The upcoming season will see three new additions to the Krone rotary rake portfolio. The Swadro S 380, Swadro S 420 and Swadro S 460 are three-point mounted machines with a compact headstock that features a tracking mechanism and balancing arm.
The wide CAT II attachment offers two coupling positions, with the first bringing the machine closer to the tractor, shifting up to 10% more weight to the front axle to reduce the lift requirement. The second moves the rake away from the tractor to increase the space between for easier coupling when using short link arms or running with large rear tyres. There are also four top link positions to suit a wide array of tractors.
New models feature a maintenance-free driveline, fitted with an integrated overrunning clutch. The straight design means that power flows directly from the PTO to the gearboxes, reducing power demands to just 540rpm. There is also an overload protection system to protect the driveline if the rotor hits an obstacle.
A mechanical crank is used to adjust the working height, with a scale positioned next to it for millimetre precision. It is now possible to specify electronic height control from the cabin, using a control box and display. In both cases, the motors are housed under a cover above the rotor gearbox.
There is also the choice of mechanical or hydraulic control of the swathing curtain. The mechanical version uses accumulators to ease handling, while the hydraulic option requires just one double-acting spool and is supported by a hydraulic cylinder with end of stroke cushioning. An added bonus of the hydraulic variant is that operators can easily adjust the height of the curtain, depending on the crop.
The models are completed with proven Krone technology, including cardanic suspension and the company’s Krone Lift Tines with kinked tips, which lift grass off the ground for minimum contamination.
Gearboxes are sealed and maintenance-free, and the dry DuraMax cam track comes with a three-year warranty. Another standard feature is the pull-type configuration of the rotor attachment for optimum contouring. The rotor runs on four wheels and features a side angle adjusting mechanism. The tines orbit close to the wheels for improved ground following, while this angle adjustment helps improve swath presentation and reduces losses at the edges.
Krone’s Jet Effect system is also standard. The rotor suspension holds the rotor in front of its own centre of gravity, meaning that the leading tines lift out first when the machine is lifted and lower back into work last. This reduces the risk of dirt ingress in the forage.
The single-piece tine arms have a pre-machined notch that protects the cam track and guide rolls from damage if an obstacle is struck and replacing damaged arms requires the removal of just two bolts. Some of the arms are foldable to reduce the transport width, with wear-free and gap-free mechanisms.
Finally, there is the option of LED lighting for transport.
| Swadro S 380 | Swadro S 420 | Swadro S 460 | |
| Working width | 3.8m | 4.2m | 4.6m |
| Swath width | 0.6-1.3m | 0.8-1.5m | 0.8-1.8m |
| Rotor diameter | 2.96m | 3.3m | 3.6m |
| Number of tine arms (rigid/foldable) | 10 (5/5) | 13 (7/6) | 13 (7/6) |
| Transport width (tine arms extended) | 1.85m (2.96m) | 2.29m (3.3m) | 2.55m (3.6m) |
| Transport length | 3.33m | 3.68m | 3.98m |
| Power requirement | 31hp | 50hp | 50hp |