There was a massive selection of load lifting kit to peruse, with everything from clamp kings to tracked skidsteers. Jane Carley, Geoff Ashcroft and Alex Heath report from the packed NEC halls. Pictures by Marcello Garbagnoli and John Eveson.
Merlo Multifarmer 40.9 CS telehandler
Complete with a Stage 5 engine from FPT, churning out 170hp, the latest Merlo Multifarmer now lifts 4,000kg to 9.15m.
At the rear is a category three, three point linkage with a seven tonne lift capacity. The company says this latest model is more suited to the large scale arable farmer with its lifting credentials. With a continuously variable transmission providing traction, it retails at £119,215.
Dieci Agri Pivot T90 pivot steer loader
Joining the firm's range of pivot steer handlers is Dieci's new range-topper, the T90.
Packing a 4.1 tonne lift capacity and a 5.8m lift height, the T90 boasts a 152hp FPT engine, powering a hydrostatic driveline. Electronic trickery affords four transmission modes to manipulate the T90's functionality. Using a combination of up to two hydrostatic motors, depending on the torque delivery required, the operator can swap between road-mode, eco-mode, work-mode and a drive-mode. The latter allows engine revs and forward speed to be preset for hydraulically powered attachments.
The T90 is priced from £104,000.
Basak BTH740 telehandler
Through UK importer and distributor AS Tractors, Turkish tractor maker Basak also offers a telehandler.
The rigid chassis BTH740 gets Perkins power, Bosch Rexroth hydrostatic transmission, multi-mode steering, and a four-tonne, 7m lift height.
AS Tractors' Ray McNally says the BTH740 will also be offered with a Dromone-developed pickup hitch, in place of the current towing eye, but there are currently no plans to offer boom suspension.
The BTH740 is priced at £49,000.
Bobcat TL43.80HF Agri telehandler
The TL43.80HF Agri is part of a recently expanded Bobcat range of seven telescopic handlers, covering maximum lift capacities from 2.6 to 4.3 tonnes, with lift heights from six to eight metres.
It features a three-year warranty, which can be extended to five years/5,000 hours. This 130hp Agri machine in ‘three-star' specification boasts air conditioning, boom suspension, pickup hitch and a choice of headstock. And later this year, the cab interior is likely to be refreshed to receive a new joystick and armrest control system offering improved ergonomics.
Manitou MLT420-60H telehandler
For tight spaces, Manitou's latest telehandler combines a 57hp engine sourced from Kubota with a two tonne lift capacity to 4.35 metres.
The MLT420-60 has a redesigned headstock for increased visibility and a turning circle of 3.06m. Initially based on a construction-spec machine, it has had a number of adaptations to make it ag-suitable; a range of cleated tyres, air con and a reversing fan, as well as a relocated air intake and external hydraulic dump button have been added.
MX e-Pilot S joystick
Loader manufacturer MX has launched a new control system for its range of tractor mounted loaders.
Available with a button or proportional lever for third service activation, the e-Pilot S is a compact joystick designed to fit onto the arm rest of modern tractors. The manufacturer says because of its size, measuring 40mm square at the base, it can be placed optimally for operator comfort and easily stowed away when not needed.
Retail prices start from £695 for the button version and £950 for the proportional lever.
Schaffer 23e electric telescopic handler
Schaffer hinted at the future line-up of its telehandlers with the arrival of its 23e - a battery-powered compact loader offering a 1.7 tonne lift capacity to a height of 2.88m.
Power comes from a single 6.7kW lithium-ion battery pack or a high-capacity 13.4kW battery pack, offering run-times of 2.5 or five hours respectively.
Using a built-in charging system, the single battery pack can be replenished to 80 per cent capacity within two hours - the double pack taking twice as long. The 23e is priced from £46,000.
JCB Farm Master loading shovels
Lamma saw the first public outing of JCB's updated 419S and 435S loading shovels. The Cummins-powered pair have gained power and torque increases, with access to an additional 300 engine rpm and maximum power available on a switchable map. JCB says the default lower-power mode affords fuel efficiency for load and carry duties, allowing the operator to summon the four horsemen of the apocalypse at the push of a button for clamp duties.
For the 419S, this button delivers 195hp, 881Nm of torque and 2,400rpm; while the 435S boosts to 252hp and 1,186Nm of torque. These revised ‘S' models also get red highlight seat stitching.
Bobcat S70 Quad Track concept
Bobcat showed off a four-track system for use with skid steer loaders. Called the Quad Track, it allows wheel units to be unbolted and replaced by a rubber track system.
Each 20cm-wide rubber track sits over a drive sprocket, and wraps around a pair of front idlers, and a pair of rear idlers. Ground pressure is said to be dramatically reduced says the company, compared to traditional skid steer tyres.
Quicke attachments
Quicke has streamlined its bucket range, consolidating tractor loader, telehandler and wheel loader types into three distinct offerings. It also in encompasses soil, general and volume buckets, all suitable for any load lifting vehicle.
The range can be supplied with any head stock, which bolts onto the bucket via captive nuts behind a second skin. A 2.4m-wide, 2cu.m model with brackets will set you back £1,638.
In addition, the company has also launched a telescopic version of its Quadrogrip bale hander. The TS version expands to 2m and costs £2,155.
