New Holland just introduced a new series of variable chamber round balers for the 2026 model year: the Roll-Belt 1 Series, which includes the 451, 461 and 561.
A key improvement on these models is an improved pickup design and better feeding control
The pickup uses a single roller windguard, which is now standard on all OSF (OverShot Feeder) pickup models. It uses a 60 per cent larger diameter, 8.4-inch, roller. The brand claims that helps better compress the crop mat and improve feeding into the chamber.
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To help pull in larger windrows, a new dual roller windguard is available as an option on the Roll-Belt 561 model. The front and rear rollers pivot independently, providing adaptive control in variable crop and ground conditions. Both rollers can be locked together when compressing loose or fluffy windrows.
Other improvements include redesigned pickup flares that improve edge feeding and additional bolt-in windguard tines for better crop compression and even feeding. The number of tines has increased across its two 1.8-metre and 2.0-metre pickups, and bolt-in designs make them easier to adjust or remove to suit different crop types and reduce trash buildup.
The balers also get a number of overall strength improvements, including upgraded bearings with a new triple lip seal design for better protection from dust and debris while keeping internal grease clean.
To get more information to the tractor operator about what the baler is doing, an optional ActiveWeigh system is available on the Roll-Belt 561 model. It uses three precision load cells and an onboard processor to calculate the bale’s weight as it forms and displays the weight directly on the in-cab monitor. As the tailgate opens after each bale, a final weight is recorded, and the system automatically resets for the next.
For the first time New Holland will offer ISOBUS Class III digital compatibility on all 1 Series balers to improve communication between the baler and tractor monitors. ISOBUS standardization allows better data transfer to monitors in other tractor brands as well.
But for those who intend to put a blue tractor in front of the baler, there are now two different monitor options. One is the IntelliView IV Plus, which replaces the previous generation’s keypad-based display with a colour touchscreen. The other option is the IntelliView 12, which offers faster response and full integration with NH’s FieldOps telematics platform.
The new balers also get a yellow livery, as the brand moves away from its previous red colour on haying equipment, standardizing its appearance across the different global markets.
The brand says the new balers will be available later this year.
