Tractor loader control and automation is reckoned to have reached new heights with the latest updates to Quicke’s Q-companion digital system introduced alongside changes to the flagship Q-Series loaders.

Existing Q-companion touchscreen functions, such as weighing – with data exportable via Bluetooth – implement height and angle displays, and maintenance reminders, are retained.

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But version 2.0 offers refinements that aim to provide information more easily, such as the way that load weights are now displayed in 10kg increments at any time without the loader having to stay still.

Implement identification means there is no longer any need to perform a calibrating lift sequence after every attachment swap, either.

Ration loading

There’s a new “recipe” function for use when loading different feed ration ingredients into a mixer-feeder, with 1kg increments available when the weighing function is used in conjunction with Quicke’s QE-command digital joystick.

In addition, weighing results can be viewed remotely on a mobile phone app using a Bluetooth connection, and records are exportable as a PDF.

The QE-command joystick has a scroll wheel to navigate through menus on the Q-companion display and provides functions such as pre-set implement positions, digital hydraulic ram stroke-end damping, and so on.

Hardware updates include a redesigned Selectofix over-centre coupling mechanism said to make connections between loader and implement easier and safer.

And further tidying of the hose installation is reckoned to have improved visibility – something also said to be better when working at night thanks to brighter loader-mounted work lights with a wider spread.

The Q-Series comprises four models each of non-self-levelling and attachment levelling loaders catering for tractors from 60hp to 220hp with numerous variations in controls and features.

Lift heights at the implement pivot pin typically span 3.55m to 4.25m.