New Holland has announced two major hay and forage equipment updates: the all-new Speedrower 1 Series Self-Propelled Windrowers and Model Year 2027 enhancements to its Roll-Belt 1 Series round balers. Both releases focus on helping producers maximize productivity during tight harvest windows while improving equipment durability and performance.
“Hay and forage producers face constant and evolving pressure across every aspect of their operations, from maximizing crop and bale quality to helping teams work more efficiently in tight harvest windows,” says Alex Berwager, product go-to-market manager for New Holland North America.
Roll-Belt 1 Series Gets Durability Boost for MY27
The Model Year 2027 Roll-Belt updates center on durability and ease of use. Key improvements include larger rollers and bearings in high-wear areas such as the tailgate, backwrap and follower rollers to extend equipment life.
A new net protection system uses electrohydraulic belt tension control to prevent net damage during bale ejection, which can be particularly valuable when baling heavy cornstalk residue or straw. The simplified design reduces the need for rebaling in demanding conditions.
Technology updates include a new Bale Command 8 color touchscreen display for operators who don’t need full ISOBUS functionality. New Holland is also offering factory-fit IntelliBale automation, which comes pre-configured from the factory so customers can use automation features immediately without dealer setup time.
“These Roll-Belt round baler updates are designed to make every day baling easier, more consistent and more productive. With practical improvements like net wrap protection, durability, in-cab control and factory-fit automation, we’re helping operators work with greater confidence, even in demanding conditions,” Berwager says.
New Holland has also simplified its 561 model lineup with clearer naming:
- Hay Special – for dry hay crops
- Specialty crop – for dry heavy crops and cornstalks
- Sillage Special – for silage applications
- Bale-Slice – for producing sliced dry hay and silage bales
Pre-ordering is now open for MY27 Roll-Belt balers.
Speedrower 1 Series Brings Power and Precision
The new Speedrower 1 Series represents New Holland’s next-generation windrower platform, combining increased horsepower with integrated precision technology. The four-model lineup ranges from 161 hp to 308 hp, topped by the Speedrower 301. According to New Holland, this is the industry’s most powerful self-propelled windrower.
New Holland also focused on performance improvements. Machines can now reach field speeds up to 20 mph and transport speeds up to 30 mph, delivering 10% to 20% faster operation than competitors. A new 150-gal. fuel tank extends runtime by 43%, allowing the Speedrower 301 to operate for 10 hours without refueling.
A redesigned cooling system features a larger rear screen, expanded surface area, and a hydraulic variable-speed reversing fan with three modes: automatic five-second reversal at 203°F, a customizable timer that clears the screen when the PTO is active, and manual Power Clean mode for a 20-second cleaning cycle.
The series introduces Relative Yield Monitoring integrated with lifetime FieldOps connectivity (no subscription fees). This system generates real-time yield maps during mowing, helping operators adjust ground speed or manage cut quality on the go. The data is automatically stored for comparing field performance across seasons, supporting future decisions on irrigation, nutrient management, and soil sampling.
“Relative Yield Monitoring and FieldOps help take the guesswork out of managing a field by providing a clearer understanding of what’s happening acre by acre and even more granularly,” says Jordan Milewski, self-propelled windrower product marketing manager for New Holland North America.
Operator-focused features include the AutoFloat Header Floatation System for consistent ground pressure with minimal manual adjustment, plus Comfort Ride cab suspension and Terraglide rear axle suspension to reduce fatigue during long days. An updated styling features a black frame, silver rims and bold blue model numbering.
The Speedrower 1 Series is available for pre-order now through New Holland dealers, with deliveries beginning in late 2026.
