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The Krone SmartConnect controller in the cabin.
German harvest machinery specialist Krone has released new digital technology said to enable contractors to accurately record each job in real time, benefitting users and their customers.
At the heart of the system, the Krone SmartConnect controller manages the data stream from the machine to a tablet in the operator cabin.
Depending on the machine in use, the system can use GPS tracking to show the farmer/owner where each bale is in the field. It also displays the weight and moisture content of each bale and the composition, including data on fibre, starch and ME.
Also, to suit administration, data can be provided on the time taken to complete a job, with track and tracing from the office to generate invoices as work is completed.
The system is already built into Krone BiG-M mower and BiG-X forage harvesters. The latter can be equipped with optional moisture and flow rate meters to measure tonnage through the machine.
The newly released BiG-X 1180 flagship harvester also uses NIR (near infrared) sensors to detect the nutritional value of a crop.
SmartConnect can also be retrofitted in Krone’s current round and square balers. And the BigPack square baler can collect data on bale drop position, count, moisture and weight.
Comprima round balers will soon provide data on bale count, operating time and weight.
The SmartConnect will in future form the interface to the ‘agrirouter’ – a universal interface, joint project between leading European manufacturers. This will allow farmers, contractors and app developers to share machine data irrespective of machine brand.
As SmartConnect is ISOBUS capable it can also work seamlessly with similarly equipped brands.
Dealer training is underway, centred on the Krone machine data interface tool that will allow software updating and configuration of an ever-expanding range of optional equipment.
Already known for its extensive range of mowers, tedders and swathers, German manufacture Krone looks to be joining the trend in the swather sector, following the release of its first belt merger, the Swativo T1040 Pro.
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.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has announced that, from the New Year, it is officially authorised to sell Krone Forager Harvesters and Kubota Tractors across the Southland and Otago regions it represents.
Recently named Farm Machine of the Year 2026 in the forage and harvesting category at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, the arrival of the Krone BiG Pack HDP II 1290 Gen 6, is being touted as a major leap forward in baling technology for New Zealand farmers and contractors.
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