BiG Pack – The new generation

• Thorough mixing and uniform pre-compression are the first step to optimum chamber fills
• The pre-compression level is selectable from the terminal
• „The feed chamber load indicator helps uninitiated drivers to achieve maximum throughputs
• „Overload protection clutch for superior operator comfort
• „Best performance in all crops and swath volumes

Tried and tested gets even better! In line with this adage, the VFS variable filling system has received a performance boosting update. Optimum mixing and effective pre-compression in short and different crops were not enough for the KRONE engineers. They have now implemented a feature that allows operators to control the level of pre-compression from the terminal and which keeps them informed on the current load.

The VF system uses four packer rakes, one feeder rake and one sensor swing. The packers move in a shared cam track, the feeder rake in a separate cam track which swings into and out of path.

As long as the feeder cam track does not swing off path, the packers and the feeder continue feeding material into the feed chamber, pre-compressing it as they go. The sensor swing with its retaining tine traps the material inside the feed chamber, preventing it from entering the baling chamber.

When the pre-chamber is filled to capacity, the sheer volume of the material pushes the swing and retainer into the baling chamber. This clears the way into chamber and triggers the feeders.

The entire cam track of the feeder rake moves off path so the rake feeds the pre-compressed material into the baling chamber. After that, the sensor swing and cam track return to their previous positions.

The new BiG Pack has a completely new VFS control system which also has a new sensor that monitors the swing. If there is not enough straw in the pre-compression chamber to produce a full-size pack, an electric brake triggers an extra stroke that collects more material. If the brake is not triggered, the system keeps feeding material into the baling chamber at each turn of the packer. The best part is that operators can control the level of pre-compression, wad thickness and wad number electrically from the cab. From the terminal screen, they can watch the pre-chamber being filled at each turn of the packer and interfere by altering the torque that triggers the mechanism. The brake is not triggered as long as the system is in 1:1 feed mode.

The inner cam track of the packers is split in two parts for easy replacement when worn or damaged. The bottom part of the cam track is 20 mm wider and boasts a much more heavy-duty design. Also, the idler wheels and actuator arms are all sourced from BiG Pack HDP II to beef up the new BiG Pack generation.