Krone Introduces New Fortima Round Baler
Memphis, Tenn., December 7, 2011 - The new Fortima round baler from Krone presents an intelligent combination of well-proven technology and innovation. The variable chamber round baler not only offers maximum efficiency and high bale densities but also a clear design with easy access to all service and maintenance points. The Fortima is available in two versions: Fortima V 1500, which produces 4’ x 39”-60” bales, and Fortima V 1800, which produces 4’ x 39”-72” bales. Each version may be equipped with Krone’s MultiCut cutting system.
The new EasyFlow camless pick-up unit provides a number of obvious advantages. It results in a more clear-cut design since the machine shed quite a number of moving parts that would be subject to wear and tear. Operators report they noticed up to a 60% decrease in wear costs. Further costs are saved on reduced service and maintenance. In addition, the camless EasyFlow pick-up operates at a 30% higher speed than a standard pick-up with cam and offers noticeably quieter running.
The MultiCut rotor cutter gives accurate cuts and offers convenient knife change and locking. Feeding the crops in a continuous flow through the knives, MultiCut produces cutting lengths as short as 2.5 inches when using all 17 knives.
The models without the cutting system have a 1’4” diameter feed rotor that is arranged between the pick-up and the baling chamber to improve the flow of crop into the machine and boost the overall output. Its tines are attached in a V arrangement and it is this design that accounts for firm edges when baling from thin and narrow windrows.
The well-proven chain elevator technology reduces tractor power input to an absolute minimum. The highlight of the baling chamber is the new and larger pulleys, which are more durable, harder wearing, give quieter running and provide for higher densities. Narrowly spaced slats reduce friction and power loss in order to provide superior bale feed and baling performance. As the slats mesh with the material, they give the elevator a better grip for a more positive rotation of the bale – an enormous benefit in very dry or very wet crops.
The new twine box is sealed against water and rain and stores up to 11 balls of twine. The new twine tying system uses four threads to wrap the bales tightly and cut down on the tying cycle.
Baler operation is new too. The new Comfort operating unit brings ISOBUS compatibility so that the operator can operate Fortima from the Beta terminal of the CCI-ISOBUS terminal. All operation is carried out from the cab, including function testing and setting the number of wraps. In addition, the operator can program a wide range of features.
Krone has been building round balers for more than three decades, and Fortima is further evidence of Krone’s long experience in round baler manufacturing.
