“I felt we needed a machine that was able to meet these targets and more when required. I just felt that given the extra power and intake capability of the Krone Big X it was the machine to meet our demands.  In terms of rivals on the market, in my opinion the power of the Big X represented better value for money” he explained.

According to its annual report, Bernard Krone GmbH with a turnover of €1billion in 2005, its 100^th year in business, is the most dynamic and fastest-growing firm in the farm machinery sector.  With market-leading products such as round balers, mowers, rakes and tedders, Krone is the preferred choice of contractors with the Big M (of which there are now 70 working in Ireland).  

However, with the Big X they have surprised everybody; they have had outstanding success with this range of ultra high-power harvesters and with a 2007 season build of 330 units have leap-frogged into third position worldwide behind Claas and John Deere.   Why? 

Jonathon Gamble explains

“ Believe it or not, I’ve been a Claas man since I started out in this business 15 years ago.  I only changed in May just past.  Up until then I was satisfied that a 450hp machine was enough for the work I had.  However, when our workload increased further I felt it was time for a change” 

Purchasing the Big X with grass pickup, maize and wholecrop heads from John McElderry Ltd, (N. Ireland Big X agents), the Gambles have effectively got 7 busy months from the harvester. 

“I wanted to increase my work rate and intake levels and I felt with this machine I was able to do just that.  I have an 8 row header that can get through 6-7 acres of maize an hour.  Overall I’ve found it to be a trouble-free machine and we actually had more problems with the Claas 870 than we have had with this.  Having said that, we have had the Big X seven months so maybe it’s a bit premature to be comparing,” concluded Jonathan.

  Jonathan rates the X very highly for throughput, single joystick controls and excellent visibility.  Also praised were the good weight distribution and good manners on the road at 40 kph.