Despite a shift towards self-propelled sugar beet cleaner/loaders – including the Ropa EuroMaus that the company sells – CTM’s own 9000 series cleaner loader remains in demand, especially fitted with a remote self-drive system.
Lincolnshire-based M&J Haulage trialled a self-propelled machine, but although very impressed opted for a new CTM 9003XL to replace an existing 9000 model.
“I realised the 9003 could offer the flexibility and convenience that my customers demand,” the company’s Mark Popplewell said, “but I needed a control system that could be operated by the loading bucket driver from inside his cab or on the ground.”
Previously CTM cleaner loader operators have had the option of an umbilical-linked control panel for manoeuvring the machine along the beet clamp and positioning the elevator to suit the receiving lorry. CTM’s new radio-control system, however, does away with the need to stand beside the machine, giving the driver overall control of the cleaner/loader without leaving his seat.
Apart from eliminating much getting in and out of the cab, the new controls mean the driver retains his over view of the working site, the cab invariably giving the best view of all that is going on.
The controls are simple to use, with individual controls including stop/start, forward and reverse movement along the clamp, steering, and elevator movement for swing, elevation and beet flow; there are a total of 26 functions.
Once the cleaner loader is positioned, the operator can stop and start the engine and the hydraulic conveyors from his cab. Hopper speed is pre-set at the machine, but radio controls can alter the flow of beet via a hopper gate and by varying the engine speed. A powerful CTM web type pre-cleaner ensures that tare levels are kept to a minimum even when loading at 6t/m.
Between lorry loading operations, the loading shovel driver can manoeuvre the cleaner loader away from the spoil heap to spread or remove it.
The radio controller uses a quick-change battery pack that lasts up to two days. An in-cab charger prepares the spare battery, which can be changed swapped in seconds.
For more information visit: www.ctmharpley.co.uk.
