Taking a stake in the loader market
French manufacturer MX – previously Mailleux – has launched a new range of loaders for tractors from 40hp to 230hp.
Distributed by Cannock-based Chillton Engineering, the new models are hoped to capture an increased share of the UK fore-end loader market – estimated to be worth a staggering £20m a year.
Managing director Mike Johnson explains that the UK loader market has remained stable over the past 10-15 years despite the changes that agriculture has experienced.
“In 1990 the UK market took 3340 fore-end loaders, while last year the figure was 3700, despite the continuous struggle the farming world faces,” he says.
“The effect of the increasing popularity of telehanders on tractor loader sales has not been as dramatic as projected.
“As tractors get more sophisticated with shuttle gearboxes and suchlike, they can often offer greater flexibility than a standard telehandler.”
In line with the rise in tractor power, the French manufacturer has strengthened the loader jib but has left frame width unaltered at 1040mm.
This means one loader which can be swapped between tractors with the correct brackets fitted.
All hydraulic pipework is now located within the boom offering protection from accidental damage.
Chillton claims that the new range of loaders is among the most technically advanced available and boasts some exclusive features, such as MX’s SpeedLink automatic attachment locking and hydraulic connection, plus FlexPilot low pressure oil-over-oil controls.
MX has developed a loader locking system – dubbed FitLock II – that is fully automatic and doesn’t require the hydraulics to be connected to attach.
According to the importer, loaders fitted with FitLock II can be hooked up or dropped off in under one minute.
This should help to improve tractor serviceability, as the loader can now be removed more easily than before.