TURRIFF farmer, David Johnstone, recently purchased his second Krone baler - 26 years after the first arrived on his farm near Crudie.

"I won a KR125 in a competition in 1987 and it was one of the first balers with a netwrap system, which speeded up the baling operation considerably," Mr Johnstone recalls. "That baler has made more than 40,000 bales and is still in working order, so I am keeping it as a back-up!"

His new baler is a Bellima F 130 fixed chamber model, which makes 1.2m diameter bales using a chain-and-slat elevator. It will be used to make 1500 bales a year on his 70ha farm, to feed 80 head of cattle and 50 ewes.

"I chose another Krone baler because the KR125 has been so reliable. Its straightforward design meant any minor problems that did crop up over the years were quickly remedied," he comments.

"The new baler has a wider pick-up which increases efficiency, but is built to the same basic design that has served me well, so it has obviously proved itself for others over the years too."

Mr Johnstone has made about 1000 bales with it so far, and comments that the Bellima produces a denser bale than its predecessor: "The straw bales that I have made look firm and well packed, and are tidier too."

He also praises the net brake which he says is an upgrade on the previous design: "It sometimes needed adjusting as the roll became smaller, but this one works well right to the end of the roll."

And, despite its greater output, the Bellima requires no more horsepower than the KR125, and is usually pulled by an 80hp Ford, although Mr Johnstone has used it with a 60hp tractor.

Given that the previous Krone baler lasted 26 years and is still going strong, Mr Johnstone suggests that this one 'might see me out'.