Krone launches the new BiG M 450
Spelle in September 2017. 20 years ago, Krone introduced the self-propelled Big M mower at Agritechnica. This year, the company is bringing in a new Big M 450 series that boasts a large number of stand-out design features including a new cab and a new engine, a new running gear and redesigned mower units. Cutting at widths of 9.95m, the new model offers the potential of achieving work rates of indeed 17ha/h.
The gap between the cutterbar and the deck was increased by 20% compared with the predecessor models. Moreover, the steel V-tine conditioners on the side mowers are single-piece now, which eliminates the central drive unit and positions the pto shaft and gearbox on the side - a solution that results in a more uniform crop flow and reduced input power for better wilting and productivity. The extremely heavy-duty cutterbars feature SafeCut disc protection and permanent lubrication for superior operator comfort. Now suspended in their centre of gravity, the new models also take over the impact protection system from the EasyCut models, which swings the machines up and to the rear when hitting an obstacle. The quick-release blades make for fast and easy changes; the two discs on the outsides turn inside to the middle whereas all other discs turn in pairs; and the hydraulic cutting height control is also standard specification.
As another new feature on the BiG M 450, operators can now set the ground pressure on all three mowers hydraulically from the cab. Hydraulic side guards and a hydraulic side shift function for the front mower are options, the latter preventing striping in tight turns or on very steep slopes. Moving the front mower back to its middle position is a simple press of a joystick button. Another new feature on the BiG M 450 is an auto function that adjusts the front mower relative to the current steering angle when working in a curve or on slopes.
The new BiG M 450 is naturally available with the established Krone swath merging system which allows the machine to cut and windrow the crop in one operation. This system uses integral augers on the two side mowers that feed the conditioned material directly to the swath that is laid by the front mower. This optional system is a significant boost to the productivity of harvest chains as it eliminates the tedding and swathing passes not only in grass and lucerne but also in wet silage. The base machine offers automatic chassis height control which gives BiG M plenty of ground clearance in high-yielding crops.
The self-propelled high-capacity mower conditioner is powered by a 449hp, 12-litre Liebherr engine which is of course Emission Stage 4 compliant and offers extended 1,500-hour service intervals for the BiG M 450. Resting on so-called silent blocks, the engine and transmission make for quietest running and the engine is serviced conveniently as panels open high and wide. Moreover, the cooling system was updated to match the enormous engine power plus the auto engine control was added as a new feature. This switches automatically between Eco Mode and M Mode to supply just the right engine output to match the current demand, hence saving output and fuel in thinner crops. To ensure clean cuts at all times, the new top speed control reduces ground speed automatically when the engine is revving within a predefined speed range.
Trials have shown that the BiG M 450 travels at up to 25km/h in the field and up to 40km/h on the road. A new development is the now stepless wheel drive in combination with hydraulic swashplate motors and planetary drives. Engine speed is 1,250rpm in road mode and 1,650rpm in field mode. In road mode, the speed is automatically controlled relative to the current ground speed and the load on the engine. This means the engine on this machine is not constantly revving at high speed but reduces the speed automatically when the machine is waiting at a traffic light or road junction, for example – a concept that leads to substantial fuel savings and reduces wear on the engine and drives. Effective traction and sward protection comes from the big 800/65 R32 flotation tyres on the front axle and 600/65 R28 tyres on the rear beam.
Both axles have hydraulic height control and spring suspension. In the field, this raises the chassis automatically by 15cm for maximum ground clearance and lowers it automatically in road transport to bring transport height down to 4m. The new chassis definitely adds to the overall operator comfort.
The next element that enhances operator convenience is the suspended cab, which sources proven technology from many BiG X forage harvester models. For example, the machine functions are set and monitored on a high-resolution 10” touchscreen terminal. A full LED light package is an option that enhances the panoramic view by adding LED lights to the roof, the side guards, the steps and service points. The premium package packs a reverse camera complete with display screen and a premium comfort seat. New offside steps help operators service the high-capacity mower more easily. Besides, the new BiG M offers plenty of storage space including a cubby hole next to the window wash tank to store assorted parts as well as a large compartment for the toolbox, the blades and the tool to remove the blades.
In short, the new BiG M 450 is a more professional version of a self-propelled mower which delivers total efficiency not only in high yielding crops and on slopes but also in small fields. Opening up small and awkward fields becomes as easy as it can get - thanks to its great manoeuvrability and the option of operating the mowers independently.
The gap between the cutterbar and the deck was increased by 20% compared with the predecessor models. Moreover, the steel V-tine conditioners on the side mowers are single-piece now, which eliminates the central drive unit and positions the pto shaft and gearbox on the side - a solution that results in a more uniform crop flow and reduced input power for better wilting and productivity. The extremely heavy-duty cutterbars feature SafeCut disc protection and permanent lubrication for superior operator comfort. Now suspended in their centre of gravity, the new models also take over the impact protection system from the EasyCut models, which swings the machines up and to the rear when hitting an obstacle. The quick-release blades make for fast and easy changes; the two discs on the outsides turn inside to the middle whereas all other discs turn in pairs; and the hydraulic cutting height control is also standard specification.
As another new feature on the BiG M 450, operators can now set the ground pressure on all three mowers hydraulically from the cab. Hydraulic side guards and a hydraulic side shift function for the front mower are options, the latter preventing striping in tight turns or on very steep slopes. Moving the front mower back to its middle position is a simple press of a joystick button. Another new feature on the BiG M 450 is an auto function that adjusts the front mower relative to the current steering angle when working in a curve or on slopes.
The new BiG M 450 is naturally available with the established Krone swath merging system which allows the machine to cut and windrow the crop in one operation. This system uses integral augers on the two side mowers that feed the conditioned material directly to the swath that is laid by the front mower. This optional system is a significant boost to the productivity of harvest chains as it eliminates the tedding and swathing passes not only in grass and lucerne but also in wet silage. The base machine offers automatic chassis height control which gives BiG M plenty of ground clearance in high-yielding crops.
The self-propelled high-capacity mower conditioner is powered by a 449hp, 12-litre Liebherr engine which is of course Emission Stage 4 compliant and offers extended 1,500-hour service intervals for the BiG M 450. Resting on so-called silent blocks, the engine and transmission make for quietest running and the engine is serviced conveniently as panels open high and wide. Moreover, the cooling system was updated to match the enormous engine power plus the auto engine control was added as a new feature. This switches automatically between Eco Mode and M Mode to supply just the right engine output to match the current demand, hence saving output and fuel in thinner crops. To ensure clean cuts at all times, the new top speed control reduces ground speed automatically when the engine is revving within a predefined speed range.
Trials have shown that the BiG M 450 travels at up to 25km/h in the field and up to 40km/h on the road. A new development is the now stepless wheel drive in combination with hydraulic swashplate motors and planetary drives. Engine speed is 1,250rpm in road mode and 1,650rpm in field mode. In road mode, the speed is automatically controlled relative to the current ground speed and the load on the engine. This means the engine on this machine is not constantly revving at high speed but reduces the speed automatically when the machine is waiting at a traffic light or road junction, for example – a concept that leads to substantial fuel savings and reduces wear on the engine and drives. Effective traction and sward protection comes from the big 800/65 R32 flotation tyres on the front axle and 600/65 R28 tyres on the rear beam.
Both axles have hydraulic height control and spring suspension. In the field, this raises the chassis automatically by 15cm for maximum ground clearance and lowers it automatically in road transport to bring transport height down to 4m. The new chassis definitely adds to the overall operator comfort.
The next element that enhances operator convenience is the suspended cab, which sources proven technology from many BiG X forage harvester models. For example, the machine functions are set and monitored on a high-resolution 10” touchscreen terminal. A full LED light package is an option that enhances the panoramic view by adding LED lights to the roof, the side guards, the steps and service points. The premium package packs a reverse camera complete with display screen and a premium comfort seat. New offside steps help operators service the high-capacity mower more easily. Besides, the new BiG M offers plenty of storage space including a cubby hole next to the window wash tank to store assorted parts as well as a large compartment for the toolbox, the blades and the tool to remove the blades.
In short, the new BiG M 450 is a more professional version of a self-propelled mower which delivers total efficiency not only in high yielding crops and on slopes but also in small fields. Opening up small and awkward fields becomes as easy as it can get - thanks to its great manoeuvrability and the option of operating the mowers independently.
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