GLOBAL farm machinery manufacturer CLAAS has launched its new series of Scorpion agricultural telescopic loaders in WA.
Developed in partnership with leading materials handling manufacturer Liebherr, all models have been overhauled to deliver improved handling performance, efficiency, comfort and safety.
Notable additions include a Dynamic Power engine management system, a Smart Loading driver-assistance system for fine control of hydraulics and overload protection, a fully automatic parking brake, optional controlled crab steering and a new cab configuration.
CLAAS Harvest Centre Northam branch manager James Moss said he believed the Scorpion 741 and 1033 models would be the most popular in WA.
"The Scorpion 741 is a compact, highly manoeuvrable all-rounder that has an above-average lifting capacity of more than four tonnes," Mr Moss said.
"At the other end of the scale, the Scorpion 1033 has been developed for those situations where a particularly long reach is needed.
"It has a maximum lifting height of 9.75 metres which allows bales to be easily stacked at greater heights and dozing work can be carried out in grain stores."
All new models boast improved working hydraulics and increased lifting capacity of 3.2 to 5.6 tonnes.
According to Mr Moss, another major improvement in the new series was the high-performance drive, which guaranteed convenient and precise manoeuvring.
"The hydrostatic Varipower or Varipower Plus transmission has three speeds, which are easy to control using the joystick," he said.
"An electro-hydraulic parking brake is automatically activated if the driver leaves the seat and the machine stops or the engine is switched off.
"When the driver puts a foot on the accelerator to travel in a set direction, the parking brake is automatically deactivated," Mr Moss said.
All models come with Deutz Stage IV (Tier 4) diesel engines, which develop 101 kilowatts (136 horsepower) in the 741 and 116kW (156hp) in the 1033.
The 635, 732, 736, 741 and 1033 models will also be available with Stage IIIA emissions, standard engines.
All engines incorporate Dynamic Cooling, which automatically controls the fan speed according to engine demand.
"Air is drawn in at the front and flows around the engine before exiting out the back of the machine," Mr Moss said.
"The reversing fan system also works fully automatically, based on the settings selected by the operator.
"When working in particularly dirty conditions, the driver can also reverse the fan manually at any time, at the touch of a button."
The new models have two engine management systems for smooth and efficient operation and transport.
"In the 756 and 746 models, Dynamic Power regulates the engine speed based on the joystick movements," Mr Moss said.
"The enhanced Smart Roading automatically adjusts the speed when accelerating and once the maximum speed is achieved.
"The use of both systems in tandem ensures a comfortable ride in all applications, saves fuel and reduces noise."
In addition to the front, all-wheel and crab-steering modes, all new models come with a manual crab-steering mode.
"In contrast to the traditional crab-steering mode, the front axle can still be controlled, which offers distinct advantages for certain applications, such as compacting the edges of clamps or moving along the walls of buildings," Mr Moss said.
The Scorpion 736 and 741 models also can be fitted with large 500 millimetre diameter tyres, which offer improved stability and reduce ground pressure in paddocks.
All models are equipped with the robust Scorpion quick-release headstock, which is compatible with older attachments.
A side support for the telescopic arm is available for the 635 to 741 and 1033 models.
"This additional support provides even greater stability and protection of the machine when work involves significant extension of the arm and major lever action," Mr Moss said.
Drawing on the expertise of Liebherr, the attachment point for the telescopic boom now lies lower on the chassis, significantly expanding the field of view to the right and to the rear.
The cabs in the new models have also been completely re-designed and offer uninterupted all-round visibility.
"All the important switches and controls are logically arranged and are easy to operate," Mr Moss said.
"All the key functions have been bundled together into a 85mm screen, allowing the operator to see all the important settings, such as speed, steering mode or level of hydraulic oil, at a glance."
A 175mm display screen is available as an option.
According to Mr Moss, the Smart Loading driver-assistance system helps to improve efficiency and safety.
"It includes an automatic bucket return and set bucket position for loading operations and automatic overload protection," he said.
"Smart Loading also enables fine control of the working hydraulics to enable stacked goods to be positioned with greater accuracy."
The speed of the working hydraulics can be halved via a toggle switch.
