Self-propelled high-performance mower conditioner

BiG M 400
Mowing more
EN

BiG M 400 a master of its own class 4 BiG M a concept proven thousands of times 6 The cab 8 10 The driveline The engine 12 The EasyCut cutterbar / SafeCut 14 The cutterbars 16 The conditioner versions 18 20 The swath merging system Service and maintenance 22 24 Optional equipment Tyre versions 26 Technical Data 27

BiG M 400 a master of its own class

Powerful and high-output . in all applications Swath merging system for variable swathing Command-Vision-Cab for superior operator comfort Gentle on the turf thanks to optimum weight distribution

KRONE proudly presents BiG M 400 a versatile specialist that takes care of all your mowing applications. BiG M 400 is the machine for every task. Just look at its CV high-output conditioner or CRi roller conditioner or the options of wide swathing or gathering two swaths into one. Cutting at an enormous width of up to 9.7 metres (32 feet) and offering enormous power reserves while distributing the weight uniformly, BiG M 400 produces clean and high-quality forage without affecting the re-growth of crops - in any condition and any field around the world.

Time is money. Therefore, BiG M is very popular. And the motto is to produce higher outputs in less time. KRONE brings the ultimate solution to achieve this aim. The philosophy behind BiG M is to combine ultimate productivity with excellent quality.

Irish farmers, too, appreciate BiG M, because this high-output mower keeps going even in the wettest conditions where other machines get bogged. This ability is attributed to an excellent weight distribution between the front and rear end of the machine (60% to 40%).

One does it all BiG M 400 delivers total efficiency - even in small fields. The machine scores on perfect handling and fast travelling between fields. Opening up small and awkward fields is as easy as it can get - thanks to the machines great manoeuvrability and the option of using the mowers separately. This machine is up and working while others are still folding down their units.

Bigger is better! Californian farmers harvest more than 100 tonnes of fresh-matter lucerne per hectare and year. These masses are harvested in extremely small time windows and in the most difficult conditions. Dependability and durability are the qualities that count and that have made BiG M such a success.

Dutch dairy farmers are known around the world for feeding their livestock with the highest percentage of forage. These farmers count on BiG M, because this is the machine that processes grass into high-quality forage.

BiG M a concept proven thousands of time

Optimum weight distribution for gentle treading

Gathers more than 9 metres of crop into one swath

40 km/h (26 mph) road speed Low centre of gravity for high stability

Since its introduction to the international markets in 1996, KRONE BiG M has produced the best cuts at ultimate efficiency. The mid-mounted side mowers and the mid-mounted engine provide a number of advantages, including a uniform weight distribution that translates into exemplary ride quality in the field and on the road at 40 km/h (26 mph) as well as a low centre of gravity for ultimate stability on the slope and a direct driveline to the cutterbars. In addition to offering a choice of conditioner versions, BiG M 400 features the unique auger system that gathers effectively two swaths into one single swath.

The chronology of a success story

20 May 1996: BiG M is unveiled to the public. Using the wellproven EasyCut cutterbars, BiG M achieves a total work width of 9.1 metres (30 feet). This high-output mower is powered by 300 hp engine.

BiG M set two world records and immortalized itself in the 2001 Guinness Book of Records. In June 1999, BiG M cut a total of 315.1 hectares (787 acres) in 24 hours, an impressive achievement that marked its first world record. Its second world record was set up when the machine harvested 15.2 hectares (38 acres) in one single hour.

BiG M - uncompromising by design Thanks to the mid-mounted mowers and a long wheelbase, weight distribution on BiG M is an unwavering 60% : 40% ratio. Running on oversized wheels, the mower places as little as 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) of pressure on each square centimetre. The machine features rear-wheel steering for perfect turns on the headland and to match up with the previous work without shunting. Road travel is safe and fast at 40 km/h (26 mph).

August 2001: KRONE introduced the modified BiG M II at Agritechnica show in Germany. This model marked a substantial increase in operator comfort and featured a number of innovations such as a 9.7 m (32 feet) work width and a spacious cab while being powered by a 360 hp, 12-litre, six-cylinder, in-line engine. Its 40 km/h gearbox made BiG M II one of the fastest self-propelled mowers.

November 2009: KRONE introduces the BiG M II design enhancement. This development enhances a number of technical details and above all features the 400 hp engine. The side panels have received a face lift and now provide more effective cooling.

The cab
Generous glazing for perfect panoramic view High-resolution colour screen

Standard climate control

Easy joystick operation

For operators to work efficiently and at peak performance, their environment must provide a maximum in comfort. This is the philosophy behind the KRONE Command-Vision-Cab, a spacious operator environment that was developed to ergonomic standards. Fully air-conditioned, spacious and absolutely functional this cab places all major controls within the immediate reach of the operator. The high-resolution Easy-Touch colour screen displays all major machine information and allows the operator to select all major sub menus at a touch of a button.

Perfect overview. The Command-Vision Cab features large side windows that offer excellent visibility on the area of work and on all three mowers. The right side window is opening.

Fingertip control: The ergonomic joystick controls the transmission and lifts/lowers the mowers - either all three simultaneously or separately. The cross control next to the joystick activates/inactivates all mowers or individual mowers.

Shuts off all mower drivelines Retrieves cutting height 1 program (option) Lowers the left mower Raises the left mower Activates the transmission Lowers all mowers Raises the front mower Activates Autopilot (option) Lifts all mowers Accelerates forward speed Decelerates reverse speed Starts the transmission while the activating control is pressed Joystick Middle position Decelerates to 0 km/h Fast reversal as activating control is pressed Accelerates forward speed Accelerates reverse speed

Retrieves cutting height 2 program (option) Lowers the right mower Raises the right mower Lowers the front mower Cross control - activates / deactivates the mowers the front mower only the right mower only all mowers the left mower only Cruise control Toggles between automatic & semi-automatic control Not programmed Activates the folding controls that move the side mowers into transport/work position Field mode control: Switches from engine rated speeds to idling speed

Field mode control: Increases and reduces engine speed

EasyTouch Display: All major machine information is instantly available on the EasyTouch high-resolution colour display screen. The keys next to the screen open the sub menus and program special functions. A rotary potentiometer alters all parameters fast and accurately.

Functional: The roof houses the air-conditioning control panel, a cool box and the control panel for rotating beacon, wipers, road lights and work lights. The Follow Me Home Function delays work light deactivation for 180 seconds after the operator shuts off the engine.

The driveline
Infinitely variable ground speed from Multifunction joystick Reduced engine speed in road travel Standard four-wheel drive Standard front axle suspension

Our focus has always been on profitability and efficiency. Speed is important when increasing efficiency. In the field, our SF BiG M 400 works at a rate of more than 15 ha/h (37.5 acres) and on the road, it travels at 40 km/h (26 mph) between fields. Thanks to automotive driving at reduced engine speed, the machine saves up to 25 % of fuel costs. At 40 km/h (26 mph), the engine is revving at speeds as low as 1,600 rpm. Naturally, the machine features such functions as cruise control and headland management system, which help reduce operator stress and allow the operator to concentrate on the actual harvesting operation.

Hydraulic driveline: BiG M 400 features an innovative and constantly variable transmission. Radial piston motors on every wheel take the place of a complex mechanical driveline that relies on high-wearing universal joints. Four-wheel drive and axle separation are standard specifications.

High ground clearance: Harvesting big swaths requires plenty of clearance under the rear axle and so our BiG M 400 offers plenty of room in this area. The hydraulic driveline concept relies on wheel motors that drive the individual wheels separately and that do away with a large differential housing.

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Excellent handling in all situations: Thanks to its long wheelbase, the machine gives quiet and smooth running even when travelling at 40 km/h (26 mph). Despite its long base, the machine is extremely manoeuvrable, which is attributed to its hydraulic driveline and wheel motors on all wheels as well as a large 53 steering angle. As a result, the machine performs headland turns without shunting and instantly matches up with the previous pass. When work is finished, fold up all mowers to reduce the machine width to a 3 m (10 feet) transport width.

The standard hydro-pneumatic front axle suspension system provides smooth and comfortable rides, even at high road speeds. At the same time, it gives ample ground clearance in the field.

The effective and two-speed transmission benefits from more powerful hydraulic pumps that make BiG M 400 a veritable power package. Torque is high when the machine is travelling in the first travel range. After the system shifts up automatically, the machine travels at a swift 40 km/h (26 mph). Thanks to axle separation, a standard function, BiG M 400 masters difficult terrain without any problem.

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The engine
295 KW / 401 hp, OM 460 LA (ECE R120) More than 41 hp per metre cutterbar length Automotive driving saves up to 25 % in fuel costs

Standard reversible fan

The BiG M 400 high-output mower conditioner is a role model in efficiency and operator comfort. As it takes a powerful engine to cut and condition up to 15 hectares (37.5 acres) of crop per hour, BiG M 400 is powered by the high-drive power, sixcylinder, turbocharged and intercooled OM 460 LA in-line engine from Mercedes Benz. This powerplant generates 295 KW / 401 hp and 1,900 rpm in torque from a 12.8-litre cylinder capacity (ECE R120). The emission levels are lower than what is required by the Tier III Euro 3A standard. A standard reversible fan combines with a top-mounted air induction pipe to provide optimum cooling. The 700-litre (184 gallon) fuel tank gives you plenty of back-up for long working days.

Standard reversible fan: BiG M 400 is very demanding on the engines cooling system. Although it inducts air from the top, the radiator is exposed to contamination by blossoms, blossom leaves and dust. The reversible Cleanfix fan will help effectively in this situation.

The fan blades turn around their axis at specific and programmed intervals. By doing so, they free the radiator from debris and dust. The system is cleaned after opening the rear panel, saving time and protecting the engine from overheating.

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The appropriate power plant in the right place The Mercedes Benz engine mounts centrally between the axles to keep the driveline as short as possible and to optimize weight distribution as well as lower machines centre of gravity. Massive hydraulic pumps send the engine power directly to the wheel motors.

Automatic radiator cleaning flap: During the cooling cycle, the radiator inducts air from the top. During the cleaning cycle, the flap opens by air pressure and all previously inducted debris and dust is blown out to the ground.

Excellent access to the engine: The side panels open easily and from the ground, giving immediate access to all service points.

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The EasyCut cutterbar / SafeCut

Fully welded & heavy-duty cutterbar Separate shear-bolt protection for each disc Satellite driveline smoothes the power flow inside the cutterbar Tried and tested in the most difficult conditions

The three disc mowers on BiG M 400 are well-proven technology sourced from the EasyCut mower range. The welded heavy-duty cutterbar with satellite driveline provides maximum stability. The power flows into the cutterbar through the rear gearbox and down massive and quiet-running spur gears to the satellite gears that drive the discs. The discs mount is an extremely forward position and guarantee clean cuts thanks to perfect overlapping. All BiG M 400 models feature the standard SafeCut protection system, which gives the best possible protection when the cutterbar hits a foreign object.

Wide flotation skids: The extremely wide skids on the EasyCut cutterbar minimize ground pressure and provide excellent protection to the turf and the cutterbar. The CV and CRi models are available with optional high-cutting skids.

KRONE satellite drives: KRONE uses satellite drives inside the cutterbars to ensure quiet running as the large spur gears rotate at slow speeds. The discs mount in an extremely forward position for the blades to overlap perfectly and produce perfect cuts.

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The innovative, DLG medal awarded and world-first SafeCut disc protection system from KRONE offers effective protection and peace of mind. Rather than transferring the shock load of the impact to the cutterbar, the system transfers the load to a roll pin, which breaks as a result of the impact. Then the disc moves 15 mm (0.6 inch) up on its threaded drive pin and clear out of the risk zone and away from the neighbouring discs. Large taper roller bearings ensure superior service life and provide a perfect driveline. KRONE is the only manufacturer to use such massive bearings on the BiG M 400 cutterbar.

Standard quick-change blades: All EasyCut cutterbars feature quick-change blades. The operator replaces them within seconds, using the lever supplied but without using any tools.

Minimum wear: The blades rotate through full 360 to avoid possible obstacles. Each disc component may be replaced separately to minimize repair costs.

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The mowers
Direct driveline via 4-groove poly belt Coil spring suspension Mowers operate separately or in combination Mowing, conditioning, swathing three operations in one pass

The well-conceived KRONE BiG M 400 driveline allows operators to achieve work rates of more than 15 hectares (37.5 acres) per hour. After all, short and direct drivelines offer the best efficiency. From the axial engine, the power flows directly to the transfer box, which in turn splits the flow and transfers it to the individual mowers. Extra strong 4-groove poly V-belts transmit the power directly to the side mowers, which suspend from massive coil springs in their centre of gravity. The design gives optimum floating and the tension of the coil springs is conveniently adjusted from the cab. The pushed front mower benefits from large travel to adapt perfectly to all ground contours.

Direct power flow: The transfer gearbox is positioned right before the axially mounted engine, from where it sends the power to the individual mowers a most efficient driveline that directs drive power to where it is required.

The mower suspension system: A perfectly suspended mower produces higher-quality forage. The KRONE suspension system continues to rely on its well-proven coil springs. These hardwearing springs respond immediately to the drive power input and therefore ensure best possible cuts. An optional system is available that allows adjusting spring tension on the side mowers conveniently from the cab.

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This giant mower either cuts at widths of up to 9.7 metres (32 feet), provided it is equipped with three separately operating EasyCut mowers and high-output CV conditioners. If equipped with CRi roller conditioners, the working width is 9 metres (30 feet). All mowers are operated individually and independently of each other, always leaving a clean cut.

The cutting height control system on BiG M 400 is stepless and easy by adjusting the top link. If the machine is specified with an optional hydraulic ram, the operator can adjust each mower separately to current conditions conveniently from the in-cab terminal.

Hydraulic side shift is available for the front mower to achieve uniform cuts across the full width without striping and in sloping fields. A foot operated control moves the entire unit steplessly 50 cm (20 inch) to the side.

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The conditioner versions

Three conditioner versions Conditioning at full work width Intensive or gentle treatment Toppers are available to boost machine versatility

Quality is as important as efficiency. To ensure the crop dries rapidly and uniformly, it is recommended to use a conditioner, which rubs off the natural wax skin for moisture to evaporate faster. KRONE offers a choice of three conditioner versions: The CV V-steel tine conditioner, which offers two speeds (700 rpm and 1,000 rpm) or the CRi roller conditioner. This latter version comes either with two profiled polyurethane rollers or steel rollers for vulnerable and broad-leaved crops, such as leguminosae.

The CV conditioner for 9.7 m (32 feet) working widths: The V-steel tines on the 64 cm diameter rotor feed the crop past a baffle plate for intensive conditioning. The operator sets the rotor speed (700 rpm or 1,000 rpm) conveniently on the gearbox. The baffle plate is adjustable without tools to achieve the best possible conditioning results.

The CRi conditioner for 9.0 m (30 feet) working widths: These polyurethane rollers are the preferred option when cutting leafy crops such as lucerne and clover. The chevron profiled rotors are 25 cm (10 inch) in diameter and provide gentle crop treatment. Both rollers are gearbox driven.

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The robust driveline: An extremely robust gearbox sends the drive power to the cutterbar and conditioner. The CV conditioner version offers two selectable speeds (700 rpm and 1,000 rpm) to vary the intensity of conditioning. In addition, this version allows adjusting the clearance between baffle plate and V-steel tines steplessly and without tools. Conditioning intensity increases as this clearance increases.

The CRi conditioner for 9.0 m (30 feet) working widths: The steel rotor suggests maximum service life. Crushing and splicing the stems actively, it achieves best results in stalky crops.

The CM conditioner for 9.0 m (30 feet) working widths: A flail topper from our system partner Van Wamel B.V. is available as optional specification. The unit will boost machine utilisation and effectively fight the corn borer.

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The swath merging system

Gathers 9 metres (30 feet) of crop into one swath Switches to wide distribution at the touch of a button Controls all wide-distributing hoods separately Memory function Merges two swaths into one without crop dropping to the ground for zero contamination

This effective and efficient swath merging system gathers 9.7 metres (32 feet) of crops into one single swath. This option allows cutting, conditioning and producing one single swath from a 9.7 m (32 feet) work width in one operation. Integral augers in the two side mowers feed the conditioned material directly onto that swath that was produced by the front mower. This optional system performs extraordinarily well in harvest chains that do without tedding and swathing. The system produces excellent clean swaths in grass, lucerne and wet silage, which are easily picked up by the forager.

Hydraulic swathing hoods open conveniently and separately from the cab. Upon a touch of a button, the machine spreads the material or transfers it to the middle. In addition to that, BiG M 400 memorizes the current setting and retrieves it after the mowers fold down again.

The merging augers are driven by strong and dependable belts. All units are easily removed to converse the machine to wide spreading in haylage making.

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Merging Merging is conveniently from the cab by opening and closing the hoods. When the hoods are closed, the augers transfer the conditioned material to the centre of the machine and place it into one single windrow. The system leads to a significant reduction in crop contamination. The massive augers have no problem feeding even longhaulmed crops to the middle.

Wide spreading to one side is possible Open the hood on one mower only and BiG M swathes the material to one side. In one up and down operation, the machine then cuts at widths of up to 19.4 metres (63.6 feet) and swathes the material down to a width of 12 metres (30.4 feet). These swaths are easily gathered by a Swadro 1400. As a result, the crop will not wilt excessively in the following cuts.

Wide spreading When the hoods are open, the machine throws the conditioned material over the rotating augers and spreads it across the working width for uniform and rapid drying. This eliminates the tedding pass.

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Service and maintenance

Automatic lubrication is standard Large storage box is standard Easy access for easy servicing Maintenance is low productivity is high

Spend less time on maintaining your machine and more time working productively in the field. To that purpose, KRONE has built several features into BiG M 400 which make daily maintenance simple and easy. All tools and wearing parts such as disc blades are stored in the large storage compartment under the access steps. The standard automatic lubrication system supplies oil to most of the greasing points at programmable intervals. A ladder on the left mower gives easy access to the air cleaner and the radiator screen is cleaned automatically by the standard-fit Clean-Fix reversible fan.

Well-conceived access steps: The rear guard on the left mower is designed as a ladder, which provides convenient access to the air cleaner when the mower is folded up.

Convenient accessibility: The front deck including the flexible guard pulls out like a drawer and folds up to give convenient access to the disc blades.

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The standard automatic lubrication system attends most lubrication points on BiG M 400 automatically. The system mounts next to the cab door for full level control by the operator. He can set lubrication intervals to requirements. The system detects blockages and gives early warnings.

The wiper water reservoir mounts on the right front wheel underneath the side panel, where it is easy to get at for refills and excellent visibility at all times.

Plenty of stowage space is available on the left front wheels to store tools and spare blades. So, all tools and parts are readily at hand when needed.

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Optional features
Change settings on the move Give your output another boost Increase operator comfort and enjoy working long days Choose the optimum specification for your conditions

Varying crop and harvest conditions call for machinery that is customized to specific requirements. Specify your machine to your individual needs and requirements. KRONE offers a wide range of reasonable options that are fitted at the factory and that will increase your comfort and create an even pleasanter operator environment. We deliver the perfect machine for your requirement.

FlexiCut hydraulic height control: FlexiCut allows the operator to control the cutting height steplessly within approximately 30 to 70 mm conveniently from his seat. The system stores two settings that are directly retrieved. For operators to work at ease!

Hydraulic sideshift function on the front mower. The sideshift function moves the mower 25 cm (10 inch) to either side, thus achieving overlaps of up to 50 cm (20 inch) and eliminating any striping even on steep slopes.

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EasyTrack Autopilot: This guidance system uses GPS signals to guide BiG M 400 automatically along the crop line and guarantee full utilization of the machines work width potential throughout long working days for optimum productivity and viability. The system steers BiG M 400 even through curves and helps reduce operator fatigue while maintaining an accuracy of +/- 15 cm (+/- 6 inch).

Separate hydraulic spring suspension system. Adjusting the ground pressure individually by machine is particularly important in lodged lucerne, for which we offer separate adjustment of the coil springs on the individual mowers. This is innovative technology for ultimate results.

The swath merging system. You can specify BiG M 400 with swath merging augers. This specification eliminates the tedding, turning and swathing passes and saves time and money, especially when working in short-stemmed crops.

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The tyre options

BiG M 400 is delivered with factory-fitted robust arable tyres of the following sizes: 750/65 R 26 front wheels 580/70 R 26 rear wheels These tyres guarantee excellent traction even in wet conditions and without damaging the turf. The large footprint ensures ground pressure is reduced to an absolute minimum.

Optional: Krone offers special tyres for all BiG M 400 models. Michelin CARGOXBIB has the following dimensions: 750/60 R 30.5 front wheels 600/60 R 30.5 rear wheels Innovative diamond treaded CARGO XBIB tyres are available for BiG M 400 to operate in delicate crops such as lucerne. This special tyre benefits from a substantially smaller contact area and a pressure as low as 1.0 bar (4.5 PSI) to minimize the load on the root stock, protect the soil and ensure fast crop re-growth.

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Technical data
Model
Engine type No. of cylinders / emission standard Cubic capacity Max. output to ECE R120 and 1,800 rpm Max. output to ECE R24 and 1,800 rpm Max. Torque to ECE R24 and 1,300 rpm Rated speed Fuel tank capacity Transmission Model Work rate Transport speed 4WD Axle separation Axles Steering angle Rear axle steering Front axle suspension Mowers No. of mowers / flail topper Work width Conditioner speed Conditioner version No. of discs No. of top hats Blade attachment Cutting height control range Cab Air seat Passenger seat Climatronic with cool box Electric mirror adjustment In-cab information system Overall dimensions Transport width Transport length Transport height Weight depending on specification Weight distribution front/rear axle Bereifung Front: Michelin MEGAXBIB 750/65 R26 Rear: Michelin MEGAXBIB 580/70 R26 Front: Michelin CARGOXBIB 750/60 R30.5 Rear: Michelin CARGOXBIB 600/60 R30.5 mm (inch) mm (inch) mm (inch) approx. kg (lbs) approx. % Litres kW/hp kW/hp Nm (lbs/ft) rpm Litres (gallons)

BiG M 400 CV
Mercedes Benz OM 460 LA 6 / TI / Euro 3A / Tier III 12.8 295 / 401 280 / 381 1,900 (1,400) 1,800 700 (184)

BiG M 400 CRi

Mercedes Benz OM 460 LA 6 / TI / Euro 3A / Tier III 12.8 295 / 401 280 / 381 1,900 (1,400) 1,800 700 (184)

BiG M 400 CM*

Mercedes Benz OM 460 LA 6 / TI / Euro 3A / Tier III 12.8 295 / 401 280 / 381 1,900 (1,400) 1,800 700 (184)

Max. km/h (mph) Max. km/h (mph)

20 (12.5) 40 (26) standard standard 53 yes yes

Stepless hydraulic driveline and wheel motors 20 (12.5) 40 (26) standard standard 53 yes yes 3 9,000 (32) 760 Rubber or steel rollers 5 / mower 2 / mower Quick-change blades (not for US) 30-70 (1.2"-2.8") standard standard standard standard standard 3,000 (118") 8,180 (322") 4,000 (157") 14,000 (31,110) 60 / 40 standard standard option option

20 (12.5) 40 (26) standard standard 53 yes yes 3 9,000 (32) 2,100 Flail topper 30-70 (1.2"-2.8") standard standard standard standard standard 3,000 (118") 8,180 (322") 4,000 (157") 14,000 (31,110) 60 / 40 standard standard option option

Deg.

mm (feet) rpm

approx. mm (inch)

3 9,720 (32) 700 / 1,000 V-steel tines 4 / side mower - 5 on front 4 / side mower - 2 on front Quick-change blades (not for US) 30-70 (1.2"-2.8") standard standard standard standard standard 3,000 (118") 8,180 (322") 4,000 (157") 14,000 (31,110) 60 / 40 standard standard option option

* Please order the flail topper from our system partner Van Wamel B.V. at www.vanwamel.nl

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The KRONE range of forage harvesting equipment

Disc Mowers Rotary Tedders Rotary Rakes Forage Wagons Combi Wagons Round Balers Integrated Baler Wrappers Large Square Balers Self-Propelled Mower Conditioner Self-Propelled Forage Harvester

Rights reserved to make technical changes. Illustrations are shown in part with optional equipment.

Your dealer

Maschinenfabrik Bernard KRONE GmbH Heinrich-Krone-Strae 10, D-48480 Spelle Postfach 1163, D-48478 Spelle Telefon: +49 (0) 5977/ 935-0 Telefax: +49 (0) 5977/ 935-339 info.ldm@krone.de www.krone.de

BiG M 400 (EN) 10/09