Krone's new BiG Pack Plus and Pro balers are designed to share components as "identical icons", but with slightly different philosophies.

According to Krone, the BiG Pack Plus models are designed for cost-effective baling with practical features, while the aim for the Pros is "maximum performance, comfort and adaptability in professional, continuous use".

While the standard model for the sixth generation of the BiG Pack large square balers launched last year, the addition of these machines provides a baler for alternative performance classes, and as a result, completes the range.

Features

A key focus of the sixth BiG Pack generation is to use standardised components, interfaces, and control concepts, Krone said.

The Plus and Pro models share numerous components, including the pick-up technology, knotter systems, and user interfaces.

In addition, Krone stated that a "wide range of service, accessory and retrofit solutions" will also be shared between the machines.

Features such as moisture measurement, working lights, and silage additives units are also standardised across the series.

The German company aims to simplify servicing and improve supply of spare parts with the increased number of shared components.

It has also promised that the technical distinction between the Plus and Pro models will be deliberately maintained.

Plus

The BiG Pack Plus models (BP 1270, BP 1290 and BP HDP 1290) are marketed as Krone's cost-effective large square baler solution.

The company says its Plus range is aimed at farms and contractors wishing to combine reliable baling performance, ease of use, and attractive investment costs.

The Plus models benefit from a new Liebherr main gearbox, the easy-to-maintain EasyFlow Pick-up that is fitted to all models and additional covers for the hydraulic and electronic infrastructure to reduce soiling.

Krone's XCut cutting unit comes with 26 blades and a blade group control system and is available on all the Plus models.

Alternatively, the BiG Pack 1270 Plus can come with the VariCut cutting unit, which has 51 blades.

The machines also use Krone's Variable Filling System (VFS), which the company says "ensures consistent bale quality and a high level of reliability".

The Plus models are designed with Krone's PowerClean Plus, which cleans the knotting area and the upper baling flap.

PowerClean Plus keeps the baler "effectively clean, reduces soiling and therefore supports high productivity while minimising downtime", Krone said.

The BPW tandem axle from the Pro series is used on the sixth generation of the BiG Pack Plus, allowing for a "more comfortable driving experience".

The drawbar also experienced a redesign, now appearing slimmer, which Krone has said is easy to adjust and fitted with a sturdy hose cabinet.

Pro

The BiG Pack Pro models (BP 1270, BP 1290 and BP HDP 1290) all use the VariCut cutting system,

Krone has called them "the solution for the most demanding requirements in terms of throughput, comfort and adaptability".

The Pro models also boast some technological advancements, with functions such packer settings, the residual bale ejector, and the cutting unit to the twine boxes capable of being controlled directly from the cab.

The Pro models' VariCut cutting unit comes with either 26 or 51 blades, allowing for short cutting lengths and a degree of flexibility.

Alternatively, the machine can be fitted with Krone's PreChop front-mounted pre-chopper, which further breaks down the straw and improves its absorbency when used as bedding.

The company has ensured a robust drive train is part of the design, thanks to the Liebherr main gearbox and a reinforced clutch assembly.

The HDP models feature a redesigned bale channel, stronger side bale channel flap cylinders and side plunger blades, which are designed to result in consistently high bale weights, even in dry and difficult conditions such as the summer of 2026.

Featuring an electronically adjustable VFS, hydraulically folding twine boxes, a silage additives unite, a bale tagger and PowerClean Pro, Krone claims that it is a "high-performance, complete solution for professional users".

Uncompromised baling

Krone has designed these two balers to complement different focuses in farmers and agricultural operators as opposed to directly compete with each other.

It described the BiG Pack series of balers as ranging from "an affordable entry-level model to a professional machine offering maximum performance and comfort".

Krone's product manager for large square balers, Andre Wilmer, spoke about the aim with the range.

"With the Plus and Pro models, we are, for the first time, giving our customers the opportunity to choose a large square baler which precisely matches their scope of use and budget.

"This creates real added value both in the retail sector and in the field," he said.

The machinery will be available ahead of next season from Farmhand, Ireland's exclusive Krone distributor.