Atlas latest entrant in handler market
Atlas latest entrant in handler market
GERMAN construction machinery firm Atlas Weyhausen looks set to be the latest maker to join the UKs busy telescopic handler market, with a range of six, rigid chassis four-wheel steer machines offering 7, 8 and 11m lift heights.
The range, due to go into production in September this year with availability by the end of 2001, is said to have been designed for agricultural and construction applications. Smallest in the range is the Atlas 30.7, which offers a 3t lift capacity to a height of 7m, while the largest will be the 40.11 (4t to 11m). All six machines follow the now conventional telehandler design of side-mounted engine and low boom.
"We have noticed a demand for more powerful machines with greater lift capacities in the telehandler sector, and is why we have jumped into the market with machines that start with 102hp Perkins engines and powershift transmissions," says Atlas Weyhausens product manager, Fritz Rinne. "Powershift transmissions will suit the agricultural market." Atlas claims that the handlers futuristic curved cab design eliminates blind spots over the side and to the rear of the machine, and the use of individual mudguards located on each wheel also helps visibility around the handler.
A feature of the Atlas range is its high flow LS hydraulic system technology borrowed from the firms excavator range. It is a system claimed to provide fast and accurate boom operation at low engine revs, resulting in low fuel consumption and reduced operating noise.
"We have been able to apply our engineering knowledge of producing excavators and wheeled loaders to design our powerful, yet compact telehandler range that will meet the needs of the agricultural and industrial sectors," says Mr Rinne.
Electronically managed three-mode steering and a 40kph road speed are said to be part of the standard specification, while air-conditioning is optional. Prices and UK dealers are yet to be announced. *