Krone Group Earnings Drop Despite Stable Farm Machinery Sales
While turnover was back slightly at €2.3 billion in 2024/2025 (previous year €2.4 billion), the German Krone Group saw earnings fall from €107 million to €40.1 million.
Offering variable bale diameters from 80cm to 1.65m on the VariPack V 165 and from 80cm to 1.9m on the VariPack V 19, both models also have a cutting system as an option.
Bales are formed by four endless belts that rely on hydraulic pressure, to select one of three core setting options, bale density and diameter according to individual needs, all set via an in-cab terminal.
The new VariPack utilises tried-and-tested Krone elements like the EasyFlow pick-up, featuring a camless design for quiet running and low wear rates across its 2,150mm working width. The XC models are equipped with a high capacity, 530mm integral rotor and a cutting system with 17 blades, with both elements driven by a heavy-duty, oversized chain drive.
Chopping lengths are easily selected to offer all 17 knives, a half set or no chopping – with each blade individually protected from overload and quickly removed from the rear. If desired, operators can remove the entire cutting unit from the crop flow and drop the floor hydraulically to remove a blockage. If this option is used, material is not dropped to the ground, but still fed into the bale chamber.
With net wrapping as a standard feature, the layout conveniently allows operators to insert a new net roll from either side. There is also the option of a loading chute to make the task easier and twine tying as a further choice. Other clever design features are the rear door – which opens and closes in less than five seconds – and steering indicator to help the operator achieve consistent chamber filling to produce well shaped bales.
In action, all chains are automatically tensioned and lubricated, with cleverly-designed sloping panels helping prevent build-up of grass, dust and debris. Standard tyre size is 15.0/55-17, with 500/50-17 and 500/55-20 fitments available as options.
All VariPack models are ISOBUS-ready, meaning they can be operated from one of the CCI ISOBUS terminals or any ISOBUS-compatible tractor terminal. For those who prefer a simpler approach is the user-friendly Krone DS 100 or DS 500 control unit.
Accessories for these models include a moisture sensor, Tractor Implement Management (TIM) and a camera system for controlled bale ejection.
Build Goes Ahead
In other company news, preliminary work has begun on the construction of the new Krone Parts and Logistics Centre in Spelle, Germany.
This is where the company is constructing a stateof- the-art parts warehouse with a logistics centre and offices on an approximately 7.5-hectare site at the entrance to the town. Expected to be operational by the end of 2023 the development will cost around 40 million Euros.
“At the start of the year we received the first partial building permit, but until recently, we have questioned whether we should go ahead with this investment in these politically uncertain times,” Bernard Krone, chair of the Krone Holding Supervisory Board, says. “But we have decided to continue on the grounds that both the political crisis and the pandemic serve as a clear reminder to us of the importance of securing domestic food supplies.”
Krone says farming and agricultural machinery are plainly indispensable.
“So, this construction helps us to address key logistics challenges and position ourselves as a sustainable, longterm reliable partner for our customers.”
