Farming kit finds its place at SED
With its emphasis clearly set on providing the construction industry with an update on all that is new in large excavation machinery, diggers, concrete breakers and so on, one could be forgiven for thinking that SED would hold few pickings for any agriculturalists who happened to visit the event held at the Rockingham Performance Park.
But such visitors would be pleasantly surprised to discover that the event did offer some interesting new developments for the farming scene, most obvious of which were to be found in the loader market.
Principal player was Merlo, although nestling in between giant earthmoving equipment and cranes that disappeared into the clouds there were also useful contributions from both Manitou and Bobcat.
In recent years Merlo has managed to establish itself firmly in the agricultural market and has made some significant headway in the construction industry.
Latest machines from the company are the P32.6 which has a 3.2t capacity and a lift height of 6m and the identically powered P28.8 which has a three-section boom to lift 2.8t to a height of 8m.
Power is provided by a 102hp Deutz turbocharged Tier 2 compliant engine and the transmission is hydrostatic complete with two mechanical ranges.
Bobcat
For Bobcat, famed for its skidsteers and more latterly, albeit to a lesser degree by its telehandlers, SED saw the introduction of yet another mode – articulated wheeled loaders.
The three-model hydrostatically driven AL range comprises the 275, 350 and 440 models.
All three are Kubota powered with power ratings of 48hp, 60hp and 82hp respectively.
Maximum lift capacity is 2.75t, 3.5t and 4.4t.
Features include limited slip axles, and a rear oscillating rear axle which is designed to enable the driver’s view to remain parallel to the bucket edge.
A two door cab is fitted with a weight adjustable seat with joystick control for the loaders main functions.
Manitou
Not to be outdone, Manitou set about introducing its new MHT 860 L Turbo telescopic handler at SED.
A little large for some farms, perhaps, but it will undoubtedly find a home on more than a few where grain and big bale handling occurs on a regular basis.
Powered by a 132hp Perkins, the transmission is hydrostatic with two forward and reverse speeds.
Lift capacity is 6t and lift height is 8.10m – a frame levelling system provides for +/-10 on the front axle.
Included in the standard specification is a safety device with automatic lock out if pre-set operating parameters are exceeded and Manitou also fits safety valves on the hydraulic cylinders.
John deere
Moving on from loader developments, SED was also the launching point for John Deere’s updated HPX Gator utility vehicle which now benefits from being powered by a Tier 2 compliant 20hp Yanmar diesel engine, improvements to the steering geometry to make the steering lighter, and greater suspension travel on the front axle.
Completing the update package is a new electronic four wheel drive sensing system which, when four wheel drive has been selected brings it to play only when conditions require.
