Five series make up the Krone range of transport wagons, with the multifunctional “Gx” and “Tx” solutions, offering maximum capacities of 52 and 56 cubic meters respectively, and the self-loading wagons of the “Ax” and “Mx” series, which have recently been joined by the “Rx” and “Zx” series equipped with the new “OptiGrass” cutting system
The invitation to “give me five” is a gesture of celebration among teammates, usually following a sporting success. Five, as in the five fingers of the hand. Harvesting forage is certainly not a sport, but given the recent trends in climate and prices, getting crops safely back to the farm can well justify the same kind of celebration—especially when the work is done quickly and efficiently.
In this sense, there are exactly five series making up the Krone transport wagon range: two multifunctional types, the “Gx” and the “Tx,” and four self-loading types, namely the “Ax,” “Mx,” “Rx,” and “Zx.”
While the first two stand out for productivity and versatility, being usable for practically any type of product including vegetables, legumes, and wood chips, the four self-loading solutions focus mainly on grass forage harvesting, though they can also serve as conventional wagons if needed.
Flagships of the Spelle-based manufacturer—at least in terms of volume and payload—are the “Tx” series wagons, with the “Tx 460” and “Tx 560” models offering 46 and 56 cubic meters of capacity, and payloads of 27 and 30 tons respectively. These features minimize the number of trips from field to farm, regardless of the transported material. Time savings are further enhanced by patented unloading systems on the “Tx D” versions.
These employ a double moving floor which, aided by the generous rear clearance, can unload the entire load in under one minute. Constructively, the double floors operate via chains capable of moving the load at up to 34 meters per minute, a speed at which the special conical design of the body ensures complete emptying of the wagon. Additional time and safety advantages come with optional side dosing rollers and a pivoting anti-jam protection system.
The “Tx” design solutions also prove beneficial during loading in the field: the moving floor is tilted forward so the load starts accumulating at the front of the trailer, optimizing weight distribution and improving traction on the tractor’s rear wheels.
Agile and multifunctional
Alongside the “Tx” series, the German manufacturer also fields the multifunctional “Gx” wagons, equally versatile in their applications and productive in terms of working speed and method, despite slightly lower load capacities. To the existing “Gx 440” and “Gx 520” models (44 and 52 cubic meters), the new “Gx 360 Plus” has recently been added. With its 36 cubic meters, it is particularly suited to the typical Italian farm, generally of medium size.
To further cater to such farms, the “Gx 360 Plus” comes equipped with the “PreSelect Ds 50” pre-selection system, which allows it to be paired with tractors that do not yet operate with ISOBUS protocols. The “Gx 360 Plus” can also be optionally equipped with two dosing rollers to assist with unloading—retractable when not needed.
Finally, the latest addition from Spelle is the “Gx 520 AgriLiner,” also with a 52-cubic-meter capacity, but different from the other models as it is fitted with a fifth wheel coupling, allowing it to be attached to road tractors.
This proves highly advantageous when long asphalt hauls are required, provided the fields can support the entry of both trailer and truck. For this purpose, Krone has entered a specific agreement with Mercedes to develop a dedicated truck. The “AgriTruck,” with all-wheel drive and technical features designed for mixed on-road and off-road use, including lugged tires matched to the 26.5-inch wheels of the trailer.
No bales on the farm
As mentioned, forage crops can be harvested and transported loose, without the need for round or square bales. This is where the self-loading wagon segment comes into play: the three “Ax” models (“Ax 250,” “Ax 280,” and “Ax 310”).,Tthe two “Mx” models (specialized for chopped forage), and the four new models featuring the “OptiGrass” system, split between the “Rx” and “Zx” series.
The three “Ax” models offer capacities of 25, 28, and 31 cubic meters, while the two “Mx” models offer 33 and 40 cubic meters. The “Rx OptiGrass” models provide 33 and 40 cubic meters, and finally the “Zx OptiGrass” models offer 43 and 56 cubic meters. Particularly attractive not only for Central European farms but also for large Italian farms and professional contractors, these new self-loading wagons set themselves apart thanks to the “OptiGrass” cutting and loading system.
This system shreds incoming material to sizes suitable for transport and preservation, with fragment length selectable depending on end use.
The two “OptiGrass” versions—“OptiGrass 37” and “OptiGrass 28”—feature 40 or 54 blades producing cut lengths of 37 or 28 millimeters, respectively. The latter is ideal for moist silage. Both versions allow hydraulic raising and lowering of the knife bank for easy clearing of blockages and tool-free knife replacement.
Structurally, the “OptiGrass” system features a 2.12-meter camless pickup, hydraulically driven at variable speeds to match windrow density. Following this is the “EasyFlow” feed unit, also used on Krone round and square balers. Suspended electro-hydraulically, it delivers clean, precise cuts to the 88-cm “SplitCut” rotor.
The rotor distributes material evenly across its full width, ensuring uniform fragment size and reducing losses. As material is directed toward the outer knives (cutting at 17 or 22 mm), the feed tines redirect flow back toward the rotor’s center, aided by deflector plates and 22-cm augers at the ends. The result is maximum collection efficiency and optimal fragment size for immediate use or storage on the farm.
Title: Krone transport wagons: transport no problem
Translation with ChatGPT
