Recently named Farm Machine of the Year 2026 in the forage and harvesting category at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, the arrival of the Krone BiG Pack HDP II 1290 Gen 6, is being touted as a major leap forward in baling technology for New Zealand farmers and contractors. The new model is said to deliver denser bales, faster performance and an increase of smart features designed to make the process more efficient, reliable and safer. From collecting crop to tying and stacking bales, the BiG Pack Gen 6 has been engineered to help NZ operators work more productively in tough, dry and variable conditions. Combining maximum baling density, enormous throughputs, intelligent technology with maximum operator comfort, alongside ease of maintenance and durability, key improvements include a hydraulic starter aid, the proven EasyFlow Active pick-up for cleaner crop collection and Krone’s patented V-knotter system, which ties bales securely without leaving twine residue. Michael Murer, Krone’s product manager, said the new BiG Pack is perfectly suited to New Zealand’s high-output industry. “New Zealand producers demand machines that deliver high-density bales, handle tough crop conditions and minimise downtime,” Murer said. “The BiG Pack HDP II 1290 Gen 6 offers exactly that, with more throughput at highest baling density, it‘s the most powerful machine of the range, offering more efficiency and exceptional bale quality. It’s a machine built for large-scale operations that can’t afford to compromise.” Further refinements include a new cutting rotor, a redesigned bale channel and upgraded hydraulics, each improvement targeted at boosting throughput and reliability. The BiG Pack’s advanced cutting system, revised Variable Filling System, PowerClean knotter cleaning and ISOBUS-ready controls help producers work efficiently across all crop types and conditions. Read More: Krone unveils new CombiPack HDP baler and halts US exports Krone EasyCut B1250 fold New player set to enter SP Mower market Optional features, include moisture measurement, bale weighing and the BaleCollect accumulator. The machine will be available to NZ customers in season 2026. #Krone