We have been using a ProBody 760, the first model in Krampe’s additional trailer range, to see how this big-tyre trailer can handle a season of crop carting.
Read on to find out more.

KEEPING IT BRIEF

  • The ProBody range comes with features not available on the BigBody trailers.
  • There is also a base spec ‘Carrier’ version.
  • One of the key features is large capacity tyres: our trailer was on 710/50 R30.5, but 710/55 R34 is possible.
  • The tested version has a price tag of €70,540 (approx. £60,300).

The likes of a 560/60 R22.5 tyre are pretty much the default fit for grain and silage trailers in the UK and Ireland. But over on the Continent, there is an appetite for even bigger rubber, which has led Krampe to developing a new, extra range of tipping trailers, the ProBody. Introduced two years ago, the ProBody can be equipped with either a 1.50m or 1.70m diameter tyre depending on the axle spacing. Tyre size, however, is not the only area the ProBody differs from the BigBody line-up; the way the taller body is fabricated is also different. We will get to that in a bit.

Last season we managed to get our hands on the featured ProBody 760 … to see how it performs and differs from Krampe’s other more mainstream tippers when it comes to shifting cereals and forage maize.

Starting at the nose

The drawbar with rubber block suspension is relatively slim and fitted with a K80 spoon. Our trailer was supplied with the hydraulic- based forced steering, giving the ProBody really good manoeuvrability, but this can be further enhanced with the electronically guided version (€3,500 extra).

Slim drawbar, sensible hose holder and a ladder that pivots on a single hinge.

The neat hose holder with integrated storage slots is functional. All of the hydraulics pipes — four spools in total (one double-acting with diverter looks after the parking stand and tailgate, a single-acting for tipping, another for quick-lowering plus one more for the lift axle) — can be stowed with the electrics. The hoses themselves are durable and clearly marked, and there’s a handy decal nearby showing which is which. One gripe is that the diverter tap for switching between the stand and tailgate is hidden out of sight on the right-hand side, behind the park stand.

The ladder-frame chassis is welded from box section steel. All areas look substantial.

The standard ladder has a fancy fold system; in fact, it is so clever that it’s protected by a registered patent. Pull out the securing pin and it swings down to a comfortable climbing angle. Just remember to swing it back up afterwards — leave it down and it’s sitting right in the danger zone of the tractor’s rear wheel on tight turns.

Neat and tidy

For the ProBody’s chassis, Krampe relies on closed rectangular tube, a tidy design that prevents dirt from accumulating. We were equally impressed with the hose and cable routing; even maize trash doesn’t build up. And, if it does, the distance between the pipes and chassis means it can be easily washed off. In fact, the trailer is surprisingly easy to keep clean. 

Running gear that’s smooth

Air suspension is standard, although our test trailer was fitted with the optional hydraulic suspension which is about €1,800 extra. This connects to the 10t rated, 150x150mm BPW axles. We were seriously impressed by the running gear — regardless of the load, the ProBody handles like it is on rails, whether you’re flat out on the road or on bumpy farm tracks.

Hydraulic suspension makes for a comfortable ride, although it does come at a cost.

Each axle has around 250mm of travel, and you’ll appreciate every millimetre of it on a rutted field gateway. The suspension irons out plenty of the lumps and bumps, reducing the body roll of the relatively tall ProBody. Automatic load-sensing brakes (ALB) and automatic slack adjusters are standard fit. 

There is a front lift axle option (€3,200) that needs a single-acting spool with a free-flow return. There’s a catch: you’ll also need to include the €1,900 hydraulic active steering. Both were on our trailer, with the steering master cylinder positioned on the left of the drawbar so it does take up some space. But, as mentioned, despite its 9.44m length, the trailer is manoeuvrable.

You can upgrade to the ISObus-connected forced-steering system for an extra €3,500. This doesn’t need the master cylinder so allows an even tighter steering angle plus the nifty option of steering the axle manually when needed.

Body with two steels

Krampe has taken a different tack with the body of the ProBody when compared to the BigBody. The upper section is fabricated from S700 fine-grain steel, with the tapered top frame formed by the same sheet of steel used for the body sheet rather than being  welded separately to the structure, as on the BigBody. The lower section is S355-grade steel. This folding design gives the sides more rigidity so that just one stanchion does the job. The 4mm thick sheets are laser-welded together.

If you fancy more volume, 30cm-high silage extensions (€2,550 extra) can be bolted onto the 2.00m high sides, adding 5.7m³ of additional capacity. The full-length floor is made utilising 5mm steel, with cross beams welded underneath for reinforcement.

Folded from a single sheet of steel and standing 200cm tall, the body can be topped with a 30cm extension for extra capacity.

Every load slid cleanly out of the tapered body (2.22m wide at the front, 2.32m at the rear) without any problems. However, we only carted grain and silage so not a massive challenge. Speaking to an owner who hauls compost, he says that this material doesn’t always immediately slide out.

The six-stage tipping ram requires 44 litres of oil from the tractor, and it extended fully and smoothly every single time during our test, tipping the body to a useful 49°. As soon as the tipping process starts, the rear axle’s hydraulic levelling system shuts off automatically to keep everything stable and firmly planted.

The oversized viewing window is a very good design, giving a clear view into the body. There’s a sturdy Plexiglas cover with sensible bolt-on fixings for anyone hauling cereals or other free-flowing material. The tailgate is the same as on the BigBody so is well proven: the hydraulic hooks pull it in tight, so it shuts reliably and seals well. A grain chute is standard.

The tailgate sticks with Krampe’s tried and tested design. It’s reassuringly positive.

Other points

  • All of the lights are LED and have sturdy housings.
  • Tyres aren’t part of the base price. The fitted 710s added €9,570 to the €70,540 tally.
  • A hydraulic cover wasn’t fitted to our test trailer, although the option is available for just under €5,500.
  • The rear underrun bar is a square-section tube with one edge turned upwards. Even so, forage maize can still collect on it, but the material generally drops off when the tailgate shuts.
  • EU type approval is available, too, for just under €900.

Summary

The ProBody is not a facelifted BigBody with a new badge. 

We put it through an entire season’s work and came away with an overwhelmingly positive verdict. There’s precious little to grumble about here — quite the opposite, in fact: this is a well-thought-out tipper with plenty of clever touches. Road manners are seriously good, tipping stability is spot on, and loads slide out reliably every time. The hydraulic forced-steering system already gives decent manoeuvrability without piling on complexity.

Naturally, all this clever engineering comes at a price. Basic spec will set you back about €58,000 (around £50,000) without wheels! Our test ProBody trailer, loaded with extras, topped €70,000 (approx £60,000). Admittedly, not cheap but you do get a well thought-out trailer with neat details.

Christian Brüse

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