Busy time for loaders and telehandlers machines
They are still busy at feeding work on livestock farms, with spring grass not yet accessible in many areas.
When weather permits, they will loading fertiliser and dung.
Once sowing season approaches again, they will be handling seed.
Many farmers use them as their fencing vehicle; loader buckets are often seen with posts, rolls of wire and other fencing equipment.
I described the new Bobcat agri range here last week, and the newsfeed seems to be busy with loader and telehandler news again this week.
Volvo Construction Equipment have two new compact wheel loaders that will appeal to farm buyers.
The L45H and L50H are well-balanced machines. They are built for greater fuel efficiency and improved hydraulic flow, faster cycle times at reduced operating cost.
With a new Volvo D4J Tier 4 Final engine, both boast a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency over preceding models.
Volvo’s Torque Parallel linkage is designed to deliver high breakout torque and excellent parallel movement throughout the lifting range.
The L45H and L50H also feature Volvo’s intelligent load-sensing hydraulic system that drives power to the hydraulic functions according to demand for fast response, shorter cycle times and reduced fuel consumption.
Hydrostatic transmission matches power to operator requirements, for control in delicate work, and full power for more demanding jobs.
Ground-level service points and grouped greasing points ensure easy and quick maintenance. The oscillating rear axle is supported on maintenance-free cradles.
Its bearings and bushings are lubricated for life and protected by well-proven seals, saving hours of maintenance time. These machines can be factory-fitted with extra hydraulic lines to operate and run a variety of attachment options, and the standard attachment bracket is ISO-standardised for quick and easy interchange of attachments.
While Volvo’s machine is targeted at the larger farmers and contractors, John Deere is bringing to the market something designed for construction, but which may suit smaller farmers, and stud farmers too.
John Deere is introducing four Final Tier 4 G-Series skid steers (312GR, 314G, 316GR, 318G), and one compact track loader (317G).
The G-Series machines feature improved horsepower-to-weight ratios, and optimised boom design that enables lift heights over 10 feet on the vertical lift models, and a 20% increase in breakout forces on the radial-lift models.
John Deere designed an all-new operator station for the G-Series, featuring many of the same comfort, space and visibility refinements originally introduced on the E-Series machines.
A swing-out cab door creates a wide-open entryway and flat floors allow easier entry and exit, along with more foot and legroom.
The new skid steer economy models 312GR (radial lift) and 314G (vertical lift) will more than likely be the models to appeal to the agricultural market.
Massey Ferguson has announced a number of updates to the MF 9000 series telehandlers.
The new features were introduced on the new MF 9305 Xtra, launched in 2015, and have been added to the MF 9306 Xtra, MF 9407 Xtra and MF 9407S Xtra.
They include a Smart Handling System which uses the display menu to allow the operator set the maximum available hydraulic flow.
By limiting maximum flow, loading can be much smoother and more accurate.
Another innovation is the eco-mode, operated via a switch in the cab to manage oil flow and reduce engine RPMmm, in order to lower fuel consumption.
Cab comfort levels have been extended with the addition of a pneumatic seat.
As an option, forward/neutral/reverse controls can be fitted on the left hand side of the steering wheel, in addition to the multi-function joystick to the right.
Depending on the task in hand, the operator can select direction of movement with his left or right hand; use the steering wheel mounted controls to shuttle rapidly backwards and forwards when loading muck; or keep all functions in control with the right hand when carefully placing bales or pallets, for example.
Massey Ferguson has made two highly practical updates to the range. Firstly, a bucket pin support will be available as standard across the range for machines fitted with manual bucket lock via a pin.
Secondly, ladder and auto clevis hitches can also be specified to tailor the MF 9000 telehandlers to trailers with different ring heights, to make hitching up easier and more convenient.
