Productivity for mountain farmers

Spelle, June 2020. Special regions and conditions ask for special equipment. This also holds true for mowing, tedding and swathing in mountain regions. Therefore Krone developed a specialist series of machines that cater to such special conditions – the Krone Highland range of mowers, tedders and rakes.
The latest additions to the Highland family are the Swadro S 350 Highland and Swadro S 380 Highland rakes which were specifically designed for mountainous conditions. The new rakes feature hydraulic damper braces with integral load balancing arms – a standard specification that ensures maximum stability on steep slopes and excellent tracking behind the tractor, because it gently centres and stabilises the machine as this is being raised into transport or headland position so it will not tilt downhill. The gentle control also leads to the familiar Krone Jet Effect during lift-out and lowering. This prevents the tines from poking into the ground, because the leading wheels on the bogies are always the first to take off and touch down – the secret of clean forage.

The curved frame and headstock provide maximum stability and an optimum self-cleaning effect. The compact coupling system offers two attachment positions. This special attachment reduces the weight that’s being shifted to the rear axle, a particular boon on mountain and compact tractors. The same applies to the compact dimensions, excellent manoeuvrability and perfect visibility from the tractor.

Further mountain features: In working position, the rake is controlled by both the damper braces and the gauge wheels on the bogies, a design that ensures good stability and tracking on the slope, reducing the risk of drifting thanks to the combination of rigid tyres and the damper braces. Another standard feature is the adjuster that alters the side angle of the rotor and allows operators to actively control the shape of the swath and the quality of rake, a detail that helps maximise the efficiency of the following harvester. The Highland rakes run on two-wheel bogies as standard (16x6.50-8 tyres) or on four wheels as an option (16x6.50-8 tyres). Another option is the leading gauge wheel which improves the control of the tines in extremely undulating terrain, reducing losses and crop contamination.

As for technical specifications, the new Krone machines rely on well-proven rake technology, e.g. the maintenance-free rotor gearboxes, maintenance-free and permanently lubricated tine arm bearings and the durable and maintenance-free DuraMax cam track, all of which provide the signature dependability and longevity typical of Krone. The pivoting attachment to the tractor’s lower links and the special suspension between the main beam and headstock gives the rake plenty of sideways and axial travel for exceptionally clean rakes without crop contamination even in extremely difficult terrain.
Another innovation is the Highland Lift Tines which are 510mm long. The Highland Lift Tines are specifically optimised to the conditions in sloping fields and mountainous regions, following the example of the Krone Lift Tines that have shown their worth in years of dependable operation. Their special design sees the crop being pushed up the tine shaft and away from the ground.
In addition, thanks to its kinked end the tine stays longer at working height which reduces losses and boosts ha/hr performance while minimising crop contamination and improving the forage quality.
The raking width is changed quickly and with millimetre precision. This is done from a manual crank with the help of a scale. An electric version is available as an option which allows tractor operators to respond to varying terrain conditions on the move.

The new Highland rakes also score on the hydraulically controlled swath deflector which is an option. The ram that controls the curtain also controls the swath width and is conveniently enabled from the cab. Changeovers from work to transport are fast and the crop curtain is stored on the machine for safe transport. At the same time, the operator enjoys a safe and convenient ride.

Swadro S 350 Highland at a glance:
Work width: approx. 3.50m
Rotor diameter: 2.70m
No. of tine arms per rotor: 10
Transport width: 1.85 m (tine arms folded)
Transport/storage length: 3.10m
Weight: 465kg
No. of folding/rigid tine arms: 5/5
Tractor input: 22kW/31hp

Swadro S 380 Highland at a glance:
Work width: approx. 3.80m
Rotor diameter: 2.96 m
No. of tine arms per rotor: 10
Transport width: 1.85 m (tine arms folded)
Transport/storage length: 3.30 m
Weight: 490kg
No. of folding/rigid tine arms: 5/5
Tractor input: 22kW/31hp