Farming Monthly National April 2016 | Page 28

| Grass & Silage Krone to debut Big X 630 & ActiveMow at ScotGrass Scotgrass 2016 is the venue for Krone UK to exhibit a number of hay and forage equipment including mowers, tedders, rakes, round balers, square balers, forage wagons and forage harvesters. On display for the first time will be the BiG X 630 and the ActiveMow. ne of nine models in the range, BiG X 630 is the largest powered BiG X with the narrow body and is powered by an MTU 6R 1500 15.6 l six cylinder engine. Power can be matched to crop yield using PowerSplit feature that has two operating modes Eco-Power 460hp and X-Power 596 hp. As a result of 710 / 70 R 42 front O tyres and a choice of rear tyres fitted to the wishbone suspended axle, road and field work has been significantly improved. The cab features a large touch screen terminal and Krone joystick for easy and comfortable operation. The BiG X 630 features the new MaxFlow chopping drum with a choice of 20, 28 or 36 knives providing a chop length ranging from 3mm to 31mm. The drum has twice the crop carrying capacity giving it a significant efficiency boost. VariQuick allows the corn conditioner to be engaged and disengaged in a matter of minutes. A useful feature for opening up maize fields is StreamControl, which adjusts the force of the crop flow, allowing it to be blown further. Scotgrass working plots will see the ActiveMow R 280 making its debut, with a 2.8m working width. It is a simple robust design that provides a side pivoting mower bed and spring suspensions that makes it ideal for small to medium farmers. ActiveMow now features SafeCut disc protection system and SmartCut mower bed with optimised disc over lap for difficult conditions. There are now five models in the range (2.0m to 3.6m), which replaces the AM mowers. Bale wrapping economy Now is the time to review how you wrap bales and if there is a way of reducing cost of fuel and labour. ith the ever increasing size of tractors, average over 150 horse power sold last year, it is easy to forget how much fuel is used on some of the basic farm tasks. Does it only take one person to travel to farm or field to wrap and stack or are two or more people required even if only for setting up? W If you already use a power pack now is the time to give it a service If your farm is in one of these categories why not have a look at a purpose built small horse power power pack that can be fitted directly on the wrapper or set down beside it. There may also be a winter use on the log splitter or other equipment. If wrapping in a building then consider an electric power pack. No fumes, quieter and less maintenance. If you already use a power pack 28 | Farming Monthly | April 2016 now is the time to give it a service. Generally these units have air cooled engines. They have cowling that needs to be removed and all dust and debris blown out from around the cylinders and oil cooler. Change engine oil and fit a new filter. Fuel filter will also need replacing to prevent the embarrassment of a blocked filter in the middle of a wrapping session. A spare filter in the workshop might be a good idea. Check the air intake filter or oil bath. It may have a foam filter requiring a clean. These air filters require a daily check during the season. Don't forget the hydraulic oil filter. These are often paper filters and only have a limited working life. An annual change is recommended. The battery may not have been charged prior to storing the wrapper and will need a check. For more information on wrapper power packs visit www.powerwrap.eu or call David Lupton 07968873942. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk