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The Krone SmartConnect controller in the cabin.
German harvest machinery specialist Krone has released new digital technology said to enable contractors to accurately record each job in real time, benefitting users and their customers.
At the heart of the system, the Krone SmartConnect controller manages the data stream from the machine to a tablet in the operator cabin.
Depending on the machine in use, the system can use GPS tracking to show the farmer/owner where each bale is in the field. It also displays the weight and moisture content of each bale and the composition, including data on fibre, starch and ME.
Also, to suit administration, data can be provided on the time taken to complete a job, with track and tracing from the office to generate invoices as work is completed.
The system is already built into Krone BiG-M mower and BiG-X forage harvesters. The latter can be equipped with optional moisture and flow rate meters to measure tonnage through the machine.
The newly released BiG-X 1180 flagship harvester also uses NIR (near infrared) sensors to detect the nutritional value of a crop.
SmartConnect can also be retrofitted in Krone’s current round and square balers. And the BigPack square baler can collect data on bale drop position, count, moisture and weight.
Comprima round balers will soon provide data on bale count, operating time and weight.
The SmartConnect will in future form the interface to the ‘agrirouter’ – a universal interface, joint project between leading European manufacturers. This will allow farmers, contractors and app developers to share machine data irrespective of machine brand.
As SmartConnect is ISOBUS capable it can also work seamlessly with similarly equipped brands.
Dealer training is underway, centred on the Krone machine data interface tool that will allow software updating and configuration of an ever-expanding range of optional equipment.
Certainly a late starter in the self-propelled harvester arena, Krone has gone on to be a key player, with 2025 marking the 25th anniversary of presenting the results of its R&D programme, with a leap into high horsepower machines – the first BiG X with a claimed 540hp.
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.
While widely known for its extensive agricultural machinery ranges, German company is also a major producer of trailers for the commercial road haulage industry in Europe.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed a deal with Kubota NZ for the retail distribution rights of Krone products in Canterbury, effective September 1.
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