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BiG M 400
Mowing more
EN
BiG M 400 – a master of its own class 4
BiG M – a concept proven thousands of times 6
The cab 8
The driveline 10
The engine 12
The EasyCut cutterbar / SafeCut 14
The cutterbars 16
The conditioner versions 18
The swath merging system 20
Service and maintenance 22
Optional equipment 24
Tyre versions 26
Technical Data 27
BiG M 400 – a master of its own class
Powerful and high-output KRONE proudly presents BiG M 400 – a versatile specialist that
.
in all applications takes care of all your mowing applications. BiG M 400 is the
machine for every task. Just look at its CV high-output conditioner
Swath merging system for
variable swathing or CRi roller conditioner or the options of wide swathing or
gathering two swaths into one. Cutting at an enormous width of
Command-Vision-Cab
for superior operator comfort up to 9.7 metres (32 feet) and offering enormous power reserves
while distributing the weight uniformly, BiG M 400 produces clean
Gentle on the turf
and high-quality forage without affecting the re-growth of crops
thanks to optimum
weight distribution - in any condition and any field around the world.
Time is money. Therefore, BiG M is very popular. And the motto is Irish farmers, too, appreciate BiG M, because this high-output
to produce higher outputs in less time. KRONE brings the ultimate mower keeps going even in the wettest conditions where other
solution to achieve this aim. The philosophy behind BiG M is to machines get bogged. This ability is attributed to an excellent
combine ultimate productivity with excellent quality. weight distribution between the front and rear end of the machine
(60% to 40%).
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One does it all
BiG M 400 delivers total efficiency - even in
small fields. The machine scores on perfect
handling and fast travelling between fields.
Opening up small and awkward fields
is as easy as it can get - thanks to the
machine‘s great manoeuvrability and the
option of using the mowers separately.
This machine is up and working while
others are still folding down their units.
Bigger is better! Californian farmers harvest more than 100 tonnes Dutch dairy farmers are known around the world for feeding their
of fresh-matter lucerne per hectare and year. These masses are livestock with the highest percentage of forage. These farmers
harvested in extremely small time windows and in the most count on BiG M, because this is the machine that processes grass
difficult conditions. Dependability and durability are the qualities into high-quality forage.
that count and that have made BiG M such a success.
5
BiG M – a concept proven thousands of time
20 May 1996: BiG M is unveiled to the public. Using the well- BiG M set two world records and immortalized itself in the 2001
proven EasyCut cutterbars, BiG M achieves a total work width Guinness Book of Records. In June 1999, BiG M cut a total
of 9.1 metres (30 feet). This high-output mower is powered by of 315.1 hectares (787 acres) in 24 hours, an impressive achie-
300 hp engine. vement that marked its first world record. Its second world record
was set up when the machine harvested 15.2 hectares (38 acres)
in one single hour.
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BiG M - uncompromising by design
Thanks to the mid-mounted mowers and
a long wheelbase, weight distribution on
BiG M is an unwavering 60% : 40% ratio.
Running on oversized wheels, the mower
places as little as 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) of pressure
on each square centimetre. The machine
features rear-wheel steering for perfect
turns on the headland and to match up
with the previous work without shunting.
Road travel is safe and fast at 40 km/h
(26 mph).
August 2001: KRONE introduced the modified BiG M II at November 2009: KRONE introduces the BiG M II design
Agritechnica show in Germany. This model marked a substantial enhancement. This development enhances a number of technical
increase in operator comfort and featured a number of innovations details and above all features the 400 hp engine. The side panels
such as a 9.7 m (32 feet) work width and a spacious cab while have received a face lift and now provide more effective cooling.
being powered by a 360 hp, 12-litre, six-cylinder, in-line engine. Its
40 km/h gearbox made BiG M II one of the fastest self-propelled
mowers.
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The cab
Generous glazing for perfect For operators to work efficiently and at peak performance, their
panoramic view environment must provide a maximum in comfort. This is the
philosophy behind the KRONE Command-Vision-Cab, a spacious
High-resolution colour screen
operator environment that was developed to ergonomic standards.
Fully air-conditioned, spacious and absolutely functional – this
Standard climate control cab places all major controls within the immediate reach of the
operator. The high-resolution Easy-Touch colour screen displays
Easy joystick operation all major machine information and allows the operator to select
all major sub menus at a touch of a button.
Perfect overview. The Command-Vision Cab features large side Fingertip control: The ergonomic joystick controls the
windows that offer excellent visibility on the area of work and on transmission and lifts/lowers the mowers - either all three
all three mowers. The right side window is opening. simultaneously or separately. The cross control next to the joystick
activates/inactivates all mowers or individual mowers.
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Shuts off all mower drivelines Retrieves ‘cutting height 2’ program (option)
Retrieves ‘cutting height 1’ Lowers the right mower
program (option) Raises the right mower
EasyTouch Display: All major machine information is instantly Functional: The roof houses the air-conditioning control panel, a
available on the EasyTouch high-resolution colour display screen. cool box and the control panel for rotating beacon, wipers, road
The keys next to the screen open the sub menus and program lights and work lights. The ‘Follow Me Home Function’ delays
special functions. A rotary potentiometer alters all parameters fast work light deactivation for 180 seconds after the operator shuts
and accurately. off the engine.
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The driveline
Infinitely variable ground speed Our focus has always been on profitability and efficiency. Speed
from Multifunction joystick is important when increasing efficiency. In the field, our SF
BiG M 400 works at a rate of more than 15 ha/h (37.5 acres) and on
Reduced engine speed in
road travel the road, it travels at 40 km/h (26 mph) between fields. Thanks to
automotive driving at reduced engine speed, the machine saves
Standard four-wheel drive up to 25 % of fuel costs. At 40 km/h (26 mph), the engine is rev-
ving at speeds as low as 1,600 rpm. Naturally, the machine fea-
Standard front axle
suspension
tures such functions as cruise control and headland
management system, which help reduce operator
stress and allow the operator to concentrate on
the actual harvesting operation.
Hydraulic driveline: BiG M 400 features an innovative and High ground clearance: Harvesting big swaths requires plenty of
constantly variable transmission. Radial piston motors on every clearance under the rear axle and so our BiG M 400 offers plenty
wheel take the place of a complex mechanical driveline that of room in this area. The hydraulic driveline concept relies on
relies on high-wearing universal joints. Four-wheel drive and axle wheel motors that drive the individual wheels separately and that
separation are standard specifications. do away with a large differential housing.
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Excellent handling in all situations:
Thanks to its long wheelbase, the machine
gives quiet and smooth running even when
travelling at 40 km/h (26 mph). Despite
its long base, the machine is extremely
manoeuvrable, which is attributed to its
hydraulic driveline and wheel motors on
all wheels as well as a large 53° steering
angle. As a result, the machine performs
headland turns without shunting and
instantly matches up with the previous
pass. When work is finished, fold up all
mowers to reduce the machine width to a
3 m (10 feet) transport width.
The standard hydro-pneumatic front axle suspension system The effective and two-speed transmission benefits from more
provides smooth and comfortable rides, even at high road speeds. powerful hydraulic pumps that make BiG M 400 a veritable power
At the same time, it gives ample ground clearance in the field. package. Torque is high when the machine is travelling in the first
travel range. After the system ‘shifts up’ automatically, the machi-
ne travels at a swift 40 km/h (26 mph). Thanks to axle separation,
a standard function, BiG M 400 masters difficult terrain without
any problem.
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The engine
295 KW / 401 hp, OM 460 LA The BiG M 400 high-output mower conditioner is a role model
(ECE R120) in efficiency and operator comfort. As it takes a powerful engi-
ne to cut and condition up to 15 hectares (37.5 acres) of crop
More than 41 hp per metre
cutterbar length per hour, BiG M 400 is powered by the high-drive power, six-
cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled OM 460 LA in-line engine
Automotive driving saves up from Mercedes Benz. This powerplant generates 295 KW / 401 hp
to 25 % in fuel costs
and 1,900 rpm in torque from a 12.8-litre cylinder capacity (ECE
R120). The emission levels are lower than what is required by the
Standard reversible fan
Tier III Euro 3A standard. A standard reversible fan combines with
a top-mounted air induction pipe to provide optimum cooling.
The 700-litre (184 gallon) fuel tank gives you plenty of back-up
for long working days.
Standard reversible fan: BiG M 400 is very demanding on the The fan blades turn around their axis at specific and programmed
engine’s cooling system. Although it inducts air from the top, intervals. By doing so, they free the radiator from debris and dust.
the radiator is exposed to contamination by blossoms, blossom The system is cleaned after opening the rear panel, saving time
leaves and dust. The reversible Cleanfix fan will help effectively in and protecting the engine from overheating.
this situation.
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The appropriate power plant
in the right place
The Mercedes Benz engine mounts
centrally between the axles to keep the
driveline as short as possible and to
optimize weight distribution as well as
lower machine’s centre of gravity. Massive
hydraulic pumps send the engine power
directly to the wheel motors.
Automatic radiator cleaning flap: During the cooling cycle, the Excellent access to the engine: The side panels open easily and
radiator inducts air from the top. During the cleaning cycle, the from the ground, giving immediate access to all service points.
flap opens by air pressure and all previously inducted debris and
dust is blown out to the ground.
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The EasyCut cutterbar / SafeCut
Fully welded & heavy-duty The three disc mowers on BiG M 400 are well-proven technology
cutterbar sourced from the EasyCut mower range. The welded heavy-duty
cutterbar with satellite driveline provides maximum stability. The
Separate shear-bolt
protection for each disc power flows into the cutterbar through the rear gearbox and down
massive and quiet-running spur gears to the satellite gears that
Satellite driveline smoothes the
power flow inside the cutterbar drive the discs. The discs mount is an extremely forward position
and guarantee clean cuts thanks to perfect overlapping. All
Tried and tested in the most
difficult conditions
BiG M 400 models feature the standard SafeCut protection
system, which gives the best possible protection when the
cutterbar hits a foreign object.
Wide flotation skids: The extremely wide skids on the EasyCut KRONE satellite drives: KRONE uses satellite drives inside the
cutterbar minimize ground pressure and provide excellent cutterbars to ensure quiet running as the large spur gears rotate
protection to the turf and the cutterbar. The CV and CRi models at slow speeds. The discs mount in an extremely forward position
are available with optional high-cutting skids. for the blades to overlap perfectly and produce perfect cuts.
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The innovative, DLG medal awarded and
world-first SafeCut disc protection system
from KRONE offers effective protection and
peace of mind. Rather than transferring the
shock load of the impact to the cutterbar,
the system transfers the load to a roll pin,
which breaks as a result of the impact.
Then the disc moves 15 mm (0.6 inch) up
on its threaded drive pin and clear out of the
risk zone and away from the neighbouring
discs. Large taper roller bearings ensure
superior service life and provide a perfect
driveline. KRONE is the only manufacturer
to use such massive bearings on the
BiG M 400 cutterbar.
Standard quick-change blades: All EasyCut cutterbars feature Minimum wear: The blades rotate through full 360° to avoid
quick-change blades. The operator replaces them within seconds, possible obstacles. Each disc component may be replaced
using the lever supplied but without using any tools. separately to minimize repair costs.
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The mowers
Direct driveline via 4-groove The well-conceived KRONE BiG M 400 driveline allows operators
poly belt to achieve work rates of more than 15 hectares (37.5 acres) per
hour. After all, short and direct drivelines offer the best efficiency.
Coil spring suspension
From the axial engine, the power flows directly to the transfer
box, which in turn splits the flow and transfers it to the individual
Mowers operate separately
or in combination mowers. Extra strong 4-groove poly V-belts transmit the power
directly to the side mowers, which suspend from massive coil
Mowing, conditioning,
springs in their centre of gravity. The design gives optimum floa-
swathing – three operations
in one pass ting and the tension of the coil springs is conveniently adjusted
from the cab. The pushed front mower benefits from large travel
to adapt perfectly to all ground contours.
Direct power flow: The transfer gearbox is positioned right before The mower suspension system: A perfectly suspended mower
the axially mounted engine, from where it sends the power to the produces higher-quality forage. The KRONE suspension system
individual mowers – a most efficient driveline that directs drive continues to rely on its well-proven coil springs. These hard-
power to where it is required. wearing springs respond immediately to the drive power input
and therefore ensure best possible cuts. An optional system is
available that allows adjusting spring tension on the side mowers
conveniently from the cab.
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This giant mower either cuts at widths
of up to 9.7 metres (32 feet), provided
it is equipped with three separately
operating EasyCut mowers and high-out-
put CV conditioners. If equipped with CRi
roller conditioners, the working width is
9 metres (30 feet). All mowers are operated
individually and independently of each
other, always leaving a clean cut.
The cutting height control system on BiG M 400 is stepless Hydraulic side shift is available for the front mower to achieve
and easy by adjusting the top link. If the machine is specified with uniform cuts across the full width without striping and in sloping
an optional hydraulic ram, the operator can adjust each mower fields. A foot operated control moves the entire unit steplessly
separately to current conditions conveniently from the in-cab 50 cm (20 inch) to the side.
terminal.
17
The conditioner versions
The CV conditioner for 9.7 m (32 feet) working widths: The The CRi conditioner for 9.0 m (30 feet) working widths: These
V-steel tines on the 64 cm diameter rotor feed the crop past a polyurethane rollers are the preferred option when cutting leafy
baffle plate for intensive conditioning. The operator sets the rotor crops such as lucerne and clover. The chevron profiled rotors are
speed (700 rpm or 1,000 rpm) conveniently on the gearbox. The 25 cm (10 inch) in diameter and provide gentle crop treatment.
baffle plate is adjustable without tools to achieve the best possible Both rollers are gearbox driven.
conditioning results.
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The robust driveline:
An extremely robust gearbox sends
the drive power to the cutterbar and
conditioner. The CV conditioner version
offers two selectable speeds (700 rpm
and 1,000 rpm) to vary the intensity of
conditioning. In addition, this version
allows adjusting the clearance between
baffle plate and V-steel tines steplessly
and without tools. Conditioning intensity
increases as this clearance increases.
The CRi conditioner for 9.0 m (30 feet) working widths: The The CM conditioner for 9.0 m (30 feet) working widths: A flail
steel rotor suggests maximum service life. Crushing and splicing topper from our system partner Van Wamel B.V. is available as
the stems actively, it achieves best results in stalky crops. optional specification. The unit will boost machine utilisation and
effectively fight the corn borer.
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The swath merging system
Gathers 9 metres (30 feet) of This effective and efficient swath merging system gathers
crop into one swath 9.7 metres (32 feet) of crops into one single swath. This option
allows cutting, conditioning and producing one single swath from
Switches to wide distribution
at the touch of a button a 9.7 m (32 feet) work width in one operation. Integral augers in
the two side mowers feed the conditioned material directly onto
Controls all wide-distributing
hoods separately that swath that was produced by the front mower. This optional
Memory function system performs extraordinarily well in harvest chains that do
without tedding and swathing. The system produces excellent
Merges two swaths
into one without crop clean swaths in grass, lucerne and wet silage, which are easily
dropping to the ground
picked up by the forager.
for zero contamination
Hydraulic swathing hoods open conveniently and separately from The merging augers are driven by strong and dependable belts.
the cab. Upon a touch of a button, the machine spreads the ma- All units are easily removed to converse the machine to wide
terial or transfers it to the middle. In addition to that, BiG M 400 spreading in haylage making.
memorizes the current setting and retrieves it after the mowers
fold down again.
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Merging
Merging is conveniently from the cab by
opening and closing the hoods. When
the hoods are closed, the augers transfer
the conditioned material to the centre of
the machine and place it into one single
windrow.
The system leads to a significant reduction
in crop contamination. The massive augers
have no problem feeding even long-
haulmed crops to the middle.
21
Service and maintenance
Automatic lubrication is Spend less time on maintaining your machine and more time
standard working productively in the field. To that purpose, KRONE has built
several features into BiG M 400 which make daily maintenance
Large storage box is standard
simple and easy. All tools and wearing parts such as disc blades
are stored in the large storage compartment under the access
Easy access for easy
servicing steps. The standard automatic lubrication system supplies oil to
most of the greasing points at programmable intervals. A ladder
Maintenance is low –
productivity is high
on the left mower gives easy access to the air cleaner and the
radiator screen is cleaned automatically by the standard-fit
Clean-Fix reversible fan.
Well-conceived access steps: The rear guard on the left mower Convenient accessibility: The front deck including the flexible
is designed as a ladder, which provides convenient access to the guard pulls out like a drawer and folds up to give convenient
air cleaner when the mower is folded up. access to the disc blades.
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The standard automatic lubrication
system attends most lubrication points
on BiG M 400 automatically. The system
mounts next to the cab door for full
level control by the operator. He can set
lubrication intervals to requirements. The
system detects blockages and gives early
warnings.
The wiper water reservoir mounts on the right front wheel Plenty of stowage space is available on the left front wheels to
underneath the side panel, where it is easy to get at for refills and store tools and spare blades. So, all tools and parts are readily at
excellent visibility at all times. hand when needed.
23
Optional features
FlexiCut hydraulic height control: FlexiCut allows the operator Hydraulic sideshift function on the front mower. The sideshift
to control the cutting height steplessly within approximately 30 to function moves the mower 25 cm (10 inch) to either side, thus
70 mm conveniently from his seat. The system stores two settings achieving overlaps of up to 50 cm (20 inch) and eliminating any
that are directly retrieved. For operators to work at ease! striping even on steep slopes.
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EasyTrack Autopilot:
This guidance system uses GPS signals to
guide BiG M 400 automatically along the
crop line and guarantee full utilization of the
machine’s work width potential throughout
long working days – for optimum
productivity and viability. The system steers
BiG M 400 even through curves and helps
reduce operator fatigue while maintaining
an accuracy of +/- 15 cm (+/- 6 inch).
Separate hydraulic spring suspension system. Adjusting the The swath merging system. You can specify BiG M 400 with
ground pressure individually by machine is particularly important in swath merging augers. This specification eliminates the tedding,
lodged lucerne, for which we offer separate adjustment of the coil turning and swathing passes and saves time and money, especially
springs on the individual mowers. This is innovative technology when working in short-stemmed crops.
for ultimate results.
25
The tyre options
26
Technical data
* Please order the flail topper from our system partner Van Wamel B.V. at www.vanwamel.nl
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The KRONE range of forage harvesting equipment
Disc Mowers
Rotary Tedders
Rotary Rakes
Forage Wagons
Combi Wagons
Round Balers
Self-Propelled Mower
Conditioner
Self-Propelled Forage
Harvester
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