MX’s T-series loader range, imported by Chillton, was overhauled earlier this year and given a host of improvements including a revised sub-frame and an improved auto-locking system to simplify fitting and removal from the tractor.

The T12 model we tested belongs to Rodbaston College, Staffordshire, and resides on a McCormick MC120 Power 6, though the ease with which the two can be separated means the loader frequently comes off when it is not in use.

Its vital statistics allow the MX T12 to fit tractors from 95-150hp, and to lift 2200kg to its pivot height of 4.2m, at 60cm out.

Our second example is a Valtra-branded Quicke model and came saddled on a 120hp N121 Hi-Tech tractor from the Finnish firm’s demonstration fleet.

The Valtra 55 loader gives some capacity away to the MX T12, offering a 1700kg lift capacity to its 4m pivot height, again at 60cm out.

The Quicke 65 model would have been more directly comparable to the MX in lift capacity terms, but despite the slight differences in vital statistics, the key common features make this a good guide to consider when making that all-important buying decision.

Both can be installed on tractors with front linkage and pto systems, extending the versatility of the power unit being used.Considerate sub-frame bracket design of both means daily checks can be made in the engine bay without too much fuss.

MX has equipped the T12 with its own spool valve block, and takes just a feed and return line from the tractor, which avoids stealing a tractor spool. The Valtra/Quicke 55 is installed in much the same way.

All of which means tractor performance is maintained, and there is ample hydraulic power on both examples here for lift capacity and operational speed.

Removal and Refitting – MX

Getting both loaders on and off their tractors differs considerably, and that is no reflection on the tractors being used. The MX T12 has Fit-Lock II, which is claimed to be the only drive-in auto-locking system on the market.

The system incorporates a roller mechanism to ensure correct alignment, which is particularly effective if the loader is being used on two different types of tractor, says the firm.

To remove the MX T12 from its McCormick host, the operator first charges the main lift rams with oil via the control lever, to prevent the rams from creeping down when disconnected.

Then he leaves the cab just once, to install the supporting jack legs, which are concealed within the front cross-member, disconnect the hydraulic block connector and release the mechanical locks.

Back in the cab, it’s a matter of selecting reverse and driving out of the loader, allowing it to sit down on to its legs as it rolls off the locking tower. In our demonstration, it took, on average, 65 seconds to complete.

Refitting requires the tractor to be driven into the loader until the mechanical locks engage, which eases the legs off the ground. Then the operator has to leave the cab to reconnect the hydraulic block and stow the support legs back in the main cross-member. It takes about 45 seconds to achieve.

Removal and refitting – Valtra/Quicke

Removing the Quicke/Valtra 55 is similar, but not quite as easy. After leaving the cab to unfold the support legs and release the mechanical twist locks that secure loader to tractor, the operator returns to the cab and tweaks the hydraulic controls to raise the loader off its tower.

The operator then has to leave the cab a second time to disconnect the hydraulic block coupling and electrical connections, before returning to the cab and driving away from beneath the loader – all of which takes an average of 75 seconds.

After driving up to the loader, refitting requires the operator to first leave the cab to connect the hydraulic pipes. From the seat, the loader can then be lowered on to its tower, then the operator has to leave the cab a second time to install the mechanical locks, connect the electrics and stow the legs, which took, on average, 85 seconds to complete.

See views?

While both loaders allow good visibility through their booms and down through to the front axle, we found the cross tube on the Quicke/Valtra 55 to be intrusive, and this obscured the view to the attachment carriage when trying to pick up the muck fork.

No such intrusion on the MX T12, though we could only see one side of the carriage. While it was enough to line up the muck fork on a concrete surface, we wonder how much trickier this might be on less even surfaces.

Both models tested differ in their control systems, too. The Quicke/Valtra 55 came with standard cable controls, though Electrodrive joystick controls can be fitted and certain models in the Valtra range use their own in-cab, armrest-mounted joystick to operate the loader.

The MX T12 was equipped with the firm’s Flex-Pilot controls.

Flex-Pilot is a low-pressure oil-over-oil system, which allows proportional fine control of all loader functions, including 3rd and 4th auxiliary functions.

And if you want a short joystick lever that requires little effort and enables the machine to be used with added precision, then be prepared to spend an extra £585 to specify the electronic control system.

Specification and prices

As tested, the Quicke/Valtra 55 loader cost £6090 and includes Soft Drive suspension, joystick cable controls and a 3rd service.

Opting for Electrodrive controls adds £1080, and a hydraulic quick-attach carriage can be specified at a further £315.

The MX T12 is priced from £6320, to which our test model also had Flex-Pilot controls (£585), load sensing hydraulic adapters to suit the MC120 (£110), Mach 2 quick-release hydraulic block connector (£195) and Shock Eliminator suspension (£275), totalling £7485.

A return to dig function can also be fitted, costing a further £450, and the firm’s Fast-Lock hydraulic quick attach carriage can also be specified – another £495.

The final say

No longer the ugly duckling in the materials handling stakes, the tractor loader has come a long way from gravity tip buckets and single-acting hydraulics driven from the tractor’s spools.

Unless you really have a need for ultra high lift heights and extended reach, the fore-end loader remains a cost-effective means of getting yet further versatility from available tractor power.

We believe the MX T12 has the advantage in terms of fitting and removing, though the Quicke/Valtra 55 could hardly be described as cumbersome and awkward to detach. Both can have sophisticated control systems, return to dig, parallel lift, ride control damping systems and quick-release carriages.

But the MX scores higher on visibility, fitting and removal, and overall controllability. But getting there requires you to tick through the list of extra cost options.