17 September 2015, 16:23
This year’s Agritechnica sees the launch of a new member of the Krone forage harvester family: the BiG X 770. The new machine is equipped with a 16.16-litre MAN V8 engine that outputs 775 hp (520 kW). With its rounded, ergonomic styling, it looks very much like Krone's latest BiG X 480/580 machines. But the design is not just about the looks, it’s also about enhanced safety. For example, all parts of the machine are more clearly visible, additional indicators have been fitted in the mudguards, and there is an extra step on the access ladder to the cab. What's more, like the 600, 700, 850 and 1100, the BiG X 770 comes with a cutterhead brake as standard, which brings the drum to a standstill from full speed in less than 10 seconds.
On the inside, Krone has kitted out this forage harvester with sophisticated features like PowerSplit. PowerSplit is a smart electronic engine output management system that automatically adapts the output of the common-rail engines to current harvest conditions, maximising engine efficiency.
Krone is also offering a version of the BiG X 770 - as well as the 600, 700, 850 and 1100 - with the MaxFlow cutterhead for the first time. The MaxFlow drum is available with a choice of 20, 28 or 36 knives, making it ideal for use in all conditions. The new knife arrangement below the knife carrier makes for a bigger carrying space, more throughput and extremely quiet running even with long chopping lengths. The knife bar also protects the drum body from wear. In addition, Krone also offers special biogas cutterheads with 40 or 48 knives (48 knives for the BiG X 850/1100 only) as special drums for short LOCs (40 knives: 2.5-15 mm, 48 knives: 2.0-12.0 mm). Another practical feature is the wide range of corn conditioners to choose from, now including a new 105-tooth version that delivers perfect kernel treatment even when chopping lengths of 20 mm or more.
Also available now for the BiG X 600, 700, 770, 850 and 1100 models is the StreamControl throw width adjustment system. This enables the operator to set the crop throw from the cab by adjusting a hinged flap in the rear wall of the accelerator. If he selects the "short" crop throw setting, there will be little contact between the crop and the accelerator. This fuel-saving function is recommended for a normal chopping frequency with the trailer driving alongside the forage harvester. When the crop throw is set to "medium/long", there is more or complete contact between the crop and the accelerator. This function is ideal for opening up a field, for example, with the trailer following behind the forage harvester.
But that’s not all. Optional LEDs are now available for all working lights and step lights on Krone machines, and a controlled silage additive system with a 300 l tank is also available, which can be conveniently controlled via the terminal in the cab. On the tyre front, Krone now offers 710/70 R42 (front) and 620/70 R30 (rear) tyres, the large tyre diameter providing plenty of foot print for a better grip as well as high ground clearance. Yet another option is the new reversing and spout camera system, which makes both jobs safer and much easier. And while we’re on the subject of the spouts, these have also been updated by a new and folding spout flap (for 12-row corn heads). And finally, to make things easier for the operator Krone has increased the display screen of all BiG X 10” terminals, giving an even clearer overview of all functions.
Source: KRONE-Gruppe