CLAAS has gone high-tech for its first telescopic wheeled loader in the Torion series.

The new 738 T Sinus is the first Claas-badged telescopic wheeled handler, which has a central telescopic boom with an impressive bucket pivot point height of 4.96m. A maximum payload of 2.3 tonnes in pallet fork mode on level ground is accommodated even in articulated position and with the boom fully extended.

Its maximum tipping load articulated is 3.8 tonnes, while the maximum loading and stacking height with loading forks is 4.8m, and furthest reach is 2.69m.

The Z kinematics of the mast are designed to give a high breakaway force and a fast dumping speed, while the implement carrier, with a 172° turning angle, is compact to ensure optimum visibility.

Operator comfort is also enhanced by a fast implement changer and end-of-travel damping for the telescopic boom as standard. Many of these performance parameters are made possible by the unique Sinus steering system.

Hydraulic capacity comes from a 93 l/min pump, while applications with a high oil requirement will need the optional high-flow pump, which provides a further 28 l/min for external implements. The maximum operating pressure is 230 bar.

A double-acting control circuit can be fitted as additional equipment at the rear, while at the front, a maximum of two control circuits can be optionally fitted for external implements. The hydraulics also feature free flow return and an oil overflow line on the implement carrier.

Stability and manoeuvrability can be a problem with wheeled loaders with such capacity, but Claas said its Sinus steering system uses a unique combination of articulated and rear axle steering, so that maximum turning is achieved with an articulation angle on either side of just 30°.

For this, the rear wheels are directly connected via two steering rods to the front section, providing synchronised steering capability on turning of the articulated joint to a maximum wheel angle of 25°. This results in a turning radius at the bucket edge of only 4.22m – unparalleled in this equipment class, said Claas – and the inside turning radius is just 1.49m.

An articulated pivot joint allows the front and rear sections to pivot by up to 8° on each side, while layered springs fitted as dampers in the articulated pivot joint noticeably boost operator comfort, particularly on the road.

For repetitive work, there’s an optional ‘smart loading’ package, which includes programmable lift height and lower limit, automatic bucket return, dynamic load limit, and display of telescopic boom and implement carrier operation on the nine-inch touchscreen terminal, which located on the right-hand A-pillar.

The dynamic load limit function operates with pressure and angle sensors, ensuring operation is both comfortable and safe. Operator keep up to date on the current load status with a colour bar diagram display on the control terminal. When the limit load ranges are reached, the load limit function dynamically restricts the extension and retraction of the lift arms, and then locks them altogether.

Restriction of the telescoping speed and the boom lifting and lowering speed is dependent on the carrying load and the current clearance height.

Also unique, is automatic retraction of the telescopic boom in combination with automatic bucket return and transition to the lowest lowering depth limit point. The boom and implement carrier are moved to their stored positions with a single movement of the joystick.

Optional end-of-travel damping for the lifting and lowering kinematics can also be set individually on the state-of-the-art terminal.

Power comes from a 73hp Yanmar four-cylinder engine with wastegate turbocharger, which meets Stage V exhaust emission requirements using a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC). This means AdBlue is not required.

The engine behind the cab also serves as a counterweight, and there’s an optional reverse fan to automatically keeps the radiator system clean – it can also be manually activated by the operator.

Another performance component is the Smart Shifting ground drive, which has a hydrostatic and two-speed automatic gearbox. The gear ranges are selected by a rocker switch, with a ground speed of up to 20 km/h in range 1, and up to 40 km/h in range 2.

A key feature is automatic gear shift in both gear ranges, while traction is increased in difficult terrain by the standard-fit locking differentials.

The cab has four narrow pillars, a steeply downward-sloping bonnet, a deep windscreen and slimline boom, for all-round visibility and a clear view of the implement carrier. The entry door and right window can be opened and held in position at an angle of 180°.

There’s a heated, air-suspended, low-frequency seat for added comfort, while air-conditioning is standard. There’s a three-position adjustable steering column and high backrest, with another distinctive feature, the easy clean flat cab floor, providing plenty of legroom.

All key functions are located in the right side control panel and joystick, while all significant machine parameters and the current status of the dynamic load limit system are displayed on the high-contrast nine-inch display.