Krone UK will be well represented at the Sima Show in Paris this year, with several new machines now available to UK farmers, ranging from a completely new engine in the BiG X 700/770 models to the new range of RX forage wagons and Swadro rakes.
Both of the mid-range BiG X 700 and 770 models are now powered by Liebherr V8 engines. Built using hard-wearing components these engines have service intervals twice as long – engine oil and filters are only changed after 1,000 engine hours.
The Liebherr engine features high torque even at low engine speeds, and courtesy of its great elasticity offers plenty of torque back-up for operating variable crop conditions. The familiar PowerSplit and ConstantPower features remain with PowerSplit automatically adapting engine output to harvest conditions. ConstantPower senses the current load and controls ground speed so that the engine operates always within the optimum torque and output ranges, varying forward speed constantly so the engine always operates at the pre-set speed.
Krone’s new range of forage wagon replaces the ZX 400 GL/GD and ZX 450 GL models with RX 360 GL/GD (vertical headboard, short tailgate), RX 400 GL / GD (pivoting headboard, short tailgate) and RX 430 GL (pivoting headboard, long tailgate for large volumes of crop).
All RX models are based on identical frames and share the 2015mm EasyFlow pick-up and eight-row rotor cutter. New RX models feature double tines arranged in a patented “W” pattern that guarantees a consistent crop flow and an equally consistent and full-width supply of material to the cutting and feeding assembly.
The eight-row and 880mm diameter rotor cutter is powered by an oil-immersed gearbox on its end and quietly feeds the crop at a width of 1,760mm.
The 46 knife cutting system cuts crop to nominal 37mm chops, which is set from a central control. The knife bank swings out to the side for convenient and ergonomic knife changes.
The RX generation features solid steel body and sloping floor. Narrowly spaced stanchions provide stability while galvanized and powder-coated trapezoidal sheet plates ensure maximum longevity. The slotted headboard provides an excellent view of the load area.
Unique to the RX 400 GL/GD and RX 430 GL models is a movable headboard which tilt to increase capacity by about four cubic metres and assists in unloading the wagon more efficiently.
The new RX models are available in caster-steer or force-steer configuration. Force steering offers the following benefits: Force-steered wheels will counter steer when the machine is drifting on the slope. They also steer during reversing and need not be locked manually.
Krone has also added the Swadro TC 640 and TC 930 rake models.
Swadro TC 640 is an intriguing entry-level model that rakes 5.7m to 6.4m into 1.0m to 1.7m swaths whereas the higher capacity Swadro TC 930 model offers work widths of 8.1m to 9.3m.
Robustly built the cardanic rotor suspension system and the Krone Lift Tines with curved ends allow the vertical tines to lift the crop as it is being raked, hence minimizing crop contamination.
All these new models feature the maintenance-free rotor gearboxes with heavy-duty and unlubricated Duramax cam tracks, which come with a three-year warranty. The tine arms require no lubrication at all. Each rotor arm is arranged behind the suspension system, ensuring that the tines will not scratch the ground as they lift and lower.
Another feature is the artic-steer running gear (an option on Swadro TC 640) while the stand-out feature on Swadro TC 930 is the forward sloping beam with Y gearbox. The transport height for the TC 640 and TC 930 models is less than 4m and there is no need to fold the tine arms.
For more information visit: www.krone-uk.com.
