With the new self-propelled forage harvester Krone Big X 860, powered by an all-new 843-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine, the flagship product line of Krone now consists of six models covering a power range from 687 to 1,156 horsepower
In U.S. casinos, dice throwing is one of the most exciting and engaging games, as it directly involves players—whether they are shooters or bettors. The shooters take turns rolling the dice, aiming to achieve the scores needed to win, while bettors wager for or against them. Over time, numerous variations of the game have developed, though the most intuitive is the one in which multiple shooters compete, with the highest score in each round taking the prize. In this context, a “double six” represents every shooter’s ultimate aspiration—a guarantee of success often accompanied by bonuses or extra rewards.
A similar concept applies in agricultural mechanization for contractors investing in Krone’s flagship “Big X” forage harvesters, particularly the new “Big X 860.” Here too, we are dealing with a kind of “double six”: the machine is the sixth model in the range and is powered by a six-cylinder engine that combines maximum field performance with minimal fuel consumption when not operating under full load.
The “Big X 860” positions itself as the 843-horsepower intermediate solution within a lineup ranging from the 687-hp “Big X 680” to the 1,156-hp “Big X 1180,” currently the most powerful forage harvester on the market. Unlike the “680,” “780,” “980,” “1080,” and “Krone 1180” models—equipped with V8 or V12 engines—the new version features a newly developed engine: the “D976” series by Liebherr, based on an inline six-cylinder architecture with an 18-liter displacement.
This displacement delivers maximum power at just 1,300 rpm along with 4,000 Nm of torque. Performance can be modulated via the push-button “PowerSplit” system according to operational conditions. In the field, operators can access full power in “X-Power” mode to speed up harvesting, while “Eco-Power” mode reduces fuel consumption when maximum output is not required. Between these two extremes, additional performance intervals automatically and continuously adjust power delivery electronically, helping reduce both direct operating costs and indirect costs—particularly oil change intervals, scheduled by Krone every 1,000 operating hours or every two years.
The Stage V-compliant engine interfaces with either a two-wheel or four-wheel drive system based on Bosch Rexroth radial motors with planetary transmission. Three traction modes are available, while optimal ground contact of the rear steering wheels is ensured by a multilink suspension system. This configuration allows the machine to operate even on challenging terrain without compromising the harvesting processes handled by the cutting units, crop intake systems, chopping components, and crop discharge mechanisms.
As for headers, the “Big X 860” can be equipped with “EasyCollect” or “XCollect” maize headers, “EasyFlow” grass headers, or “XDisc” units—dual cutter bar systems designed for energy crops.
Downstream of the headers, six pre-compression rollers ensure a continuous and uniform crop flow to the “MaxFlow” rotors, typically fitted with 20, 28, or 36 knives, but also available with 40 or 48 blades when chop lengths must meet biogas plant requirements.
To further adjust chop length, Krone offers not only rotors with different knife counts but also the “VariLoc” system, which increases operational flexibility by adjusting rotor speed. Combined with knife selection, “VariLoc” forms part of the broader “Optimaize” system, enabling fine modulation of chop structure to match its final use without additional processing.
Also aligned with this concept is the “VariQuick” system, which allows rapid switching from “grass” mode—excluding the conditioner—to “maize” mode, where chopped material passes through the patented “OptiMaxx” kernel processors (250 or 305 mm in diameter and 710 mm wide). Featuring teeth inclined at five degrees and counter-rotating action, these rollers ensure intensive crop processing. A spring system maintains constant pressure on the material, guaranteeing thorough kernel and fiber treatment regardless of chop length.
Easy to remove for servicing, the “OptiMaxx” processors are followed by the “StreamControl” discharge system, which adjusts crop throw distance according to the position of the transport trailer and modulates power consumption accordingly—reducing it when the trailer runs alongside the harvester.
As designed, the new Krone “Big X 860” incorporates the latest sector technologies, including the ability to apply silage additives at variable rates from 0.5 to 7.5 liters per minute. It thus stands out as a versatile and customizable working system tailored to the needs of individual operations, particularly well suited to large, highly structured contracting businesses operating across extensive geographic areas.
Comfort and Connectivity Combined
The new “Big X 860” also delivers maximum operator comfort, starting with the traction system, which features independently suspended rear wheels. With steering angles of up to 50 degrees, the rear axle ensures exceptional maneuverability at headlands. Krone further enhances operator visibility both directly and indirectly through maneuvering cameras that display the entire working area on the onboard monitor.
For frequent maize harvesting, a special “Komfort” cab is available, which can be raised by 70 centimeters to extend the operator’s field of vision above the crop canopy.
During harvesting, operators benefit from numerous electronic and digital automation systems that almost fully robotize the machine. Passes and headland turns become automatic, and processed crop nutrients can be continuously measured and documented in real time using a dual “NIR Control” sensor.
All operational data, along with other key performance parameters, can be recorded and transmitted to farm management systems via the “SmartConnect” telemetry unit and viewed on onboard monitors through the “SmartTelematics” system.
Title: Krone Big X 860 self-propelled forage harvester: connectivity, power and maneuverability
Translation with ChatGPT
