To MCM South Africa’s marketing director Johannes van Niekerk, compact loaders are gaining traction in southern Africa because of their “invaluable” compact build, rough-terrain mobility and multi-functionality.
“The compact loader can offer accessibility in both confined and restricted areas, as well as in rough or sensitive terrain such as golf courses, coupled with the ability to perform several different tasks and applications.”
He says the compact loader can be transformed into an auger, trencher, grappler, mower, forklift, concrete mixer and many others, simply by equipping it with the required attachment or implement.
He says the advantages contributing to the popularity of the compact loader include increased rated loading capacity and more effective weight distribution due to the longer wheelbase, as well as the ability to reach greater workable heights. “MCM’s compact loaders are equipped standard with a self-leveling H-frame telescopic boom,” he says.
The compact loader also achieves greater working heights such as load over height and dumping height compared to skid-steer models of the same operating weight. He says the compact loader achieves longer working distances while the telescopic boom enhances performance. The longer working distance afforded by the telescopic boom also means improved operator safety as, with skid-steers, there is the possibility of material falling directly onto the operator cabin if spillage occurs.
“The operator can also load a truck with from one side, whereas the skid-steer requires access to the truck from both sides.” Other advantages of the compact wheel loader include increased tyre longevity thanks to the four-wheel drive and central articulation build, especially on asphalt or concrete; minimal turf damage due to reduced weight and central articulated design; higher ground clearance and 360° operator visibility with the option of a steel canopy, semi- enclosed cabin or fully enclosed cabin.
Van Niekerk notes that compact wheel loaders are increasingly being used in markets traditionally associated with the skid-steer. “Demand for multi-functional equipment continues to increase, especially in specialized industries. One of MCM South Africa’s clients sells aggregate by the truckload and requires machines with fast cycle times. Our CL50 compact loader with its 0.5 m3 bucket loads their tipper trucks as well as their clients’ trucks,
trailers and bakkies with limited space required for maneuverability thanks to its short turning radius.”
He says that, on days when fewer customers purchase aggregate, the loader can be equipped with the OS4000 model open sweeper to be used in yard cleaning.
“This is the kind of multi-functionality and efficiency that enables the compact loader to venture into industries previously thought of as the domain of the skid-steer.”
Van Niekerk says minimal use of electronics was an important factor in MCM’s final design process. “Our goal is to offer our clients multi-purpose machines that can be serviced and repaired easily by a diesel mechanic. An example of this is the standard installation of hydraulic pressure test ports which allow for pressure diagnostics to be run on the hydraulic system within minutes.”
The company has also recently launched its ML-range multi loader in three models, of which the 54,5 kW/73 hp ML60 model is the largest compact loader currently offered by MCM, according to Van Niekerk. Design improvements on the ML-range include bi-directional central articulation or oscillation, resulting in all four wheels remaining in contact with the ground at all times, for improved traction in rough terrain. The range also features a steel body for more punishing environments; an enclosed cabin with AC control and other details including the positioning of the hydraulic tank and tiltable cab to make servicing and repairs safer and easier, even when out in the field.
This article was published in Capital Equipment‘s April 2021 issue. View the full article here: https://bit.ly/3uZbkiL
