Big Pack features VariCut cutting system

Spelle, July 2016. There is a growing demand for short straw for on-farm use, because short straw makes ideal bedding in poultry houses, dairy cow cubicles and sow pens. Also, adding structure to the ration and promoting rumen activity and hence the digestion in ruminants, short straw is becoming a popular feed ingredient. The new VariCut multi-blade cutting system was developed by Krone to offer farmers an additional option to the Krone PreChop system which allows users to adapt their machine to regional conditions. Developed for the BiG Pack 1270 VC and Big Pack 1290 HDP VC models, the new VariCut system has 51 blades and impresses by exceptionally easy operation. Operating by default in sets of 51/26/25/12/5/0, the 51 blades can also be customized to any configuration to suit individual user needs. The individual sets are selected by turning a shaft. The cams on this shaft are merely pushed into their holes and can be quickly refitted to reconfigure the number of blades. This way operators can respond flexibly to varying conditions and individual customer demands.

The new VariCut cutting system also stands out with respect to cleaning and maintenance, which is made easy by an extra cover that protects the blades from straw and debris. As the operator opens this cover, all debris drop to the ground – an easy and quick solution that ensures the blades are quickly ready for use as well as swift cleaning and changeovers. An additional and integral air cleaning system keeps the area around the blade protecting springs clean. Also, any blockage is quickly removed as the blade cassette and the floor lower to the ground.
The entire blade cassette pulls out within a minute and can be stored on a pallet truck for convenient service and maintenance at the workshop. In addition to offering high operator comfort VariCut also scores on a fully updated rotor cutter which was given a fourth row of tines. Operating at a higher speed and feeding smaller portions of material, this rotor not only achieves higher throughputs but also provides a smoother crop flow to the VFS variable feeding system. The feed tines continue to be made from high-quality Hardox steel.

High drive power for the VariCut rotor cutter and the pick-up comes from a poly V-belt, a particular boon for throughputs when using all blades. This type of driveline also caps peak power demands so that the machine starts off more easily, because the pick-up and the cutting system can be started with some delay. The belt is shut off automatically when a blockage is sensed in the cutting system or on the packer. This means no further material is fed to the packer and blockages are removed quickly and easily from the tractor cab.
Another comfort feature is the extra fan. To bring more air into the knotter system, VariCut machines have an extra fan which is driven mechanically and delivers a constant flow of air to keep the knotters effectively clean.

Summary: The VariCut cutting system from Krone is an intriguing option for farmers who want to produce short straw. Providing extra high throughputs, VariCut delivers very consistent cuts and offers straightforward handling in the field as well as easy cleaning and maintenance. Short straw is currently very popular among farmers because it spreads easily and offers a higher liquid absorption capacity than unchopped straw. In addition, it adds structure to the ration and, mixed into silage, it is taken in much better. Moreover, evidence shows that it stimulates rumen activity. As another significant advantage, short straw develops less dust and thus is healthier for animals and staff.