30 years of KRONE BiG M – The world's first self-propelled mower conditioner is celebrating a special anniversary

The KRONE BiG M has shaped the professional forage harvest sector for 30 years. When KRONE presented the world's first self-propelled mower conditioner in 1996, the company had developed a completely new class of machine. Nowadays, the BiG M stands for high acreage outputs, excellent forage quality and maximum efficiency all around the world. 

Spelle, Germany – May 2026: When the BiG M was launched, it was already a hot topic. With a working width of nine metres and designed as a self-propelled, large surface mower, most people in the industry were unfamiliar with such a concept in the mid-1990s. However, it quickly became apparent that KRONE had definitely hit the nail on the head with this idea. From the outset, contractors not only appreciated the enormous acreage output and its approval for road use at 40 km/h, but particularly liked the convincing quality of the forage. The simultaneous mowing and intensive conditioning ensured the drying process could be completed quickly and evenly – a decisive factor for ensuring high-quality forage. 

The impressive performance of the BiG M was showcased in 1999 during a 24-hour endurance test: it covered 315.1 ha of mowed grassland, achieving 15.2 ha per hour. A record which has not been beaten to this day, and was even recorded in the Guinness World Records, thus convincing even the last remaining skeptics.

Further technical development over generations

KRONE continued to develop the BiG M over the following years. With models like the BiG M II, BiG M 500 and the BiG M 400, 420 and 450, the machine has continuously been adapted to increasing requirements. Efficiency, user comfort and versatility have gradually become just as important as reliability during hard, everyday harvesting. Characteristic features have been retained in all of the generations, including a balanced weight distribution, rear-wheel steering and an excellent view of all three mowers. Especially on smaller, more structured and hilly grasslands, these features proved to be a clear advantage in comparison to standard tractor combinations. In the industry, the BiG M is therefore often known as a particularly reliable machine that is always available.

BIG M 450: power, efficiency and precision

The BiG M 450 generation is now extremely powerful. With a 449 hp strong engine and an infinitely variable hydraulic all-wheel drive, it can achieve an acreage output of up to 17 hectares per hour. The machine has a working width of 9.9 metres, while the CR version, that is especially designed for the US market, has a width of 11.2 metres. There are a variety of systems to condition the crops, including a tine conditioner for the crop stalks and a roller conditioner for delicate leaf crops, such as legumes. Both variants ensure intense processing, while simultaneously protecting the forage.

The optional BiG‑Swath system further increases efficiency. Both of the outside mowers place the crops directly on to the swath of the front mounted mower. Mowing, conditioning and swathing can thus be completed in one work process – a particular advantage for short harvesting seasons. Alternatively, the BiG M can also be equipped with mulchers providing additional application options and increasing utilisation.

KRONE has also consistently improved the automation: Modern GPS‑protected steering systems, SectionControl and automatically controlled mowing functions considerably reduce the driver's workload and ensure processes are completed accurately. These systems particularly help to ensure efficiency and consistently high quality standards, especially in areas that are not cut regularly or during long periods of use.

Success for three decades

After 30 years, the BiG M is firmly established on an international scale. In addition to Germany, the USA, Ireland and the Netherlands, in particular, are among the most important markets, while other main areas include Europe, Japan, and Israel. To date, the BiG M is the only self-propelled mower conditioner in this performance class that is mass produced. The anniversary therefore not only marks the history of a successful machine, but is also celebrating a technical approach that redefined forage harvesting around the world and which will also continue to be developed in future.

Quick overview:

• 30 years of innovation: Launched in 1996, the BiG M was the first self-propelled mower conditioner in the world creating its very own class of machine.

• Superb efficiency: The first BiG M impressed with a working width of 9 m, road travel speed of 40 km/h and excellent forage quality achieved by mowing and conditioning at the same time. 

• Record performance: In 1999, the BiG M set a Guinness World Record by mowing 315.1 ha in 24 hours.

• Continuous development: With a variety of generations (including BiG M II, 500, 400, 420, 450), KRONE is continuously increasing efficiency, comfort and versatility. 

• Current BiG M 450 model: 9.9 m (to 11.2 m in CR version), 449 hp, acreage output of up to 17 ha/h, optional CV or CR conditioner. 

• Flexible applications: Optional use of mulchers and the BiG-Swath system for swath merging ensure high levels of efficiency and a wide range of operational applications. 

• Comfort & precision: Assistance systems, such as GPS Guidance, SectionControl and automated mower adaptations increase user comfort, precision and productivity. 

• Global importance: To date, the BiG M is the only self-propelled mower conditioner in its performance class, that is mass produced and is in high demand internationally (in Europe, particularly Germany and Ireland, the USA and Japan).

   

Technical data:

Working width: approx. 9.90 m
Transport width: approx. 3.00 m
Transport length: approx. 8.45 m
Transport height: approx. 4.00 m
Weight:  approx. 16,000 kg
Weight distribution: 64% front, 36% at rear
Engine: Liebherr D946 (Tier 4 final / EU level V)
Engine displacement: 12 l
Nominal output: approx. 330 kW/449 hp (M-Power) | approx. 260 kW/354 hp (Eco-Power)