Krone presents the new generation of ZX forage wagons

High capacity kit and a unique drive concept

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Using more than 400hp on a forage wagon? Not a problem for the new ZX generation and courtesy of a unique driveline concept that uses a new Powerbelt and planetary gears that are integrated in the rotor. This design reduces the size of the rotor's side-mounted drive and allows implementing a much wider rotor and pick-up, which in turn translates into higher throughputs, work rates and operator comfort.

Here is an overview of the modified features:

The hydraulic and cam-less EasyFlow pick-up offers a 2,125mm work width for smooth crop intakes even at high work rates. The pick-up also scores on its integral hydraulic drive, which features maintenance-free overload protection. As another new detail, the double tines are arranged in a W, a patented pattern which guarantees a consistent crop flow and an equally consistent and full-with supply of material to the cutting and feeding assembly, leading to higher intakes and a better utilization of the machine's capacities. In addition, the pick-up provides for quick removal and hence for use of ZX in other applications.

By using poly V-belts to power the feed rotor it was possible to increase its diameter substantially to 880mm and the feeding width to a generous 1,910mm. This and the eight-row helix of plated tines give the rotor very high capacities and the ability to cope with the highest loads.

The cutting system, too, is designed to deliver: 48 knives cut the material to nominal 37mm chops. Featuring a central knife selection system, the rotor cutter is easy to set to the desired chop length (0, 24 or 48 knives). Another important detail for operator comfort is the fact that the knife bank swings out to the side for convenient knife changes from alongside the machine.
The cutterbar can be ordered with the automatic SpeedSharp knife sharpening system.

The ZX generation shares the well-proven solid steel body with a floor that slopes to the front end. Closely spaced stanchions warrant maximum strength whilst box section beams and angled mudguards prevent material from collecting and the conical sides make for smooth and power saving unloading. The movable headboard tilts to increase capacity by about 4.5m3 to assist in unloading the wagon quickly and completely. The headboard is tilted to its mid-way position when the machine is gathering material and moves into its vertical position when the wagon is filled to capacity, providing extra capacity. When unloading starts, the headboard tilts again to the rear, supporting the chain-and-slat floor in emptying the load area. Finally the board starts tilting back and forth, emptying the machine effectively from all material remaining in this area. Another feature is the well-proven and established automatic loading system which comprises a sensor in the headboard that measures the force exerted on the board. Based on this reading, the electronic system activates the chain-and-slat floor. That means the system measures only the current filling level and does not relate to other parameters such as the number of knives selected, degree of knife sharpness, form and size of the swath, or the type and texture of the crop.

The steering system too was designed along the parameters of safety and operator comfort. Forced-steer wheels are gentle on the turf and on the tyres when making the headland turn, making for easier pulling and taking strain off the running gear. An optional electronic forced steering system controls the steered axle via a standardized and tractor mounted hitch ball, a steering rod and a sensor which reads the wagon's current position relative to the tractor and then relays the data to the steering computer which in turn communicates it to the axle steering system. But the operator can also interfere manually when shunting for example or running on hillsides and when manoeuvring on the clamp to countersteer any drift.

Attachment to the tractor is also absolutely practical and all ZX dual-purpose forage wagons have bottom-mount drawbars. In this configuration, the ball hitch on ZX 430, ZX 470 and ZX 560 offers a tongue load of up to 4,000kg. Massive hydraulic rams raise the machine dependably and the standard drawbar suspension warrants convenient rides on public roads as well as in the field.

Summary: After introducing the ZX forage wagon range in 2004, Krone now presents a comprehensively updated generation which underlines the company's sustained and specialist expertise in the manufacturing of forage equipment whilst harnessing synergies from the group's commercial trailer manufacturing business. As such, the ZX stands out as a truly professional machine in the dual-purpose forage wagon sector, courtesy of a remarkable level of standard specification. Buyers can upgrade that top-level specification by a range of options including the automatic SpeedSharp knife sharpener and a pair of crop covers made from high-tensile texture. Further options include floor activation relative to the current load which is particularly useful for quick unloading in front of the clamp and the automatic articulated drawbar system, which allows operators to program two drawbar positions (up and down). More options relate to the electronic brake control including ALB auto load sensitive brake power control, ABS wheel slip brake control and RSS roll stability support.