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The BiG Pack Plus models are designed for cost-effective baling with embedded practical features.
Recently revealed, Krone’s new Series Six, BiG Pack Plus and Pro balers are designed to use standardised components, interfaces, and control concepts, including pick-up, knotter systems and user interfaces.
Broadly speaking, the BiG Pack Plus models are designed for costeffective baling with embedded practical features, while the aim for the Pro versions is “maximum performance, comfort and adaptability in professional, continuous use”.
Complementing the standard model for the sixth generation of the BiG Pack large square balers launched last year, the two new additions are said to provide a baler for alternative performance classes.
The Plus and Pro models share numerous components, including the pick-up technology, knotter systems, and user interfaces. Alongside shared componentry, the duo will also benefit from a “wide range of service, accessory and retrofit solutions”. Features such as moisture measurement, working lights, and silage additive applicator units are also standardised across the series.
The German company aims to simplify servicing and improve supply of spare parts with the increased number of shared components, while also promising that the technical distinction between the Plus and Pro models will be deliberately maintained.
The BiG Pack Plus models (BP 1270, BP 1290 and BP HDP 1290) are marketed as Krone’s cost-effective large square baler solution, aimed at farms and contractors wishing to combine reliable baling performance, ease of use, and attractive investment costs.
The Plus models benefit from a new Liebherr main gearbox, the easyto- maintain EasyFlow Pick-up that is fitted to all models and additional covers for the hydraulic and electronic infrastructure to reduce soiling.
Krone’s XCut cutting unit comes with 26 blades and a blade group control system, available on all the Plus models. In addition, the BiG Pack 1270 Plus is available with the VariCut cutting unit, featuring 51 blades. The machines also use Krone’s Variable Filling System (VFS), which the company says ensures consistent bale quality and a high level of reliability, alongside PowerClean Plus, which cleans the knotting area and the upper baling flap.
The BPW tandem axle from the Pro series is used on the sixth generation of the BiG Pack Plus, allowing for a “more comfortable driving experience”, while a redesigned drawbar is slimmer, easier to adjust and fitted with a sturdy hose cabinet.
The BiG Pack Pro models (BP 1270, BP 1290 and BP HDP 1290) all use the VariCut cutting system, in 26 or 51-blade configurations, with the company suggesting that the version is specifically designed for high bale counts, demanding crops and challenging operating conditions, with reduced wear and sustained high output performance.
Alternatively, the machine can be fitted with Krone’s PreChop frontmounted pre-chopper, which further breaks down the straw and improves its absorbency when used as bedding.
The Pro models also offer enhanced functions such packer settings, the residual bale ejector, and the cutting unit to the twine boxes can be controlled directly from the cab.
The company has ensured a robust drive train is part of the design, via the Liebherr main gearbox and a reinforced clutch assembly, while HDP models feature a redesigned bale channel, stronger side bale channel flap cylinders and side plunger blades, which are designed for consistently high bale weights, even in dry and difficult conditions.
Featuring an electronically adjustable VFS, hydraulically folding twine boxes, a silage additives system, bale tagger and PowerClean Pro, Krone claims that it is a “high-performance, complete solution for professional users”.
Visit kronenewzealand.co.nz
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With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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