In today’s fast-paced world of modern agriculture, efficiency is everything. Farmers face an ongoing challenge—how to maximize productivity while keeping costs, labor, and fuel consumption under control. For large-scale hay and forage producers, every hour saved in the field can directly impact profitability.
This is where the Krone Butterfly Mower, part of the advanced EasyCut B series, stands out. Known for their unmatched efficiency, precision cutting, and robust German engineering, these machines have become an indispensable tool for professional farmers. Unlike conventional mowers, the butterfly mower combines wide working widths with integrated conditioning technology, ensuring faster harvesting and higher forage quality.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how Krone Butterfly Mowers work, their cutting-edge features, popular models, pros and cons, and how they compare to top competitors like Claas, Kuhn, and John Deere.
Table of Contents
What Makes the Butterfly Mower Unique?
The name “butterfly mower” comes from its design: two large mowing units mounted on the rear of the tractor, which unfold like butterfly wings. When paired with a front-mounted mower, the result is a triple mower system capable of cutting 30 to 33 feet (9–10 meters) in a single pass.
This massive working width translates into fewer passes across the field, reduced soil compaction, lower fuel consumption, and faster harvest times—critical benefits during tight weather windows.
But the butterfly mower is more than just wide. It is a disc mower-conditioner, meaning it not only cuts but also conditions the crop simultaneously. This combination improves drying times, enhances forage quality, and ensures more uniform results.
How the Krone Butterfly Mower Works
Precision Cutting with the SmartCut System
At the core of Krone’s design is the SmartCut System. Each disc overlaps precisely with its neighbors, eliminating uncut streaks—even when maneuvering on slopes or curves. This ensures a clean, sharp cut every time, maximizing the efficiency of forage harvest.
Conditioning for Faster Drying
After mowing, the crop immediately enters a conditioning unit, which breaks down the plant’s waxy outer layer. This step speeds up moisture loss, meaning forage can be baled sooner while retaining more nutrients.
Krone offers two conditioner options:
- CV (Steel Tine Conditioner): Best for heavy, dense grasses. Aggressive steel tines crack stems for rapid drying.
- CR (Roller Conditioner): Gentle rubber rollers ideal for delicate crops like alfalfa. They protect leaves while improving drying efficiency.
Exclusive Krone Technologies That Farmers Trust
Krone distinguishes itself with unique features designed to protect equipment and maximize performance:
- SafeCut Protection: Each disc has its own shear-pin safety system. If a disc hits a rock or obstacle, the pin breaks, allowing the disc to move upward out of harm’s way—preventing costly driveline damage.
- DuoGrip Suspension: The mower bar is mounted at its center of gravity, allowing it to “float” across uneven terrain. This ensures consistent cutting height, protects soil health, and reduces machine wear.
- Hydraulic Width Adjustment: On models like the EasyCut B 1000, operators can adjust cutting width directly from the tractor cab, aligning perfectly with the front mower for a seamless cut.
Popular Krone Butterfly Mower Models (At a Glance)
Here’s a quick comparison of some leading Krone EasyCut B models:
| Model | Working Width (ft) | Power Requirement (hp) | Conditioner Type | Weight (lbs) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EasyCut B 870 | 27–28 | 120 | None | 4,850 | $50,000–$65,000 |
| EasyCut B 1000 | 30–33 | 140 | None | 6,173 | $65,000–$80,000 |
| EasyCut B 870 CV | 28.5 | 150 | Steel Tine | 6,393 | $85,000–$100,000 |
| EasyCut B 870 CR | 28.5 | 150 | Roller | 6,614 | $90,000–$105,000 |
| EasyCut B 950 Collect | 31 | 200 | Auger Conveyors | 7,716 | $120,000+ |
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary by dealer, location, and additional features.
(Source: Krone North America, TractorHouse)
The Advantages of Krone Butterfly Mowers
- Exceptional Productivity: With working widths over 30 feet, farmers save time, fuel, and labor.
- Durability and Reliability: SafeCut and DuoGrip systems reduce breakdowns and ensure long service life.
- Higher Forage Quality: Faster drying preserves nutrients, creating premium-quality feed.
- Ease of Operation: Hydraulic controls, smooth suspension, and operator-friendly design reduce fatigue.
Considerations Before Buying
While Krone Butterfly Mowers deliver world-class performance, potential buyers should weigh a few challenges:
- High Upfront Cost: Prices can exceed $100,000, making them best suited for large-scale farms.
- Power Requirements: Even the smallest models need at least 120 HP, while larger versions demand up to 200 HP tractors.
- Dealer Availability: Unlike John Deere, Krone’s dealer network isn’t as widespread in some regions, which may affect service access.
Krone vs. Competitors: Who Wins the Battle?
| Brand | Max Working Width | Key Strengths | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krone | Up to 10.1 m (33 ft) | Industry-leading tech (SafeCut, DuoGrip), superior forage quality | High price, needs powerful tractors |
| Claas | Up to 9.1 m (30 ft) | Excellent in hilly terrain, strong build | Heavy, may be complex for new users |
| Kuhn | Up to 8.8 m (29 ft) | Affordable, easy maintenance | Lacks advanced protection systems |
| John Deere | Up to 8.3 m (27 ft) | Extensive dealer network, strong resale value | Fewer features in base models |
(Source: The Farming Forum, HayTalk Reviews)
Verdict:
- Choose Krone if technology and crop quality are top priorities.
- Choose Claas if working on hilly, uneven fields.
- Choose Kuhn for affordability and simplicity.
- Choose John Deere if aftersales support and resale value matter most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the main benefit of a butterfly mower compared to a standard mower?
A: Efficiency. With a triple mower setup, farmers can cut up to 33 feet in one pass, saving time, fuel, and labor.
Q: How much horsepower is needed to run these machines?
A: Between 120–200 HP, depending on the model and conditioning system.
Q: Which conditioner should I choose—CV or CR?
A: CV (steel tine) for dense grasses; CR (roller) for delicate crops like alfalfa.
Q: Are Krone Butterfly Mowers suitable for small farms?
A: They’re best for 100+ acre farms. Smaller farms may find the cost too high relative to output.
Final Thoughts: Is the Krone Butterfly Mower Worth It?
For farmers managing large-scale forage operations, the Krone EasyCut B Series Butterfly Mowers represent a game-changing investment. They deliver unmatched productivity, protect machinery with innovative safety systems, and produce top-quality forage with faster drying times.
While the initial cost and power requirements may limit accessibility for smaller farms, the long-term efficiency gains make Krone a smart choice for serious operators. In the competitive market of hay and forage harvesting, the Krone Butterfly Mower truly lives up to its reputation as a field-conquering machine.
Sources and References
- Krone North America (2025). EasyCut B Series. Link
- TractorHouse (2025). Krone ECB950 Collect Listings. Link
- The Farming Forum (2024). Krone vs Kuhn Mowers Discussion. Link
- HayTalk (2024). John Deere vs Krone Mowers Reviews. Link
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Hi, I’m Bony Sham, a mechanical engineer and former Supply Chain Specialist at Mahindra & Mahindra, where I honed my expertise in machinery and logistics. Now, as a blogger, I share detailed tractor reviews and other equipment details to help people to choose the best equipment. Follow me on LinkedIn