Krone has entered the belt merger market for the first time with the arrival of the Swativo T 1040 Pro.
The manufacturer outlined that while rotary rakes are particularly effective for grass and straw from cereal crops, pick-up rakes offer clear advantages for leafy and herbaceous crops such as lucerne or clover.
The Swativo T 1040 Pro as its model numbering suggests, offers a working width up to 10.4m. It features an EasyFlow pickup comprising five rows of tines, to ensure that crop is picked up with minimal losses. The two-part design allows for optimal ground adaption and features rubberised guide rollers.
Once picked up, crop is then transferred to the FlexFlow twin feed rotor. The speed of the feed rotor can be adjusted independent of the pick-up speed, to allow crop flow to be adapted to different harvesting conditions.
The crop is then thrown onto the 1.2m wide conveyor belt in a loose but controlled manner.
In addition, the conveyor belt is mounted at a steep angle on the machine so that it feeds the crops directly towards the swath. The belt speed can be adjusted as required and can therefore be adapted to the driving speed of the tractor.
All components involved in the crop flow system are hydraulically driven. The machine features its own on-board hydraulic system where pump units are operated by the tractor’s PTO shaft, thus ensuring a reliable oil supply.
Performance in all conditions
The ground pressure of the pick-up units can be hydraulically controlled from the tractor cab to suit the prevailing ground conditions. For example, on damp ground, reducing the ground pressure helps to ensure that the delicate sward is not damaged.
In addition to the hydraulic pressure relief on the swathing units, the pick-up is also mechanically relieved, enabling it to react extremely quickly to uneven ground.
Similarly, the pressure exerted on the crops by the crop press roller units and deflector sheets can be easily adjusted hydraulically as required to optimises the pick-up capacity and the swath shape.
The Swativo T 1040 Pro features telescopic units and conveyor belts with adjustable directions of rotation. This allows for a variety of swath shapes and positions: from centre and side swathing to single or twin swathing.
The merger is operated via Isobus, whereby all functions and parameters can be adjusted from the tractor cab, including the storing of preset profiles for different crops. This allows specific settings to be called up at the press of a button.
As standard, the machine features an automatic belt stop which ensures neat swath ends.
Another standard feature is a collection function which enables the targeted collection of crops in difficult areas of the field. The optional ‘section control’ automates the raising and lowering of the pick-up units on wedge-shaped surfaces.
Other features include mechanically forced steering, air brakes and an automatic locking of both belt units when folded for road transport. Krone said that the Swativo T 1040 Pro has a power requirement of 120hp.
In the space of a few years, the belt merger market has become a busier space. Krone’s Swativo will now compete with brands such as Kuhn, SIP, Reiter, Pöttinger and Samasz, all of which have a presence on the belt merger market.