Three years of KFX put to the test: Quick-change system proves its worth in everyday slope use
Experience report from Steibis – Slope manager Thomas Neyer gives a positive assessment
Relief for people and machines: without a tiller, the PistenBully is more maneuverable, less prone to wear and tear, and safer, which is a real advantage, especially in narrow passages such as push lanes or fun parks.
Laupheim, 15 September 2025. For three winters now, the Imbergbahn and Skiarena Steibis ski resort in the Allgäu region has been relying on the KFX quick-change system. As one of the first test areas, the Allgäu destination was involved in the development from the very beginning. In everyday use, the system has proven to be a robust, time-saving, and economically sensible solution - with a high level of acceptance among operators.
Successfully tested – KFX system proves itself in long-term testing
Three years ago, during the testing phase, the KFX was tested under real conditions with several prototypes – and Steibis was there from the start. The system has been continuously developed since then. And the long-term results are impressive: “In three years, we had a single cable break at the beginning – otherwise, the system has run completely smoothly.”
Technical benefits: Minimization of stress and wear
The KFX quick-change system impresses in daily use above all with its technical functionality and the noticeable added value for operations and personnel. One of the biggest advantages is its simple and quick handling: The milling machine can be connected and disconnected in just 20 to 30 seconds – directly from the driver's seat, without tools and with camera support. This makes the changeover process an integral part of daily work without any significant loss of time: “When the driver knows that he will be pushing for 20 minutes, the milling machine is simply disconnected – sometimes five times in one evening.”
Economically sensible – with practical added value
Targeted decoupling of the milling machine during pure pushing work significantly reduces the load on the carrier vehicle. This has a positive effect on overall machine wear: the drive, tracks, running axles, and the milling machine itself are protected. In addition, the reduced total weight results in lower fuel consumption – slope manager Thomas Neyer sees great potential for savings: “Specific cost reductions naturally depend on the area of application and driving style, but I consider a 10% fuel saving to be absolutely realistic.” Every instance of damage to the milling machine or frame that is avoided also saves money. Spare parts – whether for the finisher or the main frame – can quickly add up to a considerable sum. “Everyone knows how much it costs to repair a tiller. If you prevent just one instance of tiller damage, the system has already paid for itself,” adds Florian Reichart, managing director of Imbergbahn and Ski-Arena Steibis GmbH & Co. KG.
The practical added value is particularly evident when working at the edge of the slope, in push lanes, or in fun parks: without a bulky rear attachment, there is no risk of overlooking objects such as poles or damaging slope elements. This increases safety and precision at work.
Conclusion: Technically sophisticated, proven in everyday use
With the KFX quick-change system, Steibis has established a tool that is both technically impressive and emotionally inspiring—above all due to its contribution to efficiency, safety, and driving comfort: "The system makes work much easier. It is reliable, fast, and saves resources—for us, it has become an indispensable part of our operations," confirms Thomas Neyer.
The KFX quick-change system not only focuses on efficiency, but also on making everyday work on the slopes noticeably easier. The enthusiasm of the drivers and the impressive durability of the system speak for themselves: KFX is here to stay.
Thomas Neyer, Slope Manager at Steibis: “The system is robust, well thought-out, and makes our work noticeably easier.”
Efficient in use: The KFX quick-change system allows tool-free coupling and uncoupling directly from the cab – in less than 30 seconds.
Long-term test passed: After three winters and over 2,000 hours of use, there was no deformation or structural wear on the KFX system in Steibis.
Florian Reichart, Managing Director of Imbergbahn and Skiarena Steibis GmbH & Co. KG
KFX in action: The cutter can be detached or attached in a matter of seconds—without any tools, directly from the driver's seat.
