Krone’s Swadro TC1250 is flagged up as a simple to use non-electronic centre delivery rake.

Aimed at professional farmers seeking an entry-level machine, tractor power is transmitted mechanically by a patented sliding gear transmission and drive shafts, which says the company, ensures the power flows in a straight line.

The tried-and-tested drive system sees the 3.30m diameter front rotors (11 tine arms) operate at a faster speed to evenly spread material in front of the rear 2.96m diameter rotors (13 tine arms). Working widths are from 9.80m-12.50m and swath widths from 1.40m-2.20m.

Other features common to other Swadros include rotor suspension, tines with angled tips, maintenance-free rotor gearboxes, maintenance-free DuraMax cam track (three-year warranty), and Jet Effect. The latter attaches the rotor ahead of its centre of gravity, a design that is claimed to ensure the tines do not ‘poke’ into the ground.

Controlled from the tractor, operators can quickly change the level of hydraulic suspension on the front rotors to suit the ground conditions. The suspension on the rear rotors is mechanical.

The options list includes a central swath deflector, LED work lights, and the independent lift-out system for the rotors for  precise lifting and lowering in wedge-shaped fields.

Weighing around 4.9t, the TC1250 has a power requirement from 80hp and requires one double-acting and one single-acting spool. The new rake folds to transport dimensions of 2.99m (width) and 3.99m (height) without folding the tine arms.