Krone has redesigned three of its forage wagon ranges with the aim of setting new standards and a focus on operator comfort and efficiency.

The MX, RX and ZX are all targeted at different audiences and as a result, the new models have been given different upgrades that make them competitive options.

The MX is a compact, lightweight forage wagon aimed at farmers doing their own forage harvesting; the RX is a premium, versatile, high-spec wagon more targeted at contractors; and the ZX is a high-capacity wagon aimed at maximum output operators.

MX

According to Krone, its new MX forage wagon models focus on combining high-quality forage with low dead weight and the modern drive technology to form a high-performance overall design.

The MX now comes with the OptiGrass system, which was previously seen on the RX and ZX series.

Krone product manager for transport technology, Christian Dresselhaus, spoke about the aims for the machine, stating

"With the new MX generation, Krone is introducing the OptiGrass concept from the RX and XZ to the more compact loading and forage transport wagon class.

The new design has lowered the weight of the wagon by roughly 1t compared to the previous model, a clear advantage in terms of transport, soil protection, and fuel efficiency.

The new MX series offers a load capacity ranging from 30-38m³ across three models; the MX 310, the MX 340, and the MX 380.

The MX 310 is built for feeding fresh grass in low-ceilinged buildings due to its lower height, standing at roughly 3.4m.

This also gives it a lower centre of gravity than other models, meaning it is better at working on slopes.

Forage is picked up through the EasyFlow pick-up, which has a working width of 2.02m, an approximately 20cm larger than the previous model.

An additional new feature of the pick-up is the hydraulic drive which allows its rotational speed to be optimally adjusted to the prevailing harvesting conditions at any time, directly from the tractor cabin.

The suspension at the centre of the rotor and subsequent high range of movement means the pick-up can follow contours in the ground more accurately, preventing forage loss and damage to swards.

The MX also gains access to the OptiGrass cutting unit, which was previously reserved for the RX and ZX segment.

The OptiGrass cutting unit features a 760mm diameter integral rotor designed specifically for the MX which is also fitted with wide steel plates and the SplitCut edge-cutting system.

OptiGrass 37 features either 39 or 52 blades, enabling theoretical cutting lengths of 37mm and 28mm respectively.

The scraper conveyor's chain tensioner is now located at the rear of the wagon, ensuring convenient access for the driver.

At the same time, this creates additional space at the front of the wagon, meaning that the scraper conveyor now extends right up to the rotor, ensuring the contents are entirely emptied out.

The MX has received a redesigned ISOBUS user interface, which features automatic functions that can be individually configured.

The MX relies on the PowerBelt belt drive, which is rated up to 2,000Nm and is designed for tractors with power outputs ranging from 130-250hp.

RX/ZX facelift

Krone's RX and ZX forage wagons have also had updates, with a facelift, a new software platform, and a new high-capacity job computer being the standouts.

According to Krone, the operator "benefits from a redesigned animated user interface with a more intuitive design" which shows all major machine data.

The automated functions on the forage wagons can be individually adjusted to the operator and the working conditions, meaning the machine can be better set-up for conditions.

A key feature of the facelift is the redesigned pick-up, which increases working width from 2.12-2.24m.

Krone also revised the tine arrangement on the RX and ZX wagons, changing from a W-shape to a straight tine arrangement.

With the new configuration, the wagons now host seven rows of tines instead of six, resulting in improved crop flow and higher cutting quality.

The new crop press roller unit is hydraulically adjustable directly from the cab, meaning the operator can adjust settings instantly when beginning a new field or a change of harvesting conditions takes place, resulting in less crop flow disturbance.

The blade cassette has been updated on the new forage wagons, which provide improved accessibility of the new blade levers.

The machine also now has room for a second set of blades, meaning in the case of worn blades or changing conditions, the operator can quickly replace the blades directly in the field.

New reinforced cylinders in the front wall increase compression in the wagon for better utilisation of storage volume.

The ZX specifically has received an extension to its scraper conveyor drive.

In addition to the standard and rapid levels, they now offer a third level for extra-fast unloading.

According to Krone, this third level reduces idle times and increases the efficiency of the entire harvesting chain.