A baler in a class of its own

The new BiG Pack HDP II

KRONE presents its new BiG Pack 1290 HDP II with a 51-blade cutting unit and other technical details. This large square baler surpasses the previous version once again in terms of power and comfort.
Spelle, September 2025: With the new BiG Pack HDP II 1290 (VC), KRONE is redefining the standards of professional straw baling. Developed to meet the highest demands in agriculture, it combines maximum baling density, enormous throughputs and intelligent technology with maximum operator comfort, ease of maintenance and durability. The machine achieves an extremely high density, especially when working with dry straw, so that transport and storage capacities can be utilised optimally. Recognisable from the outside by its new, sleek design, the KRONE engineers have developed the technology of the HDP II 1290 and are now presenting an even more powerful successor to this successful model.

Clean collection and flexible cut
The crops are collected by the proven camless EasyFlow Active pick-up that has been tried-and-tested thousands of times. It now includes a crop press roller unit that can be infinitely adjusted in height from the comfort of the tractor cabin. This perfectly coordinated unit ensures that even short, dry or brittle straw is always picked up cleanly, even when travelling at speed.

Now also available with 51-blade cutting unit
In the VC variant, the crops are then fed into the large cutting rotor with a diameter of 720 mm. Its huge displacement enables extremely high throughputs even under changing harvesting conditions. The rotor pulls the material through the blades with little effort and conveys the crushed material into the bale channel.  Two variants of the VariCut cutting unit are available: With 26 blades for cutting lengths from 44 mm or with 51 blades for particularly short cuts from 22 mm. The blades, which are individually protected against foreign objects, can be manually pre-selected on the machine in one of five possible groups depending on the desired cutting length. They can subsequently be swivelled in and out hydraulically from the tractor cabin or via the keypad on the baler.
The patented combination of slip-monitored belt drive with integrated overload clutch provides a cutting rotor throughput that is unique on the market.

Optimised packer system is the basis for perfect bales
An absolute highlight is the variable filling system (VFS), which always ensures very uniform and square-edged bales, regardless of the swath size, moisture and driving speed. Its revised component groups and controls have now also been implemented in the HDP II – the fifth generation of the BiG Pack. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the maintenance and repair work was easy to complete thanks to the sectional design.
The electronic VFS control system is particularly noteworthy: The settings are implemented easily and conveniently via terminal from the tractor cabin.
The bale channel has also been revised. In the bale channel, large hydraulic cylinders controlled via the on-board hydraulic system with automatic baling pressure regulation ensure a high and uniform bale density in dimensions of 120x90 cm.

Patented knotter system without unwanted yarn remnants
The patented KRONE V-knotter system with eight double knotters ensures that the bales, which are pressed under enormous pressure, are securely tied without leaving any unwanted twine remnants. The KRONE PowerClean cleaning system ensures that the knotters operate cleanly and reliably at all times. To achieve this, two turbines inject air at an overpressure downwards over the knotter area, thus preventing the formation of deposits.
The twine boxes on both sides of the machine, which can be lowered hydraulically, are easily accessible and hold 48 rolls of 15 kg each. This is enough to bale up to 1,500 bales that are each 2.35 m long – certainly enough twine for long working days.

New: Maintenance and settings via AutoCheck
A large, 600 kg flywheel reduces load peaks in the drive train and ensures that the large square baler runs extremely smoothly. A new feature is the completely redesigned hydraulic starter aid with significantly increased torque and a higher final speed, ensuring effortless start-ups even at a high baling density.
Another highlight is the new KRONE AutoCheck maintenance mode: This allows the machine to be slowly rotated and checked from several positions using push buttons, enabling the job to now be completed by one person. The timing of the pre-chamber to the piston and piston to the twine knotter can be checked as part of a self-diagnostic process. In addition, all of the installed sensors, as well as the actuators, on the machine are diagnosable and can be conveniently checked via the terminal.

High operator comfort and extensive equipment
The HDP II also sets new standards in terms of operation: The machine is ISOBUS-capable as standard and can be operated intuitively via various terminals. The new user interface is particularly clear and allows machine functions and camera images to be displayed simultaneously.
All of the optional lighting packages available on the fifth generation of the BiG Pack are fitted as standard on the HDP II – this is unique in the large square baler market.
The HDP II can be customised for maximum versatility: With moisture measurement, a bale scale, rear-view camera, silage additives unit, various axle variants with 26.5" or 30.5" tyres and the BaleCollect bale accumulator for efficient bale logistics.

Conclusion: With the new BiG Pack 1290 HDP II (VC), KRONE is offering a large square baler that impresses in every respect – with its power, comfort, intelligence and efficiency. This machine represents a new dimension in straw harvesting and is designed for professionals who make no compromises.

Quick read:

• Powerful large square baler: The HDP II 1290 (VC) offers maximum baling density, a high throughput rate and maximum operator comfort – perfect for professional straw baling.
• New 51-blade cutting unit: The VariCut cutting unit with a choice of 26 or 51 blades enables cutting lengths from 44 mm or 22 mm offering maximum flexibility and cutting quality.
• Efficient crop collection: The EasyFlow pick-up with infinitely adjustable crop press roller unit ensures clean collection of crops even in difficult conditions.
• Optimised fill system (VFS): Electronically controlled, variable filling system guarantees uniform, square-edged bales regardless of the swath size and driving speed.
• Patented knotter system: V-knotter with eight double knotters and KRONE PowerClean cleaning system for reliable tying without yarn residue.
• AutoCheck maintenance mode: The machine can be slowly rotated and checked from several positions using a push button, meaning that this process can now be completed by one person.
• Comfort and equipment: ISOBUS-capable, new user interface, lighting packages as standard; optional moisture measurement, bale scale, rear-view camera, silage additive metering and BaleCollect.
• Machine for absolute professionals: The BiG Pack HDP II 1290 (VC) is a high-performance machine for professionals, with intelligent technology, a high level of efficiency and maximum versatility.

Press contact:
Markus Steinwendner
Head of Marketing KRONE Agriculture 
+49 5977 935 188 20
markus.steinwendner@krone.de
www.krone-agriculture.com