BiG Times Issue 5

ACCEPT NO
SUBSTITUTES
SEE PAGE 6
SEE PAGE 6

Welcome
Despite 2016 proving itself a challenging year for UK agriculture, our outlook
remains positive. Extreme weather, poor commodity prices and the uncertainty
of our EU membership, are all presenting their own challenges, but as is often the
case, challenges produce opportunities. Now is the time for us all to look at our
businesses to increase efficiencies and explore new markets.
We understand that well maintained, reliable machinery plays a key role in
running an efficient operation and making sure that your forage machinery is in
the best possible condition can make all the difference between an excellent or
poor harvest. Ensuring your machines are well serviced with worn parts replaced
with genuine replacement parts is essential. Inevitably there becomes a point
where maintaining a piece of equipment is no longer economically viable and
you need to look at replacing it. Purchasing a new machine can often seem like
the safe option with full manufacturer’s warranty and attractive finance, often
with 0% interest; however all of this can come at a price… Have you considered
buying a preowned machine? With more and more customers looking for quality
used equipment we have recently launched our Krone Forage Solutions website,
which offers a wide range of used machines, with all our Krone machines
stamped with our seal of approval meaning you can benefit from attractive retail
finance and limited Krone warranty at an affordable price.
On the back page of this edition
you can find out more about Krone
Forage Solutions and how you can
Marcus Oliver
Managing Director
purchase a machine. You can also read how Krone machines have helped some
of our customers enhance their businesses and in particular how one
customer in Northamptonshire has diversified into Bio Energy. Along with
a roundup of Krone news and product updates with a particular focus on
our mowers.
With the season underway and the clamps starting to fill up now is the time to
make sure you’re well stocked with all the Krone genuine wearing parts you’ll
need to keep you running throughout the season.
From all at Krone we wish you a successful harvest.
Marcus Oliver
Managing Director
Krone UK
Krone UK Ltd
Peckfield Business Park
Phoenix Avenue, Micklefield
Leeds LS25 4DY
What’s in this issue
SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE MOWING
P4
BIG JUST GOT BETTER
P5
ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES P6-9
OPERATOR FRIENDLY KRONE BALER TAKES
PRESSURE OFF WORKLOAD
STRONG VERSATILE BALERS NEEDED FOR
ABERDEEN CONTRACTORS
P13
P14
Tel No: 0113 287 8800
Fax No: 0113 287 8811
Parts Tel No: 0113 287 8808
Parts Fax No: 0113 287 8812
Internet: www.krone-uk.com
https://www.facebook.com/KroneUKLtd
WIDE SPREAD PRODUCES FASTER WILT
INCREASING DAIRY HERD SIZE REQUIRES
FORAGE PRODUCTION UPGRADE
P10
P11
NEW BIG X OFFERS EVEN BETTER CHOP AND
MORE OUTPUT
WHO ARE FORAGE SOLUTIONS?
P15
P16
@KroneUK
@KroneUK
FORAGE WAGON FEEDS TO ORDER
P12
Krone UK Ltd
3

Company NEWS
CALLING ALL
KRONE FANS…
Krone UK has recently launched their online
shop allowing fans to order Krone
merchandise online. If you’re looking for a
present for the person who’s got everything or
you fancy treating yourself, then why not visit
www.krone-uk.com and click shop.
SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE MOWING
Krone have updated their mower line
up with the addition of the
ActiveMow. Its’ simple robust design
provides a side pivoting mower bed and
spring suspensions that makes it ideal
for small to medium farmers.
The range consists of five models with working widths from 2.0m to 3.6m which superceeds
the familiar AM range. All ActiveMow have inherited the familiar features of SafeCut disc
protection system and SmartCut mower bed with optimised disc overlap for difficult conditions
from the EasyCut range, whilst retaining the familiar features associated with the AM, such as
quick change blades, easy attachment and simple robust design.
Understanding that safe transport and storage space can be an issue, all ActiveMow mowers
now fold vertically past 90 degrees to give greater visibility from the cab and better weight
distribution. They also have the possibility to be stored securely in the upright transport
position, saving valuable shed space.
4
Dates for your Diary
SCOTGRASS: 18TH MAY - CRICHTON COLLEGE, DUMFRIES
ROYAL WELSH GRASSLAND: 9TH JUNE - RHUG ESTATE, CORWEN
CEREALS: 15TH & 16TH JUNE – CHRISHALL GRANGE, DUXFORD, CAMBS
ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW: 23RD TO 26TH JUNE – ROYAL HIGHLAND
CENTRE, INGLESTON, EDINBURGH
ROYAL WELSH SHOW: 18TH TO 21ST JULY – ROYAL
WELSH SHOW GROUND, BUILTH WELLS, POWYS
THE DAIRY SHOW: 5TH OCTOBER - ROYAL BATH & WEST
SHOWGROUND, SHEPTON MALLET
Follow Us
Keep up to date by following us on Facebook, Twitter,
LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube.

Krone UK have extended their range of forage harvesters with the introduction of 3 new models at their ‘BiG Just
Got Better’ working demonstration last autumn near Whitchurch in Shropshire. The event saw the launch of its
new BiG X 530, 630 and 770 models, which completes the circle and brings the total to nine in the range. The new
additions will be available for the first time this spring as full production machines and are designed for both
growers and contractors.
New design features aim to maximise performance and durability while
remaining simple to operate and service and of course ensuring operator comfort
is achieved as a priority. The three new models offer growers and contractors a
wider choice, with the larger 630 and 770 machines giving contractors improved
versatility when harvesting a wider variety of crops.
Six feed rollers ensure uniform performance and that optimum crop flow is
achieved even in inconsistent swaths, and is aided by VariStream to help level out
peaks and troughs, ultimately improving efficiency. The current chopping cylinder
has been replaced on all models with the MaxFlow drum to produce
twice the crop carrying capacity , therefore significantly
increasing the productivity of the forager. The BiG X 480
to 630 models feature a 630mm wide drum and for the
BiG X 600 – 1100 an 800mm wide drum, , all with a
660mm diameter and the option of 20, 28 or 36
knives offering chop length variation from 3-31mm.
Chop length can be doubled on each knife specification
by removing half the knives.
On the BiG X 480 to 630 is the new VariQuick feature that
allows a fast and simple change over between corn conditioner
and grass chute and is particularly relevant for contractors potentially
working between grass and whole crop on a daily basis. Standard on the BiG X
480-630 models is the new independent Wishbone Suspension fitted on the rear
axle of 4WD and 2WD options. Designed to provide maximum operator comfort
over the roughest of terrain, this feature also allows the engine to be seated
lower, increasing driver visibility. A 50 degree steering angle can also be achieved
which is ideal on headlands and when in tight situations.
Produce twice the crop carrying capacity
with the MaxFlow drum
With operator comfort again a key focus, climate control in the cab is now
standard and a deeper and wider cab makes more space, while a wide
windscreen and high side windows optimises visibility especially of the spout. An
ergonomic gearstick gives optimum operator comfort and easy to reach buttons
and touch screen terminal helps reduce fatigue.
Power for the BiG X 530 and 630 come from MTU 6R 1300 530hp and MTU 6R
1500 626hp engines respectively, and for the 770 it is a MAN D2868 V8
729hp engine.
The larger range of foragers have all received a facelift and have
been joined by the BiG X 770, which now fills the gap
between the BiG X 700 and 850, giving an extra option to
those wanting more from a 700. Some new features
include a drum brake that can stop the machine in
less than 10 seconds and is fitted as standard. A 300l
additive tank including pump terminal control can be
used for additive dosing. The company’s on board
computer software ICAN is available with yield and
moisture metering and features a printer, it can be linked to
a mobile app for task and date recording.
Also new to the larger range, including the 770, is a spout extension for 10, 12
and 14 row machines with a square end for grass and conical shape end for
maize. A new modern and stylish design also includes features such as a new
larger in cab monitor for easier operation, LED lighting, mirror guards and
mud guards.
5

Product FOCUS
An EasyCut F 320 CV front mower with EasyCut
B 1000CV Collect mowers making light work of a
field with their 10.1m cutting width
The industry leader in hay and forage equipment
6
ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES
Krone has a long established pedigree in the design and
manufacture of mowers and mower beds. Briefly, it
started in the early 1980’s when drum mower production
was ceased and was succeeded by the manufacture of the
AM disc mower range. This change was driven by a demand
for higher capacity mowing.
The mower and the bed were designed by the Krone engineer Wilhelm Ahler, which is
a design that has stood the test of time playing a key role in the success of Krone
mowers. Although the design has been refined over the last 30 years there have been
no radical changes, compare a mower from now and then and you can recognise a lot
of the same features. Such as a fully welded mower bed for extra strength and
durability and the use of planetary main drive and satellite disc drive gears, now called
SmartCut. Designed to run at a slower rpm, this drive system significantly reduced
wear and power consumption, whilst the forward mounting of the cutting disc provided
a smoother, gentler action with a flatter blade projection, producing even stubble heights.
The AM disc mower with a fully welded bed and powered from
below by a satellite gear system
Today these initial features can be found across the full range of Krone mowers from the rear mounted ActiveMow, front, rear, trailed and butterfly EasyCut and
the awesome self propelled BiG M. They have also been joined by other features such SafeCut, the disc and mower bed protection system which protects the mower
from overload by absorbing the impact and raising the affected disc safely out of the way from the still powered neighbouring discs. Plus the hooked profiled steel
conditioner tine, designed to produce a quick effective wilt, helping to ensure that the grass sugars are preserved producing good quality silage.
With production costs increasingly scrutinised and a need to be more efficient to cope with reduced margins, the production of quality forage is becoming more
and more important. Mowing plays a key role, get it right and you’re well on the way, get it wrong and you may be left with the need for expensive feed supplements.
Before the mower leaves the farm yard it is important that the mower is ready for work by carrying out a few simple checks and adjustments. Also factors such
as pasture management and timing must be taken into consideration. Is the field ready for mowing? If the field is full of stones and mole hills then the mower
blades can be damaged resulting in a poor cut quality and soil can be incorporated into the swath contaminating the forage. And is the grass ready for cutting?
As with most operations… timing is everything, growth stage, time of day and weather conditions will affect the quality of forage produced.
Krone mowers are designed to help you make the best possible forage, which is a fact Krone are very proud of. All Krone mowers are designed and produced
exclusively in house to Krone’s exacting standards with the mower bed receiving extra attention.

MOWER CHECKLIST
Looking after your mower can make all the difference, to get the best out of yours, take a look at
our maintenance tips below and get your season off to a good start.
7

BUILDING A
MOWER
1
2
The process starts with steel sheets with all the holes profiled out,
which are bent into shape by a hydraulic press to form the box shape
of the bed.
The sections are then joined together by robot welders. The continuous seam
eliminates the need for bolts or gaskets, providing strength and flexibility. It also
ensures that the seal remains tight, which allows permanent lubrication. “It
negates the need for oil changes,” James Duggleby explains. “As long as the
bed is not damaged oil levels only have to be checked and topped up.”
The industry leader in hay and forage equipment
The heat of the welding can cause slight
distortion so the bed is precision-mounted on a
milling bed where a computer-controlled milling
machine ensures all holes are in the right place
and every surface is flat and true. “Both the
internal and exterior surfaces are milled,” James
Duggleby comments, “it is only to the finest of
tolerances, but the devil is in the detail. The
operation ensures the gears and bearings are
mounted in the correct position and alignment,
so they are running straight, giving a more
efficient drive and avoiding losses. It can be an
overlooked process but it is a key element in
everything fitting together, making sure we
deliver the quality product the farmer expects.”
3
8

4
Once the disc hub mounting bolts have been
precision-welded to the bed in a pattern that
ensures the SafeCut disc hub locates in the
exact place so the gears mesh in the optimum
position, the bed is paint dipped in, Krone says,
one of the most advanced plants in Europe.
Both internal and exterior surfaces are coated in
an 8-hour process, which includes electrostatic
application of the first of two coats.
5
6
The painted bed then moves to the assembly line where the large and
small gears, which are made in-house, are inserted and the SafeCut
satellite hubs are located.
7
An important stage is spinning up the bed at a reduced speed and swilling out the
inside with oil to clear out swarf and debris. This is a key element to ensure the
lifetime lubrication.
The bed is then pressure tested to 800 millibars to
ensure it is fully sealed and there are no oil losses.
8
The final test before the seal of
approval. As part of the quality
control procedure once the skids
have been put on and the discs
assembled the bed is run up to full
speed for seven minutes.
Watch the two part
episode of
'The Production of
KRONE EasyCut
mower beds' on our
YouTube channel
9

The EasyCut R 320 CV in action
The industry leader in hay and forage equipment
WIDE SPREAD
PRODUCES FASTER WILT
AKrone EasyCut R 320 CV mower-conditioner has enabled an East Sussex firm to increase output
and speed up the production of the high quality conserved forage it provides to the equine sector.
A good, fast and even wilt is essential to making high quality hay and haylage.
That requirement was the main reason Southern Hay and Haylage changed its
mower two seasons ago. The family business is run by Martin Holden, his son
Mike and daughter Briony and specialises in providing the equine sector across
the South of England with hay, haylage and bedding, the conserved fodder taken
off 850 acres at Jenners Farm, Plumpton.
“Haylage is taken in two cuts off 600 acres, hay off 250 acres,” says Mike Holden,
who explains the reason for the change to a Krone EasyCut R 320 CV mower
conditioner. “The previous mower, a 3m model, was power hungry and the cut
was not as good as we wanted,” he says, “but the main reason was the
conditioner, the speed of wilt it produced wasn't fast enough.”
When they decided to change the mower, their local Krone dealer suggested they
try the Krone EasyCut R 320CV – and they were impressed. The mower
purchased was specified with the hydraulic bed pressure option.
“The mower produces a nice finish, an even flat cut, as the hydraulic bed
pressure function is operator friendly as it allows the pressure to be changed to
suit the conditions from the tractor seat. And the wide-spread facility enables
the material to be spread right out in an even mat in both thick and thin crops,”
says Mr Holden.
In combination with the V-shaped steel tine conditioner unit, this feature allows
the crop to be left for a day to wilt, which takes half a day off the time it took with
the previous mower.
Mr Holden with his BiG Pack 870 HDP
Multi-Bale large square baler
Mike also remarks on the increase in output provided by the R 320 CV. “The
hydraulic bed pressure is altered on-the-move, rather than manually with the
mower stationary,” he says, “and you can go faster, especially in thinner crops,
without affecting the evenness of cut; our average mowing speed is 15kph,
compared to 8kph with the previous mower. We run the mower behind a New
Holland T7.210 tractor and it is not as power hungry, so there is also a saving in
fuel consumption. Also, the mower is safer in transport; as it folds up behind the
tractor the weight is spread over both wheels.”
The R 320 CV is not the only Krone machine to have made its mark at Jenners
Farm. “We've changed all our kit to Krone,” Mike says, “If any tedding is required
it is done with an 8.8m Krone 8-rotor tedder and raking up is with a twin rotor
Krone Swadro variable width. Other than 650 round hay bales, the crops are
baled with a Krone BigPack 870 HDP large square baler with the MultiBale
system.”
Another of the R 320 CV's features that the Holdens appreciate comes into its
own at the end of the season. “The mower is taken off the linkage in the transport
position,” Mike explains, “we really like it as it means when stored the mower
does not take up a lot of space in the shed.”
10

INCREASING DAIRY HERD
SIZE REQUIRES FORAGE
PRODUCTION UPGRADE
Doubling of the dairy herd at J F Cobb and Sons Newburgh Farm
near Dorchester, coupled with a fourfold increase in the amount of
grass being mown and ensiled, has meant some significant changes in
management strategy to keep the same levels of efficiency.
The decision to expand the dairy enterprise meant reducing the arable land from
1200 to 250 acres to grow more grass to support the two large dairy herds on
the farm. The farm now grows 1200 acres of grass – an increase from the 350
acres grown two years ago – producing up to four cuts of grass, ensiling up to
3,500 acres each year. First and second cuts yield up to 8t and 6t/ac respectively
with third and fourth cuts yielding between 4t and 3t/acre. Cow numbers have
doubled across the farm over the same period. The secret to achieving the best
out of a dairy cow is to ensure it has the best quality feed, so when it comes to
silage making getting quality in the pit at the right time without increasing
production costs is critical, says David Cobb.
“It’s all about timeliness of operation,” he says. “We took the decision to take the
silage making process back in house having relied on contractors in the past. It
also coincided with a decision to improve the efficiency of the grass cutting.”
In a nutshell this meant purchasing a self-propelled forage harvester and
replacing two mowing rigs with one much larger set up, freeing up a tractor and
driver to manage the pit or run a forage trailer.
“We have cut out a tractor and an operator, although we have kept one of the old
mowers to help with third and fourth cut and or be used in the event of
breakdown. Effectively one man is now doing twice the workload,” explains Mr
Cobb. “Having dropped from two mowing rigs to one and incorporating GPS –
giving about 10% more output – the overall output has roughly stayed the same.”
The mower of choice is a Krone EasyCut 9140 CV triple mower with conditioner
units bought through Redlynch of Dorset, which replaces two sets of Kverneland
side and front mounted mowers. Working alongside this is a Krone KW 7.82 fourrotor
tedder. “The EasyCut triple mower is very reliable but you'd expect it to be
to be honest,” says Mr Cobb. “The old Kverneland set up had completed six
seasons so was due for replacement.
“Now that we are relying on one set of mowers to
cut the majority of the grass; we might change
it after three seasons depending on what
trade-in value we are offered.
It should easily do six
seasons without too much
maintenance but with only
one set we have to have
reliability at all times.
The EasyCut 9140 CV triple mowers
cutting grass
“Although the EasyCut is quite lightweight for its size we increased horsepower
from 225hp to 280hp supplied from a Fendt 828 that replaces a Massey 6499.
We find that the triple mowers balance the tractor and because the mower
conditioners are quite heavy greater stability is achieved, especially on slopes.
While the front-mounted mower prevents the tractor from running in standing
crops the overall setup allows up and down operation, improving efficiency.”
Mr Cobb is impressed with EasyCut’s ability to maintain uniform ground pressure
across the full working width with its centre of gravity suspension system called
DuoGrip. Optimum ground pressure is achieved through adjustable coil springs.
The spring tension is set on turnbuckles. Design features such as an impact
damage protection system on the EasyCut 9140 CV to help minimise breakages
has also proved to be major benefit. On impacting solid obstacles the entire
mower, rather than just the cutterbar, breaks back upon impact and pivots
through a 1.4m arc. A coil spring sets the tripping force ensuring the mower
returns automatically to its original position quickly after the obstacle has
been passed.
“We like the EasyCut mower because it has been designed to suit the operator.
For example, individual units can be lifted in and out of work automatically, which
is an essential feature when operating in awkward and tight areas,” points out
Mr Cobb.
“For its large size we are also impressed with how compact it is, which makes
a huge difference when travelling on narrow roads. When in transport position it
is only 3m wide and less than 4m high. Being very compact the operator has full
visibility and can still travel safely at speed.”
Mr Cobb with his new triple mower
11

FORAGE WAGON
FEEDS TO ORDER
Marston Estates feeds
grass to two types of
hungry consumer – a 150
cow dairy herd and a 500kW
anaerobic digester, both
based at Stuchbury Manor
Farm, Northamptonshire.
Mr Woolley with his AX wagon
The digester, run by daughter company Marston Power is
fed on grass, rye, maize and muck from the estate’s
livestock units, while the cattle are zero grazed and require
fresh grass year round. A Krone AX 250 forage wagon does
double duty cutting and chopping grass for both purposes.
Plant manager Carl Woolley explains: “We were using a
Bonino wagon but it simply cuts off the grass and picks it up,
whereas we can engage the knives on the Krone AX 250 to
produce the chopped forage needed for the AD.”
Purchased in March 2015, the AX 250 was specified with
wide 600 tyres as it will be used all-year round as long as
the grass is growing.
“The more grass we can cut, the less maize and rye I will
need for the AD, which reduces the contract costs for
harvesting,” says Mr Woolley. “We aim to cut 3000 tonnes
a year, of which 1000 tonnes goes to the dairy herd.”
Cutting fresh grass every day for the digester also reduces
the amount of feedstock storage space needed, he points
out. The AX 250 is used in a one-pass operation with a front
mounted mower – creating an impressive 16m long unit
with the 170hp tractor – offering significant staffing and cost
advantages over separate mowing and foraging operations.
Mr Woolley comments that while there is a large selection
of forage wagons on the market, the Krone stood out for its
simplicity and robust build.
“Comparable models were more costly and we also like the
low centre of gravity – many forage wagons are a lot taller.”
The 32 knives can be selected and activated from the cab,
allowing Mr Woolley to harvest unchopped grass for the
cows first and engage the knives to fill the wagon with
chopped material for the digester. Minimum chop length is
23mm, and as the body fills the extra compression improves
the chop quality. A drop floor also allows any blockages to
be easily cleared without leaving the tractor seat.
“Most machines are designed for dry forage, so we’re
impressed with how well the Krone works in wet
conditions,” Mr Woolley comments.
He specified manual, rather than self-sharpening, but
comments that the knives have only needed attention a
couple of times so far.
“We’re on clay soil so there are few stones and the blades
do stay sharp,” he says. “We’ve had to replace a couple, but
it is easily done.”
The chassis tips slightly to assist the walking floor when
unloading; forage is ejected close to the intake hopper for
the AD and loaded with a telehandler, or simply tipped into
the silage clamp on the dairy unit. Capable of holding 12
tonnes fully laden, the AX 250 offers the capacity to do both
jobs efficiently – the cows can consume 6 tonnes of grass
per day in summer.
“We had a tight budget which governed the size of the
machine and went for a basic specification, although we can
retrofit extras if we need them,” says Mr Woolley. “We did
look at rear beaters to feed the forage directly from the
wagon, but the buildings are just that bit too low. The autofill
system looks useful to pack more material in, but we
actually don’t want to compress the forage too much when
it is being fed to the cattle.”
Performance in the AX 250’s first year has been impressive,
he says, with the forage wagon proving highly reliable.
“We worked closely with Krone dealer Farol to get the right
combination of mower, tractor and forage wagon, and we
reckon that 170hp is needed to get the best out of the
outfit,” says Mr Woolley.
“It’s very flexible – on tight headlands we run the mower
first and pick up the material afterwards and that’s an option
in very wet conditions; if we get too much grass to use
straight away we can simply clamp it. Another advantage
over a self-propelled forage harvester is that it gives us a
good tractor to use for other jobs on the farm if we need it.”
The industry leader in hay and forage equipment
The AX 250 forage wagon
12

OPERATOR FRIENDLY KRONE BALER
TAKES PRESSURE OFF WORKLOAD
Mr Taylor with his new Comprima
F155 round Baler
Asimple well built baler that is operator friendly and is easy to maintain was all Berkshire mixed farmer Alister
Taylor had on his wish list when going out to the market to replace an expensive and unreliable machine.
As director of Three Counties Farms Ltd based at Ham Spray near Hungerford in
Berkshire and with two other farming operations near Newbury and Marlborough,
Mr Taylor is responsible for nearly 4,500 acres under the plough as well as a
successful horse training operation and running a herd of Murray Gray cows and
126 followers – believed to be the largest in the country.
With so much going on Mr Taylor needs to keep operations simple and the
decision to trade in the old baler coincided with the business owner purchasing
the Manton Estate near Marlborough – an arable and equine estate with hundreds
of acres of mowable grass.
“We wanted a straight forward baler for straw and hay, which
would be simple to operate and robust enough to require
minimum maintenance, but when it does breakdown,
could be repaired on the farm,” says Mr Taylor.
“Simplicity is the key. The more complex a machine
becomes the more intelligence is required to run it.
With the Comprima many of the problems can be
sorted out over the phone. We do not want our
operators needing an electronics degree to drive it.
“We have to be in charge of the operation and we just
couldn't rely on outside contractors. By owning and
operating our own baler, it means we can make it work
across the whole business. We have been let down too many
times by contractors in the past so it’s one operation that we
can do ourselves and be in charge of the job.”
Enter the Krone Comprima F 155 baler purchased two seasons ago from local
dealer John Day Engineering. It was very competitively priced machine and the
build quality was excellent, says Mr Taylor. It was the first fixed-chamber baler on
the market to produce variable-diameter bales.
“Our dealer back-up is also first class should we need it. We have had two minor
problems with the baler since its purchase, but in both situations the dealer was
here within the hour and had us back up and running within two hours.”
Comprima F155 is a straightforward machine that employs the EasyFlow camless
2.15m pick-up and the NovoGrip elevator system made up of channel-type slats,
which are attached to two endless belts. Relying on the NovoGrip system, the
baler is quiet, requires low maintenance, and produces high quality bales.
The wide pick up ensures no crop is left behind except in the case of straw where
the chaff is left behind. This helps reduce the slug problem says Mr Taylor – an
issue that he says had been exacerbated in the past when a Quadrant baler had
been employed to remove straw on land that was then drilled with oilseed rape.
The Comprima also follows the ground contours which is an important feature on
the gallops and on slopes. “It must be able to track well,” he says.
Producing quality forage for the beef unit is critical, but to justify transporting it
back from Manton to store it at the Ham Estate – a distance of about 15 miles –
it also has to be good quality. Between the two farms Mr Taylor cuts
about 200 acres of grass for hay. The Comprima F 155 is pulled
by a 120hp John Deere 6930 which he admits is totally boss
of the operation, but it is very economical to run.
“This is our second season with the new baler and we
will keep it until it’s worn out, although having said that
there is very little in the way of moving parts that we
anticipate having to replace over time.”
One of the key advantages of the Comprima baler is its
ability to produce different bale sizes for both straw
and hay. Bale diameters can be altered in 5cm
increments, although the farm only produces 1.25m and
1.50m bales, all of which are stored under cover. The
diameter is set on a simple pin/hole setting system. The pin
position adjusts the spring-loaded tensioning bar.
“Varying the size of the bale improves palatability when
feeding young stock,” explains Mr Taylor. “It always helps wherever possible to
put fresh food in front of young animals. This year we made some excellent hay
and the cows look good on it, which is the acid test. The bale size also fits our
sheds, trailers and feeders. The straw bales are not too large that they cannot
be unraveled and fed to the animals either.”
Straw baling is now a one man operation and is carried out straight behind the
combine with the bales removed from the field either the same day or before
the combining starts the following day.
“Baler output is not as important as quality and consistency of the bale,” says
Mr Taylor. “However, output is still an impressive one bale every minute. We
have not had a bale fail yet, even in testing times. There is no need for a
camera because the operator can see everything. Krone has got it right with
this baler in my opinion – a very simple and straight forward machine.”
13
How the F 155 works

STRONG VERSATILE BALERS
NEEDED FOR ABERDEEN
CONTRACTORS
When the time came to replace their Krone Comprima round baler, Pamela Airth and her partner George
Johnstone looked no further than an upgrade to a Comprima Xtreme. They needed a machine that
would suit conditions peculiar to the area of Foulden in Aberdeenshire where they are based.
Pamela takes up the story: “Here in Aberdeenshire, we need a baler that is
capable of working on all crops and in all conditions. As contractors, we are
required to bale straw, silage and hay. This far north, third cut silage can present
particular problems, as it can be very wet.”
“There is very little daylight to dry third cut silage in the autumn. Making baled
silage is extremely problematic with wet grass. This is because the bales tend to
lose their form. This last season, in particular, was very wet and this means that
the water can sometimes get in between the layers of netwrap and prevent it
gripping. This is not a problem we have with the Comprima.”
“Our previous Comprima had baled a total of 50,500 bales over a period of four
years without any trouble. We naturally looked at replacing it with an updated
version. The new Xtreme coped very well all year with everything we threw at it
and it baled 10,700 bales in total.”
“My son, Eddie operates the baler and has found it a very helpful upgrade on the
previous model. As we only have one machine it is crucial that we get each job
done as quickly as possible and the Comprima keeps the wrapper going without
any downtime. The baling operation also includes a Krone front mower and a
rear mower, which allows us to use a 2:1 Auto swather, as well as a Krone tedder
and a Krone rake.”
The Comprima Xtreme is considerably stronger than its predecessor and so is
able to cope with these demanding conditions, she says. A stronger pick-up unit
helps to maximise baler stability at high forward speeds, while standard crop
press rollers and baffle plates minimise blockages and boost throughput.
The rotor cutter maintains consistent crop flow from the pick-up to the bale
chamber by pulling the material through its 17 knives. Krone’s unique NovoGrip
belt and slat elevators have also been strengthened and the slat holders are
manufactured from higher quality material and the roller floor bolts are thicker
too. Pamela and George have been running G and R Johnstone contractors for 30
years. As well as baled silage, individually wrapped or tubed, they offer a full
grass silage and wholecrop operation from field to pit. During the peak times,
they offer two combines and two forage harvesting teams.
A couple of stone separators, for use on potato land and more importantly the
local bulb growing industry, are also kept busy during planting season. Muck and
slurry spreading is also an important part
of the business. As well as
Pamela, George and her
sons Eddie and Andrew,
they rely on subcontractors
during
peak times.
Pamela Airth with her new
Comprima Xtreme
The industry leader in hay and forage equipment
14

Mr Suggitt with his BiG X 770
NEW BIG X OFFERS EVEN BETTER
CHOP AND MORE OUTPUT
Contract services to the
biogas industry require
the highest possible
standards and the ability to
offer high work rates, so
utilising the most
advanced machinery on
the market gives a
significant business
advantage.
Suggitt Farm Services of Attleborough, Norfolk, has taken
the opportunity to try Krone’s new BiG X 770 forage
harvester ahead of its official launch at Agritechnica and
build on the success enjoyed with two BiG X 700 machines,
one of which has been in the fleet since 2012.
Steve Suggitt harvests 15,000 acres per year of feedstock
for anaerobic digesters, comprising 1000 acres of grass,
3500 acres of rye and 10,500 acres of maize, working
across Norfolk and Suffolk.
“We built our own AD plant in 2011 after 10 years of
research and now specialise on supplying feedstock to AD
plants, alongside straw baling and muck services, and
applying AD digestate,” he explains.
The first Krone forager was purchased after a visit to the
factory in Spelle, Germany, which left a highly positive
impression on Mr Suggitt.
“The build quality of the feed roller area is better than any
other machine on the market – they are so heavily
constructed. Presentation to the drum is also superior and
this is reflected in the crop flow and quality,” he says.
Advances in technology made by Krone also help him to
keep ahead in an increasingly competitive market.
“The new forager has 36 knives on the biogas drum, which
are narrower than on the previous version, with more space
between each which holds the crop more securely for
improved chopping. An increase in horsepower also gives
more torque which handles heavier crops better – there’s
more back-up in the engine,” Mr Suggitt points out.
He also likes the adjustable plate (StreamControl) in the
discharge chute which allows him to increase or decrease
the blow as needed. “You can get right over the top of the
tractor and trailer when opening up a field.”
With the tight harvest windows imposed on biogas
contractors, minimising downtime is crucial and Mr Suggitt
is full of praise for the back-up offered by Krone.
“The forager was supplied by Pecks who offer a very good
service. But we do a lot of the work on the machines
ourselves, and there is always someone to answer the phone
at Krone if we need help – even on a Sunday evening!
Krone’s Gary Pettett is fantastic.”
One feature picked out for particular praise is the
compressed air system which blows out the feed roll on a
timed circuit.
“It keeps the dust and chaff away from the knives which is
paramount for efficient sharpening.”
Mr Suggitt comments that the BiG X is very much an ownerdriver’s
machine offering all the creature comforts needed.
“It’s very easy to operate and seems more refined than other
foragers on the market. We work some long hours in the
season but the cab is very comfortable, has good
suspension, air conditioning and a fridge.”
Control of the header makes for easier working in
changeable crop conditions, with variable header speed to
match the forager’s forward speed.
“When the going is good, outputs can be up to 150 acres a
day,” Mr Suggitt comments. “And in the wet, the Krone is
the go-to machine.
“With big 800 tyres on the front and 750s to the rear, we
never get stuck, and the crop processing system is so good
that we’ve never blocked a Krone forager up.”
Mr Suggitt has the full suite of Krone headers, and says that
the grass pick-up has proved very reliable, while the X-Disc
wholecrop unit performs really well, leaving a very even
stubble.
“We specified a 12 row maize header to minimise
compaction, and it’s a highly productive option,” he adds.

WHO ARE FORAGE
SOLUTIONS?
Forage Solutions are the retail division of Krone UK.
Specifically developed in 2013 to deal with
customers who find themselves without a local Krone
dealer or in areas where franchise conflicts cause
problems for existing Krone dealers. Initially based in
Leeds, Yorkshire, Forage Solutions now work in
conjunction with Krone dealers and service agents
across the UK to provide extensive coverage. Forage
Solutions also provide a genuine route to market for
pre-owned and used forage equipment of all makes
Based in Dauntsey, Wiltshire, Forage Solutions have recently formed a strategic
alliance with Barnes Agricultural Services to provide outstanding local service
for new and used Krone machines.
Why Deal with Forage Solutions?
Dealing with Forage Solutions means you’re buying a piece of Krone forage
equipment from experienced professionals who know what they’re dealing with.
A sound knowledge of forage machinery combined with excellent aftersales
support can omit the unknown often associated with purchasing preowned or
used machinery.
What can I Expect from Forage Solutions?
By purchasing a machine from Krone Forage Solutions you will gain full support
from a dedicated team who will look after your needs and provide a complete
care package including finance*, delivery, installation and service. In conjunction
with this you’ll also receive a machine that has been:
• Fully appraised by a qualified technician at Barnes Agricultural Services
• Refurbished to exacting standards
• Serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
• Fitted with genuine parts
• Covered by the manufacturer’s warranty*
*subject to terms, exclusions apply. Available for UK business users only
Where can I find out more?Visit
www.kroneforagesolutions.com
for the latest used machines for sale.