Capital Equipment News September 2017

SKID STEERS

said to be the only skid steer in the world that can dig below its chassis to a depth of around 1 m. In addition, this innovative new machine can reach 8% higher than any other skid steer. “Through innovation, this machine will surpass the expectations of our customers as the world’s first skid steer and compact track loader with a telescopic boom. The JCB Teleskid can reach further forward and lift higher and dig deeper than any other skid steer,” says Tim Burnhope, JCB’s chief innovation and growth officer. The JCB Teleskid has a forward reach of 2,4 m – making it 60% better than the nearest competitive skid steer. With a lift height of 4 m, the JCB Teleskid can reach 8% higher than any other skid steer in the world. Stansfield says tyre wear and tear is an area where there has been a lot of concern. However, due to the inherent nature of the skid steer design and steering/ turning principles, there have been large improvements on tyre material compounds and tyre types developed to cater for a variety of different applications. The road ahead As machine designs continue to evolve, so where will skid steer loaders go from here? What are the potential trends for future machine designs? Stansfield says the skid steer loader will continue to be a prominent machine in the compact load- er segment. With an increased focus on mechanisation and efficiencies on the job site, the machine will continue to offer in- creased hydraulic performance and lower fuel consumption to cater for the ever-in- creasing demands on loaders, as well as the capabilities of loaders to function as effective tool carriers. Rengaraju says customers are demanding more from compact machines such as skid steer loaders, to offer more comfort and improved visibility and versatility. “Cat skid steer loaders are available with high back, heated seats with independently adjustable arm bar/joystick positioning for exceptional operator comfort. The sight lines around the machine are excellent and can be further enhanced by a standard rear view mirror and an optional integrated rear view camera,” he says. Rengaraju says future designs will further look at expanding versatility with new work tool attachments, machine features and technologies that make attachments easier to use. “Features such as creep control allow maximum productivity and comfort when utilising rotating work tool attachments like brooms, trenchers, cold planers (milling heads), among others,” concludes Rengaraju. b

Bobcat’s new T870 torsion suspension machine offers 10% more lift capacity than the previous roller suspension model.

Pallet forks work effectively with vertical lift loaders when placing pallets or objects at maximum lift height due to the reach advantages of the vertical lift path arm design.

“On the electronic foot throttle pedal, a throttle-smoothing feature monitors the operator accelerator-pedal movement. This feature provides additional operator comfort and aids material retention when using the foot throttle to modulate engine and travel speeds. When the machine is travelling over rough terrain, resulting in the operator’s foot moving up and down on the pedal, the electronics ‘clip’ the ex- tremes of the pedal travel to yield steady, even travel speeds,” he adds. One of the key shortcomings of a skid

steer, especially when compared with other comparable solutions such as the compact wheel loader, is its limited loading height. This is one of the downsides of the skid steer which JCB recently addressed with the launch of its Teleskid, the world’s first skid steer and compact track loader with a telescopic boom, at CONEXPO CON/AGG 2017. The JCB Teleskid is a revolutionary new product that can reach 60% further forward than any other skid steer on the market and – in an industry first – it is

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 28