusting speed automatically to achieve the desired output.
- Swath Guidance uses SmartSteer for hands-free steering whenever the swath is detected. It keeps the windrow centred in the pick-up and uses plunger load feedback to maintain ideal bale shape.
Both systems can be overridden instantly by pressing a button or simply turning the steering wheel.
IntelliSense™ is available across the BigBaler Plus range and can be retrofitted to BigBaler High Density models from model year 2020. Compatible tractors include the New Holland T7 LWB, T7 HD and T8 AutoCommand ranges, provided Class 3 Isobus is enabled for steering and speed automation.
Operators manage IntelliSense™ through an intuitive run screen. The system does not require RTK because differential GPS provides all the accuracy needed.
