Krone decided to solely focus on the production of grass equipment shortly after it left both the tillage equipment and manure spreader sectors in the early 1990s. According to Bernard Krone, the firm wanted to focus on a niche sector. It began manufacturing round balers, big balers and forage wagons. Shortly afterwards, the Big M was developed. When news broke that Krone was developing a self-propelled forage harvester, it took the industry by surprise.
With annual sales at 2,000 to 2,500 units at the time, Krone set out to capture 20% of the global market. According to Bernard Krone, the firm has achieved this goal.
To lay down a marker, Krone set about offering higher-horsepower foragers with bigger headers than the opposition at the time. Since Krone entered the self-propelled forager game in May 2000, the firm has built 5,300 foragers.
Having undergone a significant 20 years of developments, the Big X range now comprises eight models, ranging from 490hp up 1,156hp, with the Big X 1180 being the world’s most powerful forager.
2000
On 20 May 2000, the first Krone forage harvester prototype, badged Big X, was officially presented to the public. This particular machine was a 40km/h high-speed version that was powered by a 540hp engine. The Big X prototype was built in 1999 and finished in early 2000. 
The Big X prototype was built in 1999 and finished in early 2000.
2003
Krone officially launched the Big X V8 (605hp) and the Big X V12 (780hp) in 2003..
Having proven its commercial success since its roll-out in 2000, the Big X becomes available in two models in 2003 – the Big X V8 (605hp) and the Big X V12 (780hp), along with the EasyFlow grass header and the 8-row, 10-row and 12-row EasyCollect maize headers.
As the machines began to roll out of the factory, Krone upped its game by showcasing a new Big X service team of six engineers. Each Big X customer was assigned their personal service engineer who was specifically trained on Big X technology. Customers were presented with a Big X hotline number where they could find 24/7 assistance throughout the entire harvest season.
2005
Krone officially launched the Big X V8 (605hp) and the Big X V12 (780hp) in 2003..
By 2005, Krone had more than 200 Big X machines out in the fields around the world. The German firm then launched the new monstrous BiG X prototype, powered by two synchronised six-cylinder engines that deliver a rated output of about 1,000hp. These machines boasted a beefier drive system and higher-capacity headers. The new model also had a 14-row maize header which offered a working width of 10.50m. Unlike the existing header models at the time, the new 14-row maize header was split into three sections that folded into a sub-3.50m transport width, consigning transport issues to the past. The following year, in 2006, the first Big X was sold on the Irish market. The first two units were sold to Northern Ireland. Both of these contractors, Gamble Brothers in Co Antrim and Neville Rickey in Co Fermanagh still run Big X harvesters today.
2009
The VariStream Crop Flow system was introduced on the Big X 650 in 2009. This same year the Big X 650 was showcased across the country, the first Iirsh demo unit.
In 2009, the VariStream Crop Flow system was introduced on the Big X 650. The technology saw the front end of the spring-loaded chopping drum floor being linked to the anvil of the counter-blade. By readjusting these components, operators could ensure the gap between the blades and floor was always maintained. This system was introduced to help maintain a consistent chop in lumpy swaths.
2010
Krone launched its third generation of Big X in 2010, consisting of the three models
In 2010, Krone launched its third generation of Big X, consisting of the 700, 850 and 1100. The new series saw the twin-engines being replaced by V12 power units. Although these models featured the new PowerSplit system that reduced engine output on demand, customers wanting a machine in the 450-700hp bracket would need to wait three more years.
2013
The Big X 480 and 580 signalled Krone’s entry into the lower-horsepower sector in 2013.
The Big X 480 and 580 signalled Krone’s entry into the lower-horsepower sector in 2013. Taking on board the lessons learnt from the Big X 500, the firm reduced the drum width from 800mm to 630mm to improve the power to cutting width ratio. The addition of independent rear wishbone suspension enhanced operator comfort, rear visibility and manoeuvrability. In October 2013, a new factory for the self-propelled machines took up production of the Big X models. Two years later, the Big X 530 and 630 were introduced. They also had new headers that were split into two and three sections.
2017
In 2017 Krone launched the fourth generation Krone wide body machines.
2017 brought about a number of changes to the Big X range, with the launch of the fourth-generation Krone wide-body machines, including the Big X 680,780 and 880. These models came with the option of the new LiftCab, ideally suited to maize harvesting for greater visibility over tall crops. This allowed operators to raise the entire cab by 70cm via hydraulic scissor lift. These larger wide-body machines benefited from new exterior styling, improved performance and comfort. The wide-body range adopted the new cab design and rear wishbone suspension system introduced on the lower-horsepower machines back in 2013. Krone introduced SmartConnect, which allowed operators log machine-related data and telematics.
2018
In 2018, a new flagship Big X was added to the range. This was the Big X 1180, powered by a 24l Liebherr V12 engine outputting 1,165hp. Now the Big X series consisted of eight machines ranging from 490hp to 1,165hp. The company also launched the new three-model range of XCollect maize headers.
The Big X 1180 was added in 2017, a 1,165hp flagship offering.
2019
The most recent development, previewed at Agritechnica last November is the XtraPower feature. This technology allows contractors to buy an extra 50hp or 100hp from the Krone E-solutions online shop. A few minutes later the extra power can be activated by the operator on demand.
To date, there has been 75 Krone Big X units sold in Ireland. 
The addition of the XtraPower feature, in 2019 allows contractors to buy an extra 50hp or 100hp from the Krone online shop.
Krone decided to solely focus on the production of grass equipment shortly after it left both the tillage equipment and manure spreader sectors in the early 1990s. According to Bernard Krone, the firm wanted to focus on a niche sector. It began manufacturing round balers, big balers and forage wagons. Shortly afterwards, the Big M was developed. When news broke that Krone was developing a self-propelled forage harvester, it took the industry by surprise.
With annual sales at 2,000 to 2,500 units at the time, Krone set out to capture 20% of the global market. According to Bernard Krone, the firm has achieved this goal.
To lay down a marker, Krone set about offering higher-horsepower foragers with bigger headers than the opposition at the time. Since Krone entered the self-propelled forager game in May 2000, the firm has built 5,300 foragers.
Having undergone a significant 20 years of developments, the Big X range now comprises eight models, ranging from 490hp up 1,156hp, with the Big X 1180 being the world’s most powerful forager.
2000
On 20 May 2000, the first Krone forage harvester prototype, badged Big X, was officially presented to the public. This particular machine was a 40km/h high-speed version that was powered by a 540hp engine. The Big X prototype was built in 1999 and finished in early 2000.
The Big X prototype was built in 1999 and finished in early 2000.
2003
Krone officially launched the Big X V8 (605hp) and the Big X V12 (780hp) in 2003..
Having proven its commercial success since its roll-out in 2000, the Big X becomes available in two models in 2003 – the Big X V8 (605hp) and the Big X V12 (780hp), along with the EasyFlow grass header and the 8-row, 10-row and 12-row EasyCollect maize headers.
As the machines began to roll out of the factory, Krone upped its game by showcasing a new Big X service team of six engineers. Each Big X customer was assigned their personal service engineer who was specifically trained on Big X technology. Customers were presented with a Big X hotline number where they could find 24/7 assistance throughout the entire harvest season.
2005
Krone officially launched the Big X V8 (605hp) and the Big X V12 (780hp) in 2003..
By 2005, Krone had more than 200 Big X machines out in the fields around the world. The German firm then launched the new monstrous BiG X prototype, powered by two synchronised six-cylinder engines that deliver a rated output of about 1,000hp. These machines boasted a beefier drive system and higher-capacity headers. The new model also had a 14-row maize header which offered a working width of 10.50m. Unlike the existing header models at the time, the new 14-row maize header was split into three sections that folded into a sub-3.50m transport width, consigning transport issues to the past. The following year, in 2006, the first Big X was sold on the Irish market. The first two units were sold to Northern Ireland. Both of these contractors, Gamble Brothers in Co Antrim and Neville Rickey in Co Fermanagh still run Big X harvesters today.
2009
The VariStream Crop Flow system was introduced on the Big X 650 in 2009. This same year the Big X 650 was showcased across the country, the first Iirsh demo unit.
In 2009, the VariStream Crop Flow system was introduced on the Big X 650. The technology saw the front end of the spring-loaded chopping drum floor being linked to the anvil of the counter-blade. By readjusting these components, operators could ensure the gap between the blades and floor was always maintained. This system was introduced to help maintain a consistent chop in lumpy swaths.
2010
Krone launched its third generation of Big X in 2010, consisting of the three models
In 2010, Krone launched its third generation of Big X, consisting of the 700, 850 and 1100. The new series saw the twin-engines being replaced by V12 power units. Although these models featured the new PowerSplit system that reduced engine output on demand, customers wanting a machine in the 450-700hp bracket would need to wait three more years.
2013
The Big X 480 and 580 signalled Krone’s entry into the lower-horsepower sector in 2013.
The Big X 480 and 580 signalled Krone’s entry into the lower-horsepower sector in 2013. Taking on board the lessons learnt from the Big X 500, the firm reduced the drum width from 800mm to 630mm to improve the power to cutting width ratio. The addition of independent rear wishbone suspension enhanced operator comfort, rear visibility and manoeuvrability. In October 2013, a new factory for the self-propelled machines took up production of the Big X models. Two years later, the Big X 530 and 630 were introduced. They also had new headers that were split into two and three sections.
2017
In 2017 Krone launched the fourth generation Krone wide body machines.
2017 brought about a number of changes to the Big X range, with the launch of the fourth-generation Krone wide-body machines, including the Big X 680,780 and 880. These models came with the option of the new LiftCab, ideally suited to maize harvesting for greater visibility over tall crops. This allowed operators to raise the entire cab by 70cm via hydraulic scissor lift. These larger wide-body machines benefited from new exterior styling, improved performance and comfort. The wide-body range adopted the new cab design and rear wishbone suspension system introduced on the lower-horsepower machines back in 2013. Krone introduced SmartConnect, which allowed operators log machine-related data and telematics.
2018
In 2018, a new flagship Big X was added to the range. This was the Big X 1180, powered by a 24l Liebherr V12 engine outputting 1,165hp. Now the Big X series consisted of eight machines ranging from 490hp to 1,165hp. The company also launched the new three-model range of XCollect maize headers.
The Big X 1180 was added in 2017, a 1,165hp flagship offering.
2019
The most recent development, previewed at Agritechnica last November is the XtraPower feature. This technology allows contractors to buy an extra 50hp or 100hp from the Krone E-solutions online shop. A few minutes later the extra power can be activated by the operator on demand.
To date, there has been 75 Krone Big X units sold in Ireland.
The addition of the XtraPower feature, in 2019 allows contractors to buy an extra 50hp or 100hp from the Krone online shop.
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