KRONE launches new general-purpose wagon
GX – jack-of-all-trades for any type of agricultural cargo

Spelle, September 2021. GX stands for general-purpose wagon, the most recent addition to the KRONE forage wagon range. This wagon offers a new level of versatility and gentle and fast unloading of a wide variety of cargo. The new machine is available in two sizes – 44 m3 and 52 m3 – with two optional discharge rollers. The GX 440 rides on tandem axles and the GX 520 on a tridem unit, with both models featuring standard Isobus operation.

The cargo is unloaded by a powerful fabric belt floor that is operated by two chains. Together with the see-through headboard the belt floor forms the unloading unit which is operated by two hydromotors. The cargo is unloaded as the chains pull this unloading unit to the rear. This is an extremely gentle way of unloading, because the forage moves slowly and consistently to the rear without squeezing, which is also particularly intriguing for sensitive crops such as vegetables or root crops. After the machine is cleared, the chains pull the unloading unit back to the front end.
Further benefits: This way of unloading shifts the centre of gravity only slightly, thereby preventing the risk of tipping over. At the same time, the body remains in its horizontal position, allowing the machine to unload in low buildings.
 
The patented frame
The new GX also scores high marks on its particularly low deadweight which is achieved by using massive beams to implement the patented single-frame design. The sides are made of light-weight yet strong GFP panels with narrowly spaced stanchions for maximum stability at yet a very low deadweight.
The enclosed chassis and the sloping mudguards translate into a clean machine with little buildup of material. The GFP side panels are very smooth offering minimum resistance during unloading.
Also, the telescoping sides reduce load-over heights hydraulically by up to 700mm.

The hydraulic gearbox
The unloading unit is driven by two hydraulic motors - a 200cm3 motor on the GX 440 and two 250cm3 motors on the GX 520. These operate the chains at one of two unloading speeds: 8m/min and 16m/min in fast advance mode in which the GX 440 empties the machine within 40 seconds.  And yet, the frugal wagon doesn’t require a particularly powerful tractor in terms of oil supply.  Also, you can vary the unloading rate to achieve a uniform mat of silage.  Equally practical is the fact the floor drive can be reversed for loading the machine through the tailgate.

Very durable floor, strong chains
The 2000mm wide and 3.6mm strong floor belt offers a 50t break strength and a PVC surface which has two layers of polyester textile embedded into it. The smooth underside reduces friction for non-stick operation. The tensioned floor moves in either direction and will not billow up in empty hauls. The consistent unloading rate leads to a uniform mat and also reduces the strain on the floor. Another advantage is that the belt offers a cushioning when loading strain vulnerable crops like potatoes.
The two chains are flat-link chains that withstand high loads and have a break strength of 25t each. These, too, are reversible and give a consistent unloading speed.

See-through and robust headboard
The mobile headboard is made of 10mm polymethylmethacrylate acrylic glass for a clear view into the cargo space. As the floor is pulled consistently to the rear, the machine is cleared effectively. Equally practical are the rubber strips that seal the sides for loss-free fillings with small grained crops such as grain or oilseed rape.

Clever attachment
The optional discharge rollers can be bolted to the tailgate when not in use. This is done by refitting four bolts for straightforward changeovers when transporting big bags, pallets or straw bales. The discharge rollers are easily and conveniently attached with the help of two bolts on either end which fix two claws to the tailboard or to one side wall.

A world first: KRONE ExactUnload rate control unloads by distance travelled
This system allows operators to enter the length of the silage pit. From then on, the unloading rate is controlled automatically relative to the tractor’s forward speed. When the machine reaches the end of its preset course it is cleared out completely.

Slim and agile
The drawbar is operated hydraulically as a standard feature and is approved for a tongue load of 4 tonnes shifting more weight to the tractor axle for an increased gross weight. Thanks to its slim design, the wagon can manage tightest turns offering maximum manoeuvrability and its suspension translates into smooth rides in the field and on the road. Furthermore, its hydraulic operation makes attachment/removal very easy and increases the ground clearance to up to 70cm for smooth clamping or managing rises.

More powerful selling points
Another standard feature on the new GX is the intelligent forced steering system which can be mechanical or electro-hydraulic as an option. The forced steering system controls the rear axle in a tandem setup and the front and rear axles in tridem setup.
Provided an electronic axle steering system is in place, the steering angle is controlled relative to the current ground speed. The operator can of course interfere at any time, such as when travelling on a slope or steering along the edge of the clamp.

Further stand-out features refer to general road safety and include the double lights at the rear. Reflective strips all-round are available as an option for good visibility at night. Crop covers are also available to ensure no material is lost in transport and no crop is lost on the way to the clamp.
Equally useful is the hydraulic underride guard that moves out of the way during unloading so no material can build up here and subsequently contaminate the roads. The feature is also beneficial for shunting around a chaser bin or potato harvester, for example.
The GX is an ISOBUS machine where the operator conveniently selects all auto functions and operates the GX also from the ground via a radio remote control.

Summary: The new GX general-purpose wagons offer multiple useful features that make the machines true jack-of-all-trades which earn their keep all year long. These additions to the KRONE forage wagon programme reflect once again KRONE’s strong position in the forage harvesting sector. Further models and levels of specification are being developed.