New single-rotor rakes from KRONE
New styling and more comfort and output

Spelle, September 2021. The new harvest season will see new additions to the KRONE rotary rake programme. The three new single-rotor models – the Swadro S 380, Swadro S 420 and Swadro S 460 – are three-point mounted machines for attachment to the rear linkage via a small and compact headstock that features a tracking mechanism and balancing arm. In addition, the new models also offer convenient adjustment of the swathing curtain and height control with down-to-the-millimetre precision plus foldable and precision-fit tine arms for wear-free folding.
The wide cat II attachment translates into excellent manoeuvrability and offers two coupling positions. The first position brings the machine close to the tractor, thereby shifting up to 10% more weight to the front axle than other configurations. The advantage of this is a reduced lift requirement so that the rake can also be operated by small and lightweight tractors. The other coupling position moves the machine away from the tractor, providing plenty of clear space between the two machines for convenient attachment/removal to and from tractors with very short link arms or running with big rear wheels. The top link can couple into one of four positions for fast and convenient attachment to various tractor makes. This special configuration results in great agility and exemplary three-dimensional contouring.
The new rakes also stand out in terms of styling with their new and rounded tops that absorb the forces that develop during lifting and lowering, for maximum durability and long lifetime. Another useful advantage of the design is the good self-cleaning effect.  
The typical KRONE Jet Effect prevents the tines from poking into the ground as they are raised and lowered, which is attributed to the special attachment of the headstock to the frame via ball sockets and a cam in an elongated hole. Equally useful is the fact that the rake aligns itself centrally before it is raised out of work.
The tracking mechanism with balancing arm makes for quiet and controlled tracking behind the tractor as well as tightest headland turns and clean rakes in corners (up to 20° steering angles). Mechanical damper struts are standard-fit and hydraulic versions are an option and especially useful in extremely difficult conditions.

Practical and low-maintenance
The new Swadro S 380, S 420 and S 460 models have a maintenance-free driveline that has a standard overrunning clutch integrated into it for smooth run-outs behind tractors with an electronic/hydraulic pto brake. An overload protection system protects the driveline should the rotor hit an obstacle. The driveline is straight so the pto power flows directly to the gearboxes on the rotors for undiminished efficiency and a frugal 540rpm pto requirement. Raking at low 350-450rpm rotor speeds depending on the crop saves input power and produces optimum swaths.
The work height is altered on a new and mechanical crank on the left side of the machine, which is done conveniently within seconds and with millimetre precision that is indicated on a scale next to the crank handle. A new option is the electronic height control which allows operators to alter the height from a cab-mounted control box with display screen. Both the mechanical version and the electric motor are housed under a cover and above the rotor gearbox.
Equally convenient is the use of the swathing curtain which is either folded manually or hydraulically as an option from the tractor seat. The mechanical version has accumulators for effortless handling. More comfort comes from the hydraulic version, which folds and slides into position by operating a da spool. The smooth folding and sliding action is supported by a hydraulic cylinder that features end of stroke cushioning. In addition to that, this specification allows operators to change the height of the curtain depending on the needs.

Proven technology
The new single-rotor rakes feature tried and tested assemblies, such as cardanic suspension and the KRONE Lift Tines with kinked tips. This special design gives the vertical tines the unique KRONE Lift Effect, which lifts the grass off the ground for minimum contamination and sustainable improvement of the quality of the feed.

Further tried and tested KRONE assemblies include the sealed and maintenance-free rotor gearboxes and the maintenance-free and dry DuraMax cam track which comes with a three-year warranty. Another standard feature is the pull-type configuration of the rotor attachment to the main beam, which ensures optimum contouring in and across the direction of travel for exemplary crop retrieval without contamination even in difficult terrain.
The rotors run on four wheels and feature a side angle adjusting mechanism. With the tines orbiting in close vicinity to the wheels, they receive effective and precise guidance. The side angle adjuster helps optimising the swath presentation and reduces losses on the edges. An extra gauge wheel is available to run ahead of each rotor bogie. A machine in this specification is coupled in the elongated top link hole.
Naturally, the KRONE Jet Effect is also a feature on the new Swadro S 380, S 420 and S 460. As the rotor suspension suspends each rotor in front of its centre of gravity, the tines won’t poke into the ground when lifting out or lowering into work, because the leading tines always lift out first and the rear tines lower back in first.
All single-piece tine arms have a pre-machined notch which protects the cam track and guide rolls from damage when the arm impacts an obstacle, for example. Should a tine arm need replacing, operators merely remove two bolts - which is easy and fast.
Some tine arms are foldable to reduce the transport width. Featuring wear-free and gap-free folding mechanisms, they are equally durable and reliable as the rigid arms.
Finally, the new single-rotor rakes also score high marks in terms of road safety, offering optional LED lights for those who frequently travel on public roads.

Technical Data:

Swadro S 380
Work width: 3.80 m
Swath widths: 0.60 – 1.30 m
Rotor diameter: 2.96 m
Number of tine arms (foldable/rigid): 10 (5/5)
Transport width (tine arms extended): 1.85 (2.96) m
Transport length: 3.33 m
Tractor input: min. 22 kW (31 hp)

Swadro S 420
Working width: 4.20 m
Swath width 0.80 – 1.50 m
Rotor diameter: 3.30 m
Number of tine arms (foldable/rigid): 13 (7/6)
Transport width (tine arms extended): 2.29 (3.30) m
Transport length: 3.68 m
Tractor input: min. 37 kW (50 hp)

Swadro S 460
Work width: 4.60 m
Swath widths: 0.80 – 1.80 m
Rotor diameter: 3.60 m
Number of tine arms (foldable/rigid): 13 (7/6)
Transport width (tine arms extended): 2.55 (3.60) m
Transport length: 3.98 m
Tractor input: min. 37 kW (50 hp)