By Martin Rickatson

While its UK focus is primarily on high-capacity machines, with the 7750-12,400kg capacity 1177-1914 Torion models which are aimed at users needing to shift big quantities of grain, muck and silage, Claas is also making moves at the smaller end of the wheeled loader line it sources from partner Liebherr.

While for the moment these are primarily aimed at the continental Europe market, the developments could well be of interest here.

The firm has added three new machines with lift capabilities of 3750-5575kg to the base of its range, but these are badged as Torion Sinus models to mark out the different steering system they employ for users needing to access tight spaces.

To add to their articulation and enhanced manoeuvrability, they also employ rear axle steering, with the hydraulic ram in the articulated joint also automatically moving the rear axle.

New Holland’s agricultural dealers have had available to them the light/compact range of New Holland construction equipment, including backhoe loaders, skid-steer loaders, wheel loaders and mini 360-degree excavators, for some time now.

But with, the latest revision of the marque’s telehandlers, there has been a livery switch from blue to yellow to help identify the machines as part of the same pack.

Built in-house in one of its Italian factories, updates for the six-model 6-9m TH range include a new transmission with electronic modulation for smoother shifting and shuttling, while lift capacities are up slightly on most models, and there are new automatic steering alignment and automatic lubrication options.

Manitou now has a significant wheeled loader range in its handler line-up, consisting of eight models, the largest of which lifts five tonnes and has a maximum lift height of 5.2m. At the head of the range, users have a choice between hydrostatic and the firm’s M-Vario Plus CVT transmissions.

Meanwhile, at last month’s SIMA show in Paris the firm added a new high-capacity telehandler, the MLT 961-145 V+ L, to its range. The new model, which lifts a maximum of 6t and has a maximum lift height of 9m, is targeted at operators of large grain stores and big square straw baling operations.

Other recent developments from Manitou include its High View option for its MLT NewAg telehandlers, which uses a camera fitted to the boom head which automatically sends images to a screen in the cab, allowing the operator to see into lorry bodies and judge filling, for example.

The firm has also launched its EcoStop development which, when activated, automatically switches off the engine after a specified period of idling, configurable from one to 30 minutes. Manitou calculates that cutting idling by 15% idling on a machine working 1000 hrs/yr could cut fuel and associated wear/service bills by almost £1300/year.

The company has also now fully integrated the Mustang skid-steer loader line – which it acquired when it bought Gehl’s materials handling business in 2008 – into the Manitou range. Only the livery and badging change, but the new line is designed to offer Manitou dealers a more integrated line of loading equipment solutions, says the firm.

The first model to be publicly displayed, the 2700V, has a rated lift capacity of 1225kg and a maximum lift height of 3.31m. Mustang model range remains unchanged.

For 2019, the most popular machines in the Case IH Farmlift line of telescopic loaders gain upgrades said to boost capacity, comfort and performance.

Maximum load capacity on the two models with 6m maximum lift height increases by 100kg, creating the Farmlift 633 (maximum lift capacity 3300kg) and the 636 (maximum lift capacity 3600kg). The 7m lift height Farmlift 737 has an additional 200kg lift capacity over the 735 it supersedes, hoisting a maximum capacity 3700kg.

The 7m/4200kg Farmlift 742 and the 9.1m/3500kg Farmlift 935 remain unchanged in lift capacity, but the full range benefits from a number of other upgrades, key among them being a new transmission offering. Farmlift 633, 737 and 935 models are equipped as standard with a four forward/three reverse transmission, with manual shifting.

A six forward/three reverse semi-automatic transmission, which operates automatically through gears four, five and six, is optional. Both transmissions are capable of a maximum 34kph top speed.

Standard on the 636 and 742 is a six forward/three reverse transmission, which is fully automatic through the forward speeds, and can also be operated semi-automatically through forward gears four to six. These models also benefit from 40kph top speed, and a memory shuttle feature, where the power shuttle selects the last-used forward and reverse gear when changing direction, to ensure smooth shuttling.

Both transmissions feature a new electronic modulation system, while other new features include automatic steering alignment, available on all models, which eliminates the need to ensure the front and rear wheels are aligned before changing steering modes.

Meanwhile, connecting attachments that require auxiliary hydraulic power is eased with the new option of an auxiliary pressure release (APR) switch on the front light support bracket, for remote actuation of the hydraulic valve.