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With a variable engine output system, the forager can work in various crop types.
The current world market for self-propelled foragers is about 3000 units annually, of which German specialist Krone holds about 15% (450 units) with its Big X series.
Its range contains six models 400-1100hp, and the company was keen to fill gaps, particularly in the 500-800hp sector, so it recently launched the X530, X630 and X770 to give at least one model in each 100hp sector throughout the range.
The smaller X530 uses a 6-cyl, 12.8L Mercedes engine, and the X630 a Mercedes 6-cyl, but ‘cubed out’ to 15.6L. The new X770 uses a Man V8 unit of 16.2L pumping out a lusty 753hp.
The Bix 530 and 630 models have a variable engine output system as they are targeted to working in various crop types. An economy setting allows reduced power output for ‘easy’ crops such as grass, and a return to full power for energy-hungry crops like maize.
The improved foragers will have updated cutter heads, which retain 20, 28 or 36 knife configurations, but have a new mounting system that reduces drum wear and better supports the knife sections. A new eccentric adjustment simplifies adjustment between knife and shear bar.
The addition of a new 105-tooth corn cracker is designed to allow chop lengths longer than the 10-20mm norm catered for by the current 123-tooth processor. And a new quick-drop changeover system for the processor assembly makes the switch from grass to maize and back easier and quicker.
In operation the tail end of the harvester is raised on the independent suspension, and the operator uses a manually actuated hydraulic pump to lower the whole unit onto a jockey wheel cradle which is then rolled out from under the machine.
Changes to the machines’ crop flow is achieved by a clever hinged flap behind the accelerator/blower drum. In situations where less blow is required, such as when a trailer is operating alongside, the flap stays tight against the lower housing, reducing the amount of crop being pushed by the blower, and slashing fuel use. When more blow is required, perhaps when opening out a paddock and filling a truck or trailer running behind, the flap tightens (moves towards the blower), increasing the velocity of the crop stream.
The X770 gets a few extras also: increased protection around the wing mirrors, a new 10 inch in-cab terminal and a central lubrication system with 50% greater output. The addition of a folding mechanism for the extended spout assembly for use with 12-row headers should make transport easier and a cutter-head brake is fitted as standard.
www.tulloch.co.nz
Anyone who has been round baling and released a completed bale on a slope will remember the feeling of dread as the bale gathers speed and rolls off down the hillside, hopefully to be stopped by the hedgerow or the paddock levelling out.
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