After a quarter century of few, if any, significant changes to the small-square baler market, yet another high-capacity, so-called double baler is now available. Kubota Tractor Corporation entered the double-baler fray at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky., by unveiling its SSB2014 and SSB2012 models.
Kubota’s new high-capacity, small-square balers tout a patented dual-chamber design. As the crop enters the machine, an intake rotor separates the windrow into two separate chutes that feed alternating plungers. Bales form in two separate chambers with independent knotter systems. The configuration delivers 100 plunger strokes per minute.
By producing two bales simultaneously, field time is cut in half compared to single-chamber balers, and only one operator and one tractor are needed. Each bale ramp on the SSB balers align the dual chambers into a single row of bales. This makes it easier to pick up bales using a stack wagon.
Two bale sizes
The Kubota small-square baler line offers two bale-size options. The SSB2014 produces standard 14-by-18-inch bales, while the SSB2012 creates smaller 12.25-by-18-inch bales. This flexibility offers options when using bale-bundling equipment. The smaller 12.25-inch bales enable operators to fit three additional bales into each bundle. Both SSB baler models are compatible with the Marcrest 5250T Bale Baron. The Kubota “powered ramp” is required for Bale Baron compatibility.
The new balers come standard with full ISOBUS compatibility, allowing direct integration with any ISOBUS-compatible tractor through a simple plug-and-play connection. For operations using non-ISOBUS equipment, the optional Kverneland IsoMatch Tellus GO terminal provides comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities.
Real-time monitoring features flake length adjustment and counters, individual bale length monitoring for each chamber, hydraulic bale density control for consistent bale weight, dual bale scales for left and right chamber monitoring, a rolling bales-per-hour readout, on-board diagnostics, and manual operation modes.
Both the SSB2014 and SSB2012 feature a Rasspe 6003 knotter system, completing the knotting process in just 0.3 seconds, even at the high capacity of 100 strokes per minute. The balers also feature an all-welded frame construction, offset plungers, and a large flywheel to ensure a smooth, controlled operation. The wide pickup accommodates various windrow sizes, ensuring consistent crop feed for both chambers. Flexible twine storage options include 20 standard spools (five per knotter) or 16 large spools (four per knotter).
The Kubota SSB Series is compatible with tractors equipped with 1,000-spline power take-off (PTO) output. The minimum PTO horsepower requirement is 100, with 120 PTO horsepower recommended for optimal performance and attachment operation.
The SSB Series is the third double baler option to be either manufactured or marketed by a major equipment manufacturer in the past few years. Last year, AGCO Corporation began marketing its Hesston by Massey Ferguson SB.1436DB double baler. Previously, John Deere announced it finalized an allied distribution agreement for the Grady Twin Pak baler.
The Kubota SSB series will be available at authorized Kubota dealers in spring 2026. For more information, visit KubotaUSA.com.
