BiG X 1100 and BiG X V-12 Owner

Darrell Steiner is a man in a hurry. As with all custom harvesters, Darrell is always racing the weather, the crop, or the clock. We caught up with Darrell after a harvesting run in Kentucky for a large dairy operation. His BiG X 1100 was receiving a fresh set of Krone corn knives and a shearbar check to make sure that the chop length was the best it could be. Attention to detail and proper maintenance go a long way towards having long, productive days.

Steiner Custom Farming, headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, was started in 2007 by Darrell, his dad Loren, and his uncle Larry. This is a family business, focused on service and quality. Previously, Darrell worked for another local customer operator that followed the same mantra. Most of Steiner Custom Farming’s work is done on large dairies in Ohio and Kentucky. Moving big machines, like their BiG X 1100 and BiG X V12, provides its own set of challenges, and making sure everything gets moved safely and on time keeps everybody on their toes.

Every harvest season provides something different. This season’s drought conditions have greatly reduced yields and tonnages, which means machines have to cover a lot more acres to make sure the bunker contains enough silage to last the needs of the dairy. “The corn is drying down very fast this year”, commented Darrell. “Last year we battled the mud and this year it’s dust”.

Steiner mentioned several features he likes about his new BiG X 1100. “For a machine with this much power, it’s very nimble. It’s easier to haul and with the EasyCollect 903 tri-fold corn head it makes for quick headland turns. The new cab and joystick are really appreciated during long days. The quieter cab and rear suspension on the BiG X help smooth things out with faster chopping speeds in the shorter corn this season. Outstanding visibility and great feeding with the 903 corn head will help make the 6,000 acres of corn silage go quickly.”

Corn is not the only crop harvested by Steiner Custom Farming. Haylage and other forages are part of the equation as well. Approximately 8,000 acres of haylage will pass through Darrel’s BiG X’s. The BiG X is coupled with a Krone EasyFlow 3801 hay head for pick-up work. “The camless pick-up is great, helping to keep our costs down on a per acre basis.” Usually, 80 to 90 feet of merged forages are fed into Steiner’s BiG X’s, and that keeps trucks moving.

When asked “Why Krone?” Darrell was quick to respond. “Our dealer, Lowe and Young, provides us with the best service and parts support we could ask for. And Krone supports us as well. We’re very impressed with the changes to Krone harvesters that have evolved from what customers and operators have asked for.”

The knives are in, the bar is set, and the head is going on. The next job is waiting. Just another day in the life of a busy custom harvester.