WHENEVER it is “bauma year” in Europe, manufacturers take one of two stances – either, to encourage visitors to their stands, they tell the trade press what they are to unveil, or they take a wait-and-see attitude, thereby missing out on the opportunity to promote themselves to interested readers who may, or may not attend the event.

Mast climbing work platform manufacturers fall in to the latter class, so although several are promising a raft of new equipment, they are not saying anything about it at this time. Among the companies coming forward with news of product launches and developments include JCB, Merlo, Case and New Holland.

JCB are saying that right now there are no developments in the range of telehandlers. Case, on the other hand, has announced the introduction of Tier III engines and related technology to models with engine ratings in excess of 75 kW (100 HP). Although this upgrade does not affect the operating envelope, it does provide improved fuel efficiency, lower sound levels, more torque and better interface between engine and hydraulic performance for smoother operations and faster cycle times.

With the introduction of additional models at bauma 2007, Merlo will have completely replaced 90 per cent of the product range within the last 18 months. The Panoramic line will see new Compact series P32.6 and P28.8 models; combining the compactness of a 2m wide machine with up to 8.20m lift height. The P32.6 offers a 600 kg of extra capacity over its predecessor and the P28.8 makes 8.20m lift possible for the first time in such a compact machine. The new cab of the Compact series is also used on the other Panoramic products. Merlo is also to introduce a range of five smaller Rotos. With a new cab and a revised boom extension mechanism, these machines, the company says, offer more comfort, more capacity at height and faster boom cycle times than their predecessors. The four 3,800 kg lift machines now have capacities of 2,500 kg at full lift height. All machines use a 74.9 kW turbo Deutz engine and load-sensing hydraulic systems, a combination that should be both powerful and smooth to control. The boom design puts the drive mechanism within the boom base, preventing site damage of external cylinders or hosing and keeping parasitic weight down low as the boom is extended. These simpler machines have turret rotation increased to 415 degrees and wider foldout stabilisers. As the new booms reduce overall length, these machines will be better able to manoeuvre and access building sites where space is limited.

New Holland is announcing two new additions to its telehandler range – the LM1133, LM732. The LM1133 has a 3.3t capacity at the maximum lift height of 11m, which should meet the needs of house builders, roofers and carpenters working in applications such as positioning roof timbers and gutters. They have also been designed to meet the needs of materials handling customers for transporting and moving loads and pallets. The LM732 has 3.2t capacity at the maximum lift height of 7m which is the operating specification most favoured by European plant hire companies.

Flavour of the month in new compact machine product developments has to be skid steer loaders. There is a great deal of interest in the new range from JCB and the introduction of compact tracked loaders not only from JCB but also from both Case and New Holland.

“Major upgrade heralds arrival of more productive JCB robots” shouts JCB, announcing a new range of five skid steer loaders with rated capacities from 630 to 1,150 kg – including the company’s first 820 kg capacity model – and three compact tracked loader variants, with rated capacities from 820 to 1,150 kg. The larger models will now be powered by JCB Dieselmax engines, which deliver 63 kW in the smaller tracked and wheeled models while the larger capacity Robots feature a turbocharged 68 kW version.

Case has finally made the decision to introduce the CT440 compact loader in to its European range, although the model has been available in the US for some time. Now in complete compliance with EU directives, the CT400, although heavier because of the track configuration, has very low ground pressure making it ideal for soft and difficult ground conditions or where improved stability is important – ground pressure is 0.35 kg/cm2 (34.5 kPa). Case has consistently said that its range of skid steers is built for demanding applications within the construction industry (meaning they are not necessarily suitable for agricultural purposes). They say the same for the CT440 – it is designed for tough conditions, durability and reliability. The diesel engine delivers 66 kW and a peak torque of 357 Nm. Operating weight is 4,043 kg and maximum bucket hinge pin height of 3.09m.

By contrast, New Holland have introduced two compact track loaders – C175 and C 185 – which “meet the needs of landscapers, construction contractors, utility and grounds maintenance contractors.” The new compact track loaders have a turbocharged engine rated at 43 kW/55 kW and feature a standard two-speed transmission for travel speeds up to 7.4 km/h. The company claims superior lift capacity and reach, and unmatched stability.

Of possible interest to Australia is the latest addition to the Mastenbroek range – the 20/14 mid-range rock trencher for pipeline and cable laying work. The company is not giving away too much information or photographs at this time, but do say that it is powered by a six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine developing 164 kW. It features a trench unit that can be offset to the left or right and heavy duty digging chain capable of receiving various cutting tools and stepless adjustable cutting speed from 0-3.7 m/sec.

For more information visit Skid Steer Loaders category