Discover McHale’s F5 range: Advanced balers for higher efficiency | The Scottish Farmer

Jun 08, 2025

The McHale F550 and F5000 fixed chamber baler ranges have been the preferred choice for farmers and contractors worldwide for over 20 years.

The McHale F5-550 delivers higher output and operator comfort with every bale The F5 range features the newly designed Profi-Flo pick-up, offering improved crop throughput. Bale density and binding are enhanced to deliver denser bales. Operator comfort is a key focus, alongside McHale’s renowned heavy-duty build quality. The machines offer new features via control consoles, with ISOBUS-compatible models for maximum customisation, performance and ease of use.

The F5-550, McHale’s most popular model, features the Profi-Flo pick-up for improved crop flow and a tapered feed channel to maximise throughput.

The heavier driveline reduces maintenance, extending chain life. Customers can choose between a five-tine bar cam track or six-tine bar camless pick-up. The Adaptive Intake system adjusts automatically to handle different crop volumes and reduce blockages. All F5 machines come with a 540rpm gearbox, with an optional 1000rpm gearbox to increase PTO speed, improve capacity by 10%, and reduce fuel consumption.

The new i-Control 5 console offers intuitive operation and easy bale adjustments

Profi-Flo pick-up

McHale has designed their highest capacity pick-up for the F5 range. The Profi-Flo pick-up improves crop intake through more efficient crop flow. ensuring that users benefit from a high-performance pick-up suitable for various working conditions.The tapered feed channel encourages the crop to flow from the pick-up, towards the rotor, maximising throughput. To reduce maintenance, the Profi-Flo pick-up comes with a heavier driveline, extending chain life.

Customers can choose between a five-tine bar cam track pick-up or the optional six-tine bar camless pick-up. Behind the tines, several changes have been made to improve crop flow into the chamber.

The Adaptive Intake system automatically adjusts the intake area to handle different crop volumes, reducing blockages. changes in material flow. This system offers several benefits:

It automatically adjusts to the crop volume, maximising machine capacity in both light and heavy rows/swaths.

The intake area adjusts to better handle uneven or lumpy rows/swaths.

It improves crop intake and reduces the chance of blockages.

Martin McHale, marketing and sales director at McHale, said: “The new F5 range focuses on higher output and operator comfort. The Profi-Flo pick-up increases throughput, with improved bale density and machine performance.”

“The design team have also enhanced the baling experience for the operator using the new i-Control 5 console or ISOBUS options are now available.”

1000rpm gearbox

All F5 machines come with a 540rpm gearbox as standard, but a 1000rpm gearbox is available as an optional extra.

10% more capacity at the clutch setting

Easier restarts

Better fuel efficiency at the recommended PTO speed of 890rpm

Other new features on the F5 range

Improved performance for both Net and NRF binding systems, even at high densities.

Available on all F5-550 machines via the i-Control 5 console, enabling density and shape adjustments.

Bale size can be adjusted from 1.25m to 1.30m to suit different crops.

Quick attach wheels for easy attachment and removal.

Simple chain adjustment for optimal performance.

Larger oil tank (8 litre capacity) for extended maintenance intervals.

Hydraulic hose grips for easier machine attachment.

ISOBUS compatibility

The F5-550 can be equipped with ISOBUS as an option, and the F5-560 and F5-560 Plus models come with ISOBUS as standard. McHale ISOBUS machines connect to any ISOBUS tractor terminal. For tractors without ISOBUS, the McHale ISO-PLAY 7 or ISO-PLAY 12 console is available as an option.

Depending on the machine specification, ISOBUS machines offer additional features such as:

Auto unblock when connected to an ISOBUS tractor

Automatic drop floor reset

Auto knife drop and cleaning cycle

Optional internal panel lighting

John Biggins, who is international sales manager at McHale, said: “The new Profi-Flo pick-up delivers a greatly improved intake which increases capacity. Customers are pleased with the option of a 1000rpm gearbox. The i-Control 5 console and ISOBUS, if preferred, has also made the whole baling experience easier and more enjoyable for operators from a driving and maintenance perspective.”

For more information, visit www.mchale.net or contract your local McHale representative.