How to Choose a Compact Wheel Loader with a Telescoping Boom
Compact wheel loaders are appealing for their small footprint, which combined with excellent maneuverability, makes them suitable for confined workspaces. But “compact” also refers to their lift and reach, and that trait is not so desirable. The answer? Telescoping compact wheel loaders. We’ll note here that not all models discussed here fit the definition of “compact” (see sidebar at the bottom). We’ll look at models from four manufacturers in a bit, but first let’s examine some key concepts of these machines.
How Much More Boom?
The additional height and reach of these models vary but are, in every case, significant. The 326 P-Tier from John Deere, for example, with its 16 ft, 3 in. of vertical reach provides nearly 4 ft of additional boom length over the 324 P-Tier on which it’s based (11 ft), even when compared to the 324 P-Tier High Lift version (12 ft, 5 in.). The Mecalac AT1050 extends from 11 ft, 8 in. to 14 ft, 6 in. and the AS900tele from 12 ft, 9 in. to 16 ft.
There are pros and cons when comparing telescoping machines to high-lift wheel loaders. The tele models have less overall length than fixed-boom, high-lift models of similar reach. The tele models have a monoboom instead of dual-lift arms, which improves visibility, and they don’t use the scissor-style mechanism some other loaders employ for additional reach but which can further impair visibility. On the other hand, telescoping models have more complexity; more moving parts to service and replace; have less lift capacity and breakout force, especially at full extension; and are generally heavier.
How Much More Cost?
The John Deere 326 P-Tier is about $30,000 higher list price than the 324 P-Tier on which it’s based (roughly $180,000 vs. $150,000). Most of that increase is in the telescoping boom structure, but the 326 P-Tier also includes an advanced Load Limitation System to ensure stability. When stability is near its threshold, the system allows only movement that will improve stability, such as lowering or retracting the boom.
“The cost differential depends on the basis of comparison,” says Ryan Carter, regional sales manager, Mecalac North America. Telescoping models are more expensive than fixed-boom models of the same rated operating capacity, but less expensive than fixed-boom models of the same reach. There is also a performance cost; telescoping models give up some operating capacity and breakout force in exchange for that greater height and reach. “If reach or height is a priority and the customer can give up some capacity, a telescoping model is the better choice,” says Carter. “If ROC or breakout is most important, a fixed-boom model will serve them better.”
3 Key Questions When Considering a Model
- Does it provide the required lift and reach?
- Does it provide the required breakout force
and lift capacity? - Is it compatible with my attachments?
Applications and Attachments
Why telescoping? “Most customers want higher lift,” says Emily Pagura, product marketing manager at John Deere. “Some want greater reach, as when loading and unloading trucks and trailers from one side.” Deere offers the 326 P-Tier only with the ISO Euro pin-style connector; no skid steer plate or other option exists. “We believe most customers will use the 326 P-Tier as a loader, with a bucket or forks, and the pin-style connector offers greater breakout force and lift capacity than other styles of couplers,” says Pagura.
JCB touts the performance of its TM range of loaders as material handlers augmented by such standard features as JCB’s Smooth Ride System, four-wheel drive and limited-slip differential. They come standard with auxiliary hydraulics, and twin auxiliary hydraulics is an option. One- and two-way hydraulics and electrical connectors are standard on all New Holland Construction compact wheel loaders. The ML23 and larger use a skid steer plate coupler; smaller models use CII (common industry interface) couplers. New Holland Construction offers more than 80 attachments for these machines.
“If you can think of an application, someone has built an attachment for it,” says Dan Kakareka, product portfolio manager at New Holland Construction.
Popular attachments for Mecalac models include bale spears, craning jibs, grapples, snowplows, sweepers and the usual wide array of buckets. The swing feature of the AS900tele makes it desirable for mowing embankments, placing pipe, storm cleanup and other applications where working over the side of the machine is an advantage. A skid steer plate is standard on Mecalac models but a loader pin connector can be spec’ed. Electrical connectors of 3, 7 and 14 pins are available. Rear hydraulic and electrical connectors are all optional.
There is interest in man baskets in some markets; none of the OEMs we consulted offers one for the North American market and Carter advises customers check the legality of such an attachment before putting it to use. A good place to start is by visiting the OSHA website.
Check out our Machine Heads video detailing John Deere’s 334 P-Tier skid steer and 335 P-Tier track loader.
Operational Tips
Pagura says operators need to be aware of stability. The Deere 326 P-Tier is a radial-lift machine, so the point of least stability is with the bucket at the midpoint of lift. Carter says to raise the load first, then extend it. “The telescopic boom is pretty intuitive, but with the swing loader the operator needs to learn how to make the most of that feature.” Control systems can include pedals, rocker and roller switches, joysticks and other interfaces. JCB telescopic wheel loaders are fitted with a fully proportional, single-lever joystick control. Operators can change gears, speed and direction with one ergonomically designed joystick.
JCB TM220
The centrally-mounted lift, tilt and extension rams on this model are designed to eliminate boom twisting while centrally mounted keyhole castings further improve structural integrity. Hydraulic hoses are routed within the main boom structure for protection. Auxiliary hydraulics are standard; twin auxiliary circuits are an available option. The articulated steering of the TM220 includes an integrated side-shift feature to facilitate load placement and attachment changes. Axle options include open differential, limited slip diff and 100 percent switchable front axle diff lock. High speed axles provide a maximum travel speed of 25 mph. Articulation is ±40 degrees, operating weight is 14,319 lbs and maximum pin height is 15 ft, 7 in.
John Deere 326 P-Tier
From the front of the cab to the back of the machine, the 326 P-Tier is nearly the same as the 324 P-Tier on which it’s based. The 326 P-Tier features Deere’s Articulation Plus, which has 30 degrees of articulation combined with 10 degrees of rear wheel steering. This provides the optimal balance of maneuverability and stability. Operating weight of the 326 P-Tier is 14,110 lbs and the maximum pin height is 16 ft, 3 in.
Mecalac AT1050, AS900tele and AT900
Mecalac offers three of their telescopic wheel loaders in North America, the AT1050, the AS900tele and the AT900. The first two are available at stocking dealers while the AT900 is available for order. A key feature of the Mecalac design is four-wheel, three-mode steering. Carter says that while articulated loaders lose substantial capacity when articulated, the Mecalac design offers 100 percent of capacity at all times while still providing exceptional maneuverability.
The AS900tele has the unique advantage of a swing boom for the ability to work over the side. A left foot pedal provides proportional control of the swing mechanism, and swing is limited to 90 degrees left or right from the longitudinal center line of the AS900tele. Operating weights and pin heights for the AT1050 and AS900tele are 15,763 and 15,983 lbs and 13 ft, 3 in. and 13 ft, 5 in.
New Holland Construction’s ML12 T, ML27 T, ML35 T and ML50 T
New Holland Construction’s four models cover a wide range of performance. Numbers from the smallest ML12 T to the largest ML50 T are 25 to 74 hp, 2,646 to 11,464 lbs operating weight and 107.9 to 171.3 in. of lifting (pin) height. Maximum travel speeds are 9.3 to 21.6 mph. Kakareka says rear articulation limits the risk of the machine striking an obstacle since the rear doesn’t swing out when turning. The front axle oscillates for improved material retention and operator comfort. Control is via an EH joystick on the right side, a steering wheel and pedals for engine speed and brakes. All models are available as open station (a.k.a. canopy) or cab, all with ROPS/FOPS safety roofs.
Richard Ries is a freelance writer for Compact Equipment.
Not “Compact”
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers declares “compact wheel loaders” as those of up to 9,920.8 lbs. Of the eight models listed in this article, only three fit the AEM definition. We’ve chosen these eight models for two reasons. First because the AEM designation doesn’t accurately reflect the marketplace, where loaders with operating weights of 15,000 and even 20,000 lbs are listed as compact. Second because these eight represent a trend in wheel loaders, and we want to keep you informed of changes as they emerge.
