Farm Progress

Krone releases new self-propelled forage harvesters

December 2, 2015

2 Min Read

Krone is expanding the company’s line of forage harvesters with four new models of the BiG X. The models include the BiG X 480, 530, 580, and 630 with 489, 523, 585 and 617 horsepower respectively. 

The exterior of the new Krone models have been completely redesigned in order to increase visibility and function. The sloped body and low rear end allow the operator to easily see behind and to the side. 

The spacious cab and 10-inch touch screen monitor create a comfortable workspace. All hydraulic components and the on-board air compressor are located by the steps for easy access. 

Krone says the new BiG X models were tested extensively in North America and capitalize on the reputation of the BiG X 700, 850 and 1100. These new machines can be used by farm operations with lower horsepower requirements and provide the same exceptional forage quality, reliability, and production.

To maintain the high quality of chop, Krone revised the crop flow components to meet the machine’s lower horsepower requirements. This includes narrowing the width of the feed rolls while maintaining the six rolls to ensure an evenly compacted crop mat. 

At over two feet wide and over two feet in diameter, the MaxFlow cutting drum has been designed specifically to handle the engine outputs of the BiG X 480 to 630 models. The 480 and 530 models come standard with 20 knives. The 580 and 630 models come with a choice of 20 or 28 knives.

The new knife arrangement below the knife carrier frees up extra carrying space, allowing more throughput and smooth operation. The knife bar’s innovative design improves crop flow and protects the drum body from wear.

The new, lower horsepower BiG X models feature a MTU R6 Tier 4 final engine that is transversely mounted. The engine mounted in this direction allows for an ideal weight distribution and provides for a direct line of power transfer to the chopping drum. 

Krone offers PowerSplit on the BiG X 530 and 630 models. PowerSplit is an intelligent electronic engine management system that automatically adjusts the engine output to the current harvest conditions. In the field, the operator has the choice of two modes, Eco-Power and X-Power.

For applications that need less input power, including second cuttings, the fuel efficient Eco-Power mode can be used. X-Power is best utilized when maximum power is needed, including high yielding corn, giving the BiG X an unprecedented power dimension. 

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