Claas has been dealing with telehandler technology for use in agriculture for 20 years and has the extensive know-how to match. This expertise has been systematically incorporated into the development work for the Scorpion telehandler at the Claas partner Kramer, based at Pfullendorf, Germany. And with considerable success – since 2006 Claas has seen a seven-fold increase in the number of units sold. Since May 2008, Claas telehandlers have been manufactured for the global market in a newly constructed factory at Pfullendorf.
In today’s agricultural sector, the telehandler is the key machine for materials handling – whether in the upper-performance sector with a contractor, at biogas plants or in conventional use on livestock farms for feeding and bedding down. In many countries, the market is increasingly demanding greater lift capacity in the upper segment, beyond 5.0t, and more driving dynamics at the same time, as well as comfort in the middle and lower segments.
Claas meets these demands with its three new 9055, 7055 and 7044 models in the large Scorpion series and three new models in the small series – the Scorpion 7035, 7030 and 6030. While the maximum lifting capacity used to be 4.4t, the two new top 9055 and 7055 models can lift up to 5.5t at a maximum lift height of 8.8m or 7.0m. In addition, these models have even higher breakaway forces and more hydraulic power.
A new frame concept was developed for both series which enables them to lift heavier loads. A significant feature is the very low pivot point of the telescopic arm in the frame. In the lowered position, the telescopic arm is completely flush with the frame and thereby ensures a high level of stability and an unobstructed view to the right of the machine. Furthermore, thanks to the new chassis the maximum tyre size is now much larger at 600/55-26.5.
The entire loading system has also been redesigned. Thanks to the new building technique and the kinematics system, the new Scorpion models achieve a very high breakaway force of 72kN and a residual lifting capacity of 2t.
The lifting, tilting and telescopic rams are now fitted with end-of-travel damping, which prevents impacts in the loader. Furthermore, the loader now has a load stabiliser with automatic function for vibration damping. In automatic mode, the load stabiliser is automatically activated when the ground speed reaches 7.0km/hr or above, and deactivated when it falls below 7.0km/hr.
On the six new models, the right dashboard and the joystick have been redesigned, as has the rotary switch on the dashboard that selects the three steering modes: front-wheel steering, all-wheel steering and crab steering. Clearly visible and easily accessible for the driver, the steering type can be switched with a simple press of the button.
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The new Claas Scorpion cab has five per cent more volume than before. |
The new models on the large frame achieve a steering radius of just 3.76m and those on the small frame turn on a radius of 3.75m.
The joystick, which is located in the right arm rest of the driver’s seat on the three larger models and built into the right side console in the small series, is used to select a total of 13 functions, simply and conveniently. A new feature is the choice between three driving ranges: snail, 0-7km/hr; tortoise, 0-15km/hr; and hare, 0-30/40km/hr. If the driver limits the maximum speed, he can drive with a slightly increased engine speed, making full use of the hydraulic power. At the same time, the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal changes. On the new telehandlers, the three driving ranges can be changed, while driving and under full load, by pressing a button. All models are available as 20km/hr, 30km/hr and 40km/hr versions.
At Claas, the term Smart Handling stands for operational safety with telehandlers and various automatic functions plus different operating modes for the overload protection system. Four operating modes are distinguished: bucket mode, stack mode, vertical lift and manual mode. In all operating modes, Smart Handling causes the loader’s drop rate to adjust to the weight and angle of the load. The higher and heavier the carried load, the lower the maximum drop rate.
When the telescopic arm is fully retracted, the overload protection is always deactivated to allow bucket filling and pushing operations to be carried out at full power. In certain situations, the driver can actively bypass the overload protection system for up to 60 seconds via a two-handed operation.
A new automatic function is the bucket return positioner, which makes the work even easier. One press of a button moves the equipment to a particular position that can be easily stored while carrying out the work. This means that during quick loading processes, the equipment can be precisely aligned at any time and as often as required.
The new telehandlers are equipped with load-sensing working hydraulics with increased performance. The Scorpion models 9055 and 7055 now have a conveying capacity of 187 lit/min and the Scorpion 7044 conveys 140 lit/min. The three smaller models offer a choice between a 100 lit/min gear pump or 140 lit/min load-sensing working hydraulics.
A new feature is the pressure release for the third control circuit on the swan neck of the telescopic arm. By pressing a button, this allows the connections to be depressurised with the engine running, so enabling attachments to be changed more easily and, primarily, more quickly.
The increased loading capacity and hydraulic power of the new telehandler required an equally powerful drive concept, that Claas developed, as with all other machines, according to the Claas power system principle.
This concept uses new-generation Deutz engines, that are characterised by an increased torque with economical fuel consumption and meet the standard stage IIIB exhaust emission requirements. The two largest models, the 9055 and 7055, are fitted with 4.1-litre four-cylinder engines with an output of 156hp, while the 7044 and the smaller Scorpion 7035, 7030 and 6030 models are fitted with 3.6-litre four-cylinder engines with an output of 122hp.
The 4.1-litre engines contribute to emission control with a combination of a self-cleaning diesel particulate filter and maintenance-free diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), while the 3.6-litre engine only requires the DOC.
The air ducting concept for the engines is unusual. The cooling air is sucked in from the upper section of the engine bonnet. It flows through the cooler, is channelled past the engine block and exits the engine compartment at the top, in the rear section of the engine bonnet, together with the exhaust gases. This air ducting concept prevents dust and dirt from being stirred up and sucked in. Clean air is sucked in from the top, rear section of the machine even for reversing the ventilation system.
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| The new Claas Scorpion 7055. |
An important aspect of the new telehandler is the intelligent hydrostatic Varipower drive, which constantly and automatically coordinates speed and thrust, continuously up to a maximum speed of 40km/hr.
For even more driving dynamics and thrust, Claas is also offering the two new top-of-the-range models with the larger Varipower Plus transmission and Smart Roading function. On the Scorpion 9055, 7055 and 7044 models, when the top speed is reached in the all-wheel steering (up to 30km/hr maximum) and front-wheel steering (up to 40km/hr maximum) modes, the speed can be reduced to 1,800rpm and on the Scorpion 7044 model to 2,000rpm.
This significantly reduces diesel consumption during transport work and during in-plant handling work. The reduced engine speed also lowers the noise level during work. The Smart Roading function is controlled automatically. The driver needs only to set the speed using the accelerator pedal. The engine speed is reduced automatically once the top speed is reached.
In order to achieve maximum traction during pushing operations, even under difficult conditions, the 100 per cent limited slip differential in the front axle can be actuated by pressing a button on the joystick.
All new models are equipped with a cab that has significantly more space (five per cent more volume, nine per cent more interior width), improved 360-degree all-round visibility thanks to a continuous windscreen (8.5 per cent more glass surface) and many other comfort-related features. In addition to the new controls, there is, for example, the additional refrigerated 23 litre capacity storage compartment and the optional seat with dynamic damping. The main operating modes of the machine are displayed in the right-hand A-frame member of the new models.
There are now two large storage compartments at the rear of the machine on the low-lying ballast weights. Together, they have a capacity of 44 litres and are lockable. For night work, all switches in the cab are back-lit and the machines can be fitted with up to nine work lights, LED if preferred. The FOPS grill is now located on the inside.
The three Scorpion 9055, 7055 and 7044 large series models will be available from October. The smaller Scorpion 7035, 7030 and 6030 models will be supplied from February 2014.
For more information visit: www.claas.co.uk.
