The evolution of Krone’s Big Pack large square baler range continues. The new Krone Big Pack Hdp II models, also available in the VariCut version, take straw baling to a new level in terms of productivity and operating efficiency
Global wheat production forecasts for 2026 have been revised upward. With an expected increase of 46 million tonnes compared with the previous year, bringing total worldwide production to an estimated 842 million tonnes. These figures were published in the April edition of the Grain Market Report issued by the International Grains Council. The intergovernmental organization monitoring global grain markets.
At the same time, concerns over fertilizer prices continue to grow as a result of ongoing energy and geopolitical crises. In Europe, these concerns have been further intensified by the recent restrictions introduced in Brussels on nitrogen-based fertilizers, particularly urea. As a result, considerable uncertainty surrounds wheat planting prospects for the 2026/27 season, including in Italy.
Meanwhile, both wheat and straw prices have remained relatively stagnant. High-density baled straw currently commands around €180 per tonne, compared with approximately €245 per tonne for high-protein bread-making wheat. Once again, this confirms that straw continues to represent an attractive additional source of income. With average yields of around five tonnes per hectare, straw alone can generate gross revenues approaching €900 per hectare.
Target: high-density bales
Producing the large, high-density bales demanded by the market, however, requires highly efficient machinery. This has always been one of Krone’s primary engineering objectives. And it has now been taken a step further with the introduction of the latest generation of its Big Pack large square balers.
Designated Big Pack 1290 HDP II and Big Pack 1290 HDP II VC in the VariCut version, these balers are positioned at the top end of the market. In terms of both performance and ease of operation, with particular emphasis on the professional agricultural contracting sector.
Designed to meet even the most demanding operating conditions, the new machines combine higher bale densities, outstanding daily productivity, and intelligent technologies. Target: miximizing efficiency while significantly improving operator comfort.
Easy to maintain, the Big Pack 1290 HDP II produces large square bales measuring 120 × 90 cm in cross-section. It achieves its highest bale densities particularly when working with dry straw, making subsequent transport and storage operations more efficient.
EasyFlow pickup system
Mechanical reliability is ensured by components engineered to withstand even severe overloads. Beginning with the EasyFlow pickup system, which incorporates a crop compression roller that optimizes the flow of material toward the pickup and cutting systems.
High crop throughput is provided by a 2.35-meter-wide pickup equipped with five rows of tines spaced 55 mm apart. It ensures continuous, smooth, and clean crop collection. In addition, the combination of the intake roller and side augers significantly increases productivity even when handling dry, brittle material at high operating speeds.
Hydraulically adjustable continuously from the tractor cab, the feeding system delivers the crop to the optional VariCut cutting rotor available on the VC models. Its efficiency is enhanced not only by the optimized design of the knives. But also by its generous 720 mm rotor diameter, which enables large crop volumes to be processed while keeping power requirements low.
The VariCut system is available in two configurations, equipped with either 26 or 51 knives, providing cutting lengths of 44 mm or 22 mm respectively. This allows operators to select the most appropriate chop length according to the intended use of the straw.
Uniform, High-Density Bales
The variable-feed compression chamber fitted to the new Krone Big Pack 1290 HDP II balers enables the production of exceptionally uniform and dense bales regardless of swath shape, straw moisture content, or forward speed.
The bale chamber has also been completely redesigned and features large-diameter hydraulic cylinders controlled by an automatic hydraulic system that continuously regulates compression force.
The tying process is handled by eight patented V-knots, which ensure consistently secure bale formation even under the extremely high pressures generated by the machine. While preventing twine residues from being left behind.
Keeping the knotters clean is the PowerClean continuous air-blowing system, supplied by two independent fans, ensuring maximum reliability even during intensive harvesting operations.
Title: The new Krone Big Pack Hdp II models: new standards of efficiency
Translation with ChatGPT
