Scorpion telehandlers all CLAAS

Leading machinery manufacturer CLAAS has completely revamped its range of Scorpion telehandlers with six new models being progressively released into the Australian market this spring.

Capable of lifting between 3 and 5.5 tonnes to a maximum height of 6 or 8.8 metres, the range features increased hydraulic power, advanced operating dynamics and operator comfort.

Western Australia's CLAAS Harvest Centre operations manager Steve Reeves said telehandlers were the next big thing in farm machinery.

"You can do just about anything with a Scorpion," he said.

"It can deftly operate a range of implements, including buckets, forks, bale hands and silage grabs.

"It can also be fitted with a wide choice of hitches and trailer brakes to tow loads of up to 20 tonnes.

"Many of our customers are telling us their telehandler is quickly becoming the most used machine on their property."

The top-of-the line Scorpion 9055 can lift 5.5 tonnes to a maximum of 8.8 metres.

"It is ideal for high throughput materials handling, such as those found in feedlots, dairy operations and large-scale forage harvesting and transport," Steve said.

"It is well-suited to smaller agricultural operations or for working within confined spaces."

The new models feature a new frame and chassis design that achieves a low centre of gravity.

"In the lowered position, the telescopic arm is completely flush with the frame, which not only ensures a high level of stability but delivers an unobstructed view to the right of the machine," Steve said.

"The entire loading system has also been re-designed. The lifting, tilting and telescopic cylinders are fitted with an end-of-travel damping system, which prevent impacts in the loader.

"The loader also has a vibration damping system that automatically activates once the ground speed reaches 7km/h."

Other innovations include a "smart handling" function that automatically adjusts the loader's drop rate according to the weight and angle of the load and operating mode (bucket, stack, vertical lift and manual).

"The higher and heavier the carried load, the lower the maximum drop rate," Steve said. "When the telescopic arm is fully retracted, the overload protection is deactivated to allow bucket filling and pushing operations to be carried out at full power."

Another new feature is the pressure release for the third control circuit on the telescopic arm, enabling attachments to be changed quickly and easily.

The 9055 and 7055 are fitted with a 4.1-litre four-cylinder Deutz engine that has a rated output of 115kW (156hp).

It is fitted with self-cleaning diesel particulate filter and maintenance-free diesel oxidation catalyst technology.

Both models have a hydraulic conveying capacity of 187 litres/min. The four smaller models have a 3.6-litre Deutz engine with a rated output of 90kW (122hp) and a hydraulic conveying capacity of 140 litres/min.

CLAAS is one of the world's leading manufacturers of agricultural engineering equipment.

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