Pickup design improves capacity and durability

Large-diameter stripper and five teeth bars provide high picking capacity

Forged cam-track links improve reliability

The F441R Baler uses the premium pickup that is also equipped on high-spec V4X1R Variable Chamber Balers. To fit all conditions, the baler is available with a 2-m (6.56-ft) or 2.2-m (7.22-ft) width.

The pickup, driven by 19.05-mm (0.75-in.) heavy-duty chains, features five tubular tine bars (four L-shaped tine bars on the F441M) with a low rotating speed. The large-diameter strippers allow five tine bars in the pickup. The picking capacity is 25 percent higher than for the F441M. With bearings added to the cam track, all these features provide a smooth and quiet ride with extended uptime.

In addition to the high-spec features, the F441R benefits from stainless-steel strippers, a market exclusive. Stainless steel provides the following advantages:

• No rust
• Constant gliding capacity
• High resistance to aggressive additives such as propionic acids

The F441R Balers pickup uses the cam-track design, providing a better solution to harvesting wet crops. Contrary to the cam-less design, the cam track pickup:

• Features a short space between the tines and rotor, limiting dead zone.
• Avoids pinching area, so no crops are plugged into the pickup drums.

High-capacity (HC) rotor for higher productivity and durability

MaxiCut™ HC 25 Premium has a single axis for rotor and converging augers

HC rotor limits plugs

To maximize productivity in the toughest swaths, the F441R Baler features an HC Premium rotor design. Exclusive 48-cm (18.9-in.) converging augers are aligned with the rotor, limiting the free space between pickup teeth and rotor. Plugging risk is also decreased and crop transfer is highly improved. The simple HC Premium rotor design also reduces the number of moving parts and provides reliability. For example, stress on the rotor is distributed along the rotor to avoid overhang load on the bearings.

Additionally, all rotors feature tines that are made of Hardox® wear plate which drastically improves wear resistance, especially in rocky fields (Hardox wear plate tines provide 80 percent or more resistance versus traditional S700 grade steel).

The F441R is only available with a precutter, offering space between knives as short as 40 mm (1.57 in.) or 80 mm (3.15 in.).

High cutting quality provides better forage

Double-heat treatment for concise cut and long life

Individual knife security for quality forage

The F441R Balers are efficient in baling a high amount of cut silage. The MaxiCut HC 13 Premium and MaxiCut HC 25 Premium feature exclusive high-quality knives, providing several advantages:

• Bulk heat treatment to reduce risk of knife breakage.
• Surface heat treatment of the cutting area to provide better cutting quality and knife durability.

A knife slot fillers set is delivered as standard with all machines featuring the precutter. When using the MaxiCut HC Premium pickup without knives, dust and harvest matter can fill knife slots. This keeps th e knives from returning to the cutting position, and plugs must be manually removed to free the knives.

The knife slot fillers take the place of knives when not cutting crops. Drop-floor holes are then filled, allowing quick and easy knife re- engagement. When cutting, the knife slot fillers are stored and locked in a convenient bracket located on the right-side of the baler.

Model year 2024 sees improvements to the feeding system with a new knife lever and roller assembly. The new assembly improves the effective knife engagement process and reduces the amount of cleaning required. This will reduce operator downtime and maintenance of the cutting device.

Drop floor can remove the worst plugs

Drop floor covers rotor full width

Parallel kinematics avoids narrowing

No matter the operator experience, plugs can still occur, especially with large silage swaths. The F441R is equipped as a base with a drop floor unplugging system. The F441R drop floor features exclusive advantages, such as:

• Full-width design - by covering the full pickup width, the device is able to remove plugs, even located under converging augers.
• Parallel kinematic - no rear or front hinge means no narrowing. The F441R drop floor offers a constant 40-mm (1.6-in.) free space through the feeding channel when activated. This is enough to decompress the crops and avoid crop loss.

No matter the precutter or monitor type, the drop floor unplugging system can be easily managed from the cab.

Hardox is a trademark of SSAB Technology AB.

Feeding system

Select number of knives from the cab to increase uptime

Knife activation from the BaleTrak™ monitor

Knife sets from the cab with MaxiCut HC 25 Premium

The F441R can be used on several kinds of crops, in which knives can be engaged or removed. No matter the rotor type or monitor, this operation is easily managed from the cab.

When using the MaxiCut HC 25 Premium precutter, crops can be cut as short as 40 mm (1.57 in.), but only half of the knives can be engaged. This system proposes to use two different sets of knives for the same cutting width, to allow the use of sharp knives longer. By using sharpened knives versus blunt, fuel consumption can be decreased by up to 10 percent.

Rolls manufacturing provides long lifespan

12-rib roll

Bearings protection feature chicane and lips plastic seal

In order to provide high-quality rolls, the F441R rolls are not two half shelves welded together. John Deere only uses tubes that feature 12 ribs to better grip the crops. Compared to 10-rib rolls, the 12-rib solution offers up to 20 percent more contact points with the bale, allowing constant bale rotation even in very dry conditions.

The dedicated manufacturing process produces an accurate cylindrical shape, avoiding vibration.

Fully greaseable bearings can be replaced easily

All rolls are assembled on larger bearings that are 50 mm (1.97 in.) in diameter with a 90-mm (3.54-in.) width or 55 mm (2.17 in.) in diameter with a 100-mm (3.94-in.) width. On the left side of the machine the bearing load capacity has been increased by 20 percent and on the right side by 35 percent. All bearings are greaseable. Additionally, lips plastic seal integrated in chicane locks off debris, silage juice, and moisture from bearings.

To improve the machine's durability, roll bearings feature 20 percent more load capacity on the left side of the machine and 35 percent more on the right side than previous series balers.

Specific rolls handle the stress

Blue and red rolls are heavy duty

All rolls feature upgraded quality steel providing 20 percent higher yield strength. Depending on their positions, the rolls do not all carry the same load and stress, specifically:

• Rolls numbered 14 and 17 (blue) transmit the load of the main drive to the secondary chains (front bale chamber part and tailgate) and the pair of bottom roll numbered 10 and 11 (red) carry most of the bale weight. Due to this specific stress, these rolls feature a higher thickness of 4 mm (0.16 in.) instead of 3.2 mm (0.13 in.) to handle up to 7.5 tons of pressure. They are teamed to specific shafts to achieve requested durability.

18th roll

18th roll

To enhance the multi-crop capacity in very dry crops, the baler is equipped with an 18th roll (except for China) that pushes  bale formation capacity further inside the chamber. The improved power transmission between the chamber and the bale also increases total machine efficiency and reduces fuel consumption by about 7 percent.

For existing F441R Balers sold with only 17 rolls, a retrofit kit including the 18th roll is available as an attachment.

Additive protection plate enhances tying efficiency in extreme conditions

Additive protection plate (highlighted in red) under the net rubber roll

An optional additive protection plate can be added to the net wrapping system. By stopping crop projection against the net system rubber roll, the protection plate limits the net winding process.

The protection plate is especially efficient when baling very wet crops or using additives (which increases crops' sticking effect).

Damped gate cylinders

Damped gate cylinders

Opening and closing gate motion is driven by damped cylinders, which simultaneously provide very fast cycles at around 6 seconds to open and close the gate (can depend on tractor hydraulic capacity) and minimize chocks at the end of motion due to gate inertia. High machine productivity is achieved while machine frame stress is decreased.

Adjust bale size and density independently and maximize bale weight

Green column indicates bale diameter target – black column indicates bale diameter status

Bales density can be adjusted from ISOBUS monitors through proportional density valve

The balers allow operators to maximize bale weight and minimize total production costs due to shipping and storage needs. The bale diameter can be easily adjusted from between 1.25 m to 1.35 m (4.1 ft to 4.43 ft) from the monitor. The settings (seven steps) allow an accurate and quick choice. The bale diameter is controlled by contactless sensors, which provide long durability and error proof monitoring.

The bale density and size are not directly linked on the F441R and C441R Balers. Depending on the crop type, operators can independently choose a small-diameter bale with the highest density, a 1.3-m (4.27-ft) bale with higher density, or large-diameter bale with low density. A pressure gauge located on the front of the baler or on the monitor screen communicating the density is linked to the density harness. The density is easily adjusted from the monitor on an ISOBUS baler or by a knob located directly on the density valve in front of the baler. No tools are required.

The density harness is a closed and isolated circuit, meaning that there is no continuous oil flow requiring extra power consumption.

The density booster is installed in base on the F441R Baler. The hydraulic device maintains high hydraulic pressure in the density bracket during the complete baling process, even when using a tractor with decreased hydraulic performance.

Thanks to the density booster, the tailgate stays firmly closed from the start of bale formation to the end of the tying process. This increases the bale density and weight. The effect of the density booster is especially visible on small bales of 1.25 m (4.1 ft).

By limiting the trapped air, forage quality is also highly enhanced.

Baler Automation (formally Automatic Tailgate) enhances operator comfort

Easy Automatic Tailgate activation

In order to facilitate the baling process, an Automatic Tailgate option is available on ISOBUS F441R Balers (not available with the BaleTrak™ Plus monitor).

The Automatic Tailgate option allows the operator to avoid manually managing tailgate cycles; as soon as the binding process is finished, the tailgate automatically opens. Once the bale is dumped (bale ejection is controlled by a sensor on the unloading ramp), the tailgate automatically closes, and the operator is quickly informed he can start to fill the chamber again. Automatic Tailgate saves up to 1,000 manual operations for the operator (60 bales per hour, two manual operations per bale, 8 working hours a day), significantly increasing driving comfort.

When working on slopes, Automatic Tailgate can be easily disconnected for a few bales by switching to pause mode. No matter the conditions, the operator can quickly resume control by touching the tractor selective control valve (SCV) with no need to disconnect from display. The operator can then run the baler in a traditional way with no need to manage the tailgate position from the display.

Automatic Tailgate does not require any specific or additional tractor features, such as load sensing or power beyond equipment. Because the system only uses a continuous oil flow (very limited power consumption if the SCV is adjusted properly), Automatic Tailgate can be run with older or entry-spec tractors.

Automatic Tailgate has no effect on tractor motion and does not stop the tractor when the bale chamber is filled. It requires the unloading ramp option to properly control the bale dumping process.

Tractor Baler Automation (TBA) simplifies baling experience

A single manual action - the system manages the rest

All TBA settings can be easily adjusted to fit user habits

All ISOBUS F441R Balers are delivered as standard with TBA mode (not available with the BaleTrak Plus monitor). There is no need for an additional baler activation key. TBA makes baling easier than ever by managing most of the baling process. It offers operators the following advantages:

• High baling comfort on a single action to bale instead of four means up to 2,000 manual actions saved every day.
• Error-proof baling - even after 10 working hours, the system does not forget any action, a true advantage for an inexperienced operator.
• Constant bale quality - same diameter, bale after bale.
• Constant productivity - no reduced efficiency due to operator fatigue.

When used with a John Deere ISOBUS tractor, electric selective control valve (E-SCV), and Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™), the system can:

• Stop the tractor when bale size is reached
• Open the gate
• Close the gate when bale is unloaded

The only action remaining is to forward reverser and manage the steering.

If the John Deere tractor is not equipped with IVT (e.g., with PowrQuad™ transmission or DirectDrive) but has E-SCV and ISOBUS, opening and closing can be automated.

A single touch on the SCV, brakes, or reverser will disengage the automation. In the same way, automated open/close can be momentarily stopped when unloading in hilly conditions. TBA does not require additional SCV plugs or load sensing/power beyond features.

TBA requires unloading ramp option to control proper bale dumping process. The TBA system can be fully set according to operator habits. Acceleration and deceleration duration can be easily adjusted from monitor.

Even if no activation key is required on the baler side, a tractor activation key can be mandatory depending on John Deere tractor specifications.

Single-piece side panels offer easy-access to components

Gull-wing door

Gull-wing opening for easy access

The F441R features a single-piece side panel with a gull wing opening to provide full access to the baler side components. No additional shielding needs to be removed to maintain the baler.

The F441R side panels are made of double-skin plastic, providing rigidity and longer durability. The gas cylinders facilitate panel motion and lock it in the upper position safely. The integrated handle facilitates the opening and closing even for small operators. Inner skin (black) has been specially designed to limit crop accumulation.

Automatic chain lubrication increases component durability

4-L (1-gal.) tank

Independent settings for all chains

Automatic chain lubrication is offered as standard on the F441R Balers to increase the baler lifespan.

This device features a 4-L (1.05 gal.) high-capacity tank, providing autonomy. The pump delivers continuous flow to all chains as soon as the power take-off (PTO) is engaged. Output can be individually and accurately adjusted. The volumetric pump is guaranteed to lubricate each chain properly, no matter if it is located a few centimeters (inches) from the pump or farther away.

This is designed to work with the John Deere bio multi-luber oil, available through the Parts channel.

Greasing bank gathers most of the zerks

Several greasing zerks in one place

The F441R features a grease bank as base. Most of the greasing points are gathered on four banks, delivering grease to the bearings. Downtime linked to daily service is significantly limited, while the operator’s comfort is enhanced.

Automatic greasing system with cartridge provides an affordable and comfortable solution

Standard grease cartridge inserted into steel tube

Steel tube inserted into the greasing system

The F441R can be delivered as an option with an automatic greasing pump using cartridge and avoiding daily maintenance. The pump is hydraulically piloted and sends an adjustable quantity of grease to intermediate banks during each opening and closing tailgate cycle.

The system is easily filled by inserting a standard grease cartridge (400 g [14.1 oz]) into the steel tube. This system allows a clean and efficient solution, offering two to seven days autonomy.

When empty, a mechanical visual indicator located on the baler front panel warns the operator to change the cartridge.

NOTE: This device is compatible with all monitor types and does not require ISOBUS capability.

ISOBUS automatic greasing system with tank offers advanced settings and high autonomy

1200-g (42.3-oz) grease capacity

All settings from the display

For the most demanding users, the F441R can be equipped with a high-spec automatic greasing system. As for the cartridge solution, this pump delivers grease to all points requiring some daily maintenance. This option offers several advantages:

• High autonomy with 1200 g (42.3 oz) of grease (three standard cartridges). Re-filling is only required once a week to once a month.
• Refilling is possible through the standard zerk.
• Refilling is possible with a dedicated high-throughput plug, minimizing downtime (fast refill pump is available as an attachment).
• Greasing and non-greasing time is adjustable from the monitor.
• Greasing activation can be done from the monitor.
• Greasing process status is displayed on the monitor.

This device uses an electrical pump and an ISOBUS monitor. This option is not available with the BaleTrak™ Plus monitor or Implement Display 1100 options.

Dedicated screen with single camera view

Dedicated screen with four-camera view

If not using a John Deere tractor with the G5 Universal Display, 4240 Universal Display or GreenStar 3/Gen 4 integrated CommandCenter™ system, a dedicated screen is available.

• Clear picture with 17.8-cm (7-in.) 16/9 high-definition color screen
• Compatible with up to four cameras with split-screen or toggle-screen function
• Adjustable brightness and contrast provide optimum viewing
• Anti-reflection screen decreases glare

Toolbox facilitates maintenance

Convenient toolbox location

A toolbox is available as an option for F441R Balers. This device provides storage of tools often used to maintain the baler, such as a grease pump, wrenches, or screwdrivers. The toolbox is conveniently located at the front of the baler.

Vision Pack enhances operator's baling experience

Light-emitting diode (LED) lights

High-definition camera

GreenStar™ 3/Gen 4 display with video preparation

Operators can more clearly and conveniently keep an eye on the baling process with an updated video camera on F441R Balers equipped with Vision Pack.

The factory-installed camera offers:

• Higher definition with 77 percent more pixels
• Wider view of 120 degrees instead of 90 degrees
• Night vision thanks to infrared LEDs
• Better visibility in very bright or contrasted environments
• Integrated heating system to prevent dew from forming on the lens and obscuring the screen
• Long 10-m (32.8-ft) harness for ease of use

The camera is focused on the bale unloading process on the F441R.

No monitor offers a solution for modern ISOBUS tractors

Just plug and bale

Operators with an ISOBUS display already integrated into the tractor do not need to buy an unused component. The F441R Baler with the ISOBUS version can be ordered without the monitor. In this case, the baler is delivered with an ISOBUS plug that must be connected to the tractor's rear ISOBUS plug.

Implement Display 1100 offers an appealing and affordable solution

Implement Display 1100

All parameters are highly visible

The F441R Baler has the Implement Display 1100 monitor as an option, offering an 11-cm (4.3-in.) diagonal, high-definition color screen. Icons and information displayed are optimized for an easy reading.

The Implement Display 1100 features:

• Bale diameter setting and status
• Bale density setting and status
• Gate and bale position
• Net settings and status
• Drop floor management and status
• Knives management and status
• Automatic tailgate management (when option chosen)
• Greasing parameters and status when automatic greasing option is chosen (99 resettable bale count options plus one total bale count)
• Full-text error information
• Electrical harness and sensor status

The Implement Display 1100 is an ISOBUS display and is teamed to an ISOBUS version of the F441R Baler.

The Implement Display 1100 does not allow operators to run the baler through Tractor Baler Automation mode.

Others complementary applications such as guidance cannot be managed by this monitor. Monitor support is not delivered with and must be ordered independently.

BaleTrak™ Plus monitor offers a user-friendly solution

BaleTrak Plus display

The F441R offers the BaleTrak Plus as base (except for the MaxiCut HC 25 Premium version). This robust display offers these functionalities:

• Bale diameter setting and status
• Gate position status
• Net settings and status
• Drop floor management
• Knife management
• Bale counter (five resettable bale count settings plus one total bale count)

The information is conveniently displayed on a large, black-and-white, liquid-crystal display (LCD).

The BaleTrak Plus monitor cannot be teamed with the ISOBUS version of the F441R Baler. Monitor support is not delivered with and has to be ordered independently.

The BaleTrak Plus monitor cannot be offered with the MaxiCut HC 25 Premium precutter. It is not compatible with the automatic tailgate option and cannot run through Tractor Baler Automation mode.

Monitor support for John Deere 5XXX, 6XXX, and 7XXX Tractors

Monitors, no matter the type, are not delivered with support.

A support allowing the monitor to fasten to the cab corner or side is available for the 5XXX, 6XXX, and 7XXX John Deere Tractor Series.

This monitor bracket can also be delivered as a field attachment.

Monitor support for John Deere SG2 cab and other brands

Monitors are not delivered with support.

A support allowing the monitor to fasten to the cab is available for following tractors:

• John Deere with SG2 cab (produced before 1992)
• All other brands with specific modifications

This monitor bracket can also be delivered as a field attachment.

Battery wiring harness delivers 12-V power to the monitor

Battery wiring harness

For tractors that do not feature the 12-V, three-pole COBO outlet, a universal battery harness is provided as an attachment. This electrical harness is linked to the tractor’s battery and delivers the 12-V power to the monitor through a standardized plug.

The battery wiring harness is only available as bundle to retrofit multiples tractors.

COBO is a trademark of C.O.B.O. S.P.A. Joint Stock Company Italy.

Large tyre range to fit operator needs

F441R tyre range

Agronomy, weather conditions, and roads are key points when choosing tyres. To match these needs, the F441R offers a wide-range of tyres, from narrow 45.7-cm (18-in.) tyres, to large 600/50/22.5 tyres. The variety offers easy field entering, travel on uneven roads, and less damage to grassy turf areas.

600/50R22.5 fits wet conditions

600/50R22.5 tread

The F441R can be delivered as an option with extra wide 600/50R22.5 radial tyres that offer:

• 600-mm (23.7-in.) wide tyres to allow work in very wet conditions
• Large 1.17-m (3.28-ft) diameter that limits traction effort
• Radial tread design that increases road transportation comfort while limiting wear
• High grip efficiency pattern for better work in hilly conditions

Overall baler width with 600/50R22.5 tyres is 2.77 m (9.08 ft).

Low pressure 520/55R22.5 tyres limit soil impact

520/55R22.5 special pattern

In addition to the extra-wide tyres, John Deere offers a high-spec tyre option for the F441R. The 520/55R22.5 tyres feature several advantages:

• Large 1.14-m (3.7-ft) diameter tyres offer reduced traction and fuel consumption
• 52-cm (20.47-in.) width tyres limit soil damage
• Radial tread design, combined with low-pressure inflation, provides low soil compaction.
• Radial tread design increases efficiency and durability for road transportation.
• A special tyre pattern increases tyre grip while baling on slopes.

Overall baler width with 520/55R22.5 is 2.60 m (8.53 ft).

500/55-20 provides a universal solution

500/55-20 pattern

The 500/55-20 tyre represents a universal solution:

• 51.5-cm (20.28-in.) width limits soil damages
• 106-cm (41.73-in.) diameter offers easy traction
• High side wall of the tyre offers good flotation capabilities

Overall baler width with 500/55-20 is 2.60 m (8.53 ft).

16/70-20 chevron-pattern tyre answers specific needs

16/70-20 chevron-pattern profile

The 16/70-20 chevron-pattern tyres have been developed for special applications such as wet rice fields or very sloppy conditions. The chevron pattern guarantees a perfect tyre rotation even in very muddy or wet conditions and limits lateral machine slippage when working in mountains.

The 16/70-20 chevron-pattern tyres feature a large 110-cm (43.3-in.) diameter and keep a very narrow machine (2.48-m [8.14-ft] overall width).

15/70-18 tyres

15/70-18 tyres

15/70-18 tyres are offered as a base on the F441R Balers. The tyres feature a large diameter of 1 m (3.28 ft) and a width of 39 cm (15.35 in.). Overall baler width with 15/70-18 is 2.38 m (7.81 ft).

Bale diameter:

1.25 – 1.35 m

Pickup width:

2.00 m

Number of knives:

13 (Maxicut HC 13) or 25 (Maxicut HC 25)

Bale chamber:

17 or 18 ribbed rolls with 2 reinforced and 2 heavy duty