Krone will introducetwo new rotor forage wagons at Agritechnica 2009. Badged MX310 and MX350, these new machines offer capacities from 25-53 cubic metres andexpand the range of forage wagons to now comprise AX, MX and ZX models.
The new MX is marketed in GL and GD specification. The GL version is a forage wagon with closed body, the GD version is a self-loading model with closed body and two standard discharge rollers; a third discharge roller is an option.
The MX models stand out for their 880mm diameter feed-and-cut rotor with eight rows of tines. The tines are welded to the rotor in a helical arrangement and are surfaced with hardwearing Hardox plates. These wide feed plates have proven their worth in preventing the material from compressing and squeezing. The 41 knives are spaced 37mm apart give perfect cuts at minimum input power.
The low-maintenance Krone EasyFlow-Pickup system is standard specification on all MX wagons, offering a 1,800mm pick-up width and five rows of tines for smooth material ingestion.
The EasyFlow holders mount right on the rotor discs at either end of the pick-up, a position that eliminates the need for a traditional cam track control system, which is a major area of wear. Another plus point is the pivoting design of this new Krone EasyFlow pick-up unit.
Protected by the cam-type clutch on the main drive shaft, the discharge rollers benefit from higher torques, which in turn make for higher work rates even in heavy and wet material.
The special highlight on the MX forage wagons is the knife bank, which folds down and swings out to the side. The operator no longer walks around the machine to lock and unlock the bank on either side. Instead, he carries out all operations on the left side of the machine. To swing out the knife bank, he simply operates a lever that unlocks the knife bank and then swings it out to the left for fast knife changes without tools.
Another noteworthy innovation is the MX chain-and-slat floor, the front end of which is lowered by 15cm or 25cm. This sloping conveyor significantly reduces the space through which the material passes from cutting rotor into the wagon, enabling faster and gentler crop feed as well as a substantial reduction in input power, making MX a good machine to run behind 120hp tractors.
As an extra benefit, the sloping design increases the utilisation of the overall machine capacity, because the first portion of material cannot fall over to the rear.
The optional automatic loading system is equipped with an extra precompression sensor, which maximizes machine fill levels and profitability.
Road transport is another impressive aspect of the MX models. The level of specification comprises a professional package of axles, tyres and brakes, such as the suspended axle assembly on up to 20-inch tyres or the bogie assembly running on maximum 26.5-inch tyres.
For straightforward and intuitive MX operation, Krone has developed two new GL and GD operator control units. There is also the option of a high-comfort control system, which offers a large display. All control options on MX are compatible with the tractor’s load-sensing system.
For more information visit: www.krone-uk.com.
