The Fastrac 6000 event concluded with some updates to the Loadall telehandler range, with new 546-70 and 555-70 machines, both offering a 7m lift height and capacities of 4,600kg and 5,500kg respectively.
The smaller model is available in AGRI Super, AGRI Xtra and AGRI Pro specifications, with engine outputs increasing from 130hp to 150hp to 173hp, depending on the variant chosen. The 555-70 is available in either AGRI Xtra or AGRI Pro specifications. All three variants offer the DualTech VT hydro/powershift transmission, with the AGRI Pro offering a 50kph top speed.
This massive top speed comes with a caveat, however, as there is no automatic function to lock off the four-wheel steering above a certain speed, which means the operator has to be careful to ensure they switch back to two-wheel steering before heading off on the road. Given the various systems in place on the Fastrac for this very scenario, it seems strange that one hasn’t been integrated on the 50kph-capable telehandlers.
New automatic loading functions have been added across the Loadall range as well. IntelliAssist allows for boom height and boom reach limits to be put in place, with a simple one-button push to set the position. Automatic boom extension and retraction can be activated from the cabin, as well as attachment angle memory and return to position, in both low and high positions.
The systems work well, but can be a little fiddly to get working properly. For the return to position functions, you either push the lever all the way forward until you hear the buzzer or pull it all the way back, depending on whether you’re lifting or lowering the boom. You must be surprisingly rough with the lever to get the system to activate, and if the joystick shifts just a little to the side during it, you end up cancelling the movement and crowding or tipping instead.
One wonders if an additional button on the lever would have worked better, which could have been pressed in conjunction with the normal movement of the lever to activate the function. At present, experienced operators may get frustrated with the control scheme and decide that they can handle the tasks faster themselves.
The forward reach limiter is a nice addition to the height limiter, which should make loading a flatbed trailer easier for new operators. And the ability to lift in a straight vertical line makes lifting pallets far easier.
Within the IntelliAssist package is an integrated weighing system, which displays information on the in-cab terminal and records within the LiveLink telematics.