Claas has renewed its medium-sized Torion wheeled loader series with the introduction of the new 1285, 1611 and 1611P models. In addition to more engine and hydrostatic drive power, they feature new a Z-kinematic lift system with stronger arms and unique comfort features.
Since 2018, Claas has been offering wheeled loaders for the agricultural sector in numerous European markets through a cooperation with Liebherr. Three series with a total of 11 models cover operating weights from 4.6t to 20t and engine outputs from 46hp to 245hp. By September 2022, more than 1,000 units have been delivered.
After the two flagships of the Torion construction program, the Torion 1913 and 2014, received higher lifting and holding capacity in addition to greater loading height in 2021, these performance-enhancing features are now finding their way into the medium-sized Torion series.
In addition to its first-class reactivity, the newly developed Z-kinematic lift system is characterised by reinforced and lengthened lifting arms with larger hydraulic rams and more powerful hydraulic pumps. This increases the lifting power and transfer height, with 100 per cent parallel guidance being guaranteed at the touch of a button.
Thanks to the new Z-kinematics, there’s significantly more lifting power, especially in the lower lifting range, as well as more holding power in the upper lifting range, so that larger bucket volumes and heavier bale grabs can be used. Lift volumes up to 4.5 cubic metres with a high bulk density and up to 7.0 cubic metres with a low bulk density are available with the light goods bucket, and up to 4.5 cubic metres with the high-tip bucket.
In order to be able to absorb the higher lifting and breakout forces, the steel construction of the front end has been reinforced. The new mast includes extra reinforcing, for example on the lift arms and the cross tube. At the same time, the axles on the Torion 1611 and 1611P have also been reinforced. The operating weight increases accordingly to 15,810kg and 15,200kg respectively. The Torion 1285 has an operating weight of 13,570kg.
In addition to the standard version with Z-kinematics, all three models can be supplied with High Lift masts. Depending on the model, the bucket pivot point increases by 52cm to 58cm to 3.85m to 4.52m.
The new medium-sized Torion series is not only stronger, but also smart. In addition to the bucket return, the upper and lower end positions of the mast can be saved for two implements using the automatic lifting height and lowering depth control. The tipping assistant provides further relief. To make billing easier for biogas plants and contractors, all models can be equipped with a weighing device with the Load Assistance System that provides an addition memory and back-weighing function.
The shaking function, which allows the bucket to be unloaded in a controlled manner, offers considerable added value. The automatic return of the High Lift high-tip bucket and the perfectly coordinated end position damping relieve the driver and enable fast loading manoeuvres.
In order to enable faster cycle times with increased payload and higher operating weight, all three Torion models in the mid-series have greater engine power and larger drive pumps and hydrostats for the Varipower drive. The Torion 1285 with its 157hp replaces the previous Torion 1177 and 1410 models with 137hp and 165hp respectively, while the Torion 1611 has an increase in output to 207hp (+23hp compared to the previous Torion 1511) and the Torion 1611P has an increase in output of 45hp to 252hp.
Thanks to the speed reduction, a higher torque is already available at low speeds. The Torion 1611P in particular benefits from this, as the additional output is noticeable and pays off, especially when working in silos and for fast straw handling.
The more powerful components in the travel drive result in more traction and further improved driving dynamics. This and the use of the demand-dependent Dynamic Cooling engine cooling makes it possible to significantly increase the charging capacity with the same low fuel consumption.
Nevertheless, the travel drive, which can be used in three driving ranges, can still be controlled extremely sensitively, with both axial piston pumps being connected in series for maximum traction in driving ranges I and II. Thanks to the cruise control with speed memory, precise, comfortable work with hydraulic permanent consumers such as silo distributors and brooms is possible.
For driving on the road in driving range III, only one pump is used and the engine speed is also lowered via Smart Roading (the Torion 1611P offers 40km/hr at 1,600rpm), that significantly reduces fuel consumption.
