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Post by deere@erols.com on May 28, 2002 16:47:15 GMT 1
Took delivery of a JD 3400 telehandler (rigid frame) 2 weeks ago and have about 20hrs on it now. Boy, that is the handiest loader I've ever used. Almost as agile as a skidloader but with much more capacity. I see why they are so popular over in Europe. Here in the states we're a bit behind in that area. I've heard farmers say they look clumsy and hard to see out of but after an hours use, you get use to the mirrors and can get right into tight spots. I guess their not that popular here because no one really takes the time to try one out but instead opts for a tractor/loader combo which I guess is understandable if needing a tractor but for dedicated loader use, the tele will run circles around that setup. No real point to this post other than to state how pleased I've been with the tele. I think if farmers over here gave them a chance they might be in for a pleasant surprise.
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Post by leemsutton on May 28, 2002 17:04:57 GMT 1
Aaron,
It like you say they are an invaluable tool. Over here in the uk I bet about 95% of farms have got one either in rigid or pivot set up.
I tried the JD last year but we opted for the Manitou 629 Turbo as it was cheaper and the boom was lower so the visibility was better than the JD.
I dont think you guys get manitou out there do you? Its a french make but is the most popular over here.
What are the general spec's of your 3400 as it would be good to see how it differs from the uk version of the 3400 that we tested.
Lee
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Post by deere@erols.com on May 29, 2002 13:06:17 GMT 1
Actually we do have manitou dealers here in the states. At the time we purchased ours there was no real close dealer then about a month ago, a dealer an hr away took on the line. They are nice units and I would say are equal to the jd. We opted for the jd because of good dealer support and the design of the machine. We did check out the manitou, gehl, bobcat, and jcb and felt that overall the jd was the best overall. Spec wise, I think it lifts around 6600lbs and can reach 23' up which is really good for its size. Only thing I wish they offered was a hitch to pull wagons and stuff. The one they have now is only to tie down with and isn't set at the proper height to pull with. Oh well I guess it can't all be perfect.
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Post by eppie on May 29, 2002 21:47:52 GMT 1
Havent seen any telehandlers in Holland..
Just for building contractors. solid stable manure is rare here, we have self-loading TMRs here, and for earthmoving or making silage clamps, they use the ordinary wheel loader. (mostly the Werklust or the Ahlmann)
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Post by Si on May 31, 2002 7:42:52 GMT 1
In the UK I would say the most popular new telehandler is either the Manitou or the Merlo both exellent machines, JCB lost their way for a while, but are gaining a little, JD are new to the market, with a rehashed Matbro, but having not operated one, I cannot compare it to the others. But as Aaron says dealer support means a lot hen making a purchase.
Cheers
Simon
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Post by deen@pocon.be on May 31, 2002 9:18:38 GMT 1
We do have them in Westrn europe Renze. NH can deliver nice, very usefull machines, worth their money.
Wondering how many producers can deliver them with the three-point-hitch alike the (very) green Merlo. You can use that one as a tractor!! I know one NH telehandler is build with a hitch at the back!
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Post by Red_Painter on May 31, 2002 17:32:35 GMT 1
Telehandlers have just been showing up on dealers lots in the last year in the Northwest US. Manitou was the first make I've seen, but the John Deere dealer has one now. They would be real handy where handling large square bales and may sell well where there are large dairies in the West. I imagine alot are aimed at non agriculture light construction use too, but sales of that equipment are in a slump here too.
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Post by eppie on Jun 1, 2002 12:54:02 GMT 1
Hey wicky,
Yes, they are here, but not in the Netherlands. Mainly in the crop fields of Germany and France. Not in the Netherlands.
A Dutch test, TMR loading, with a Case with front loader, and a tele-handler, showed that in this 3 situations, the Case with loader had 3 to 7% more capacity. The telehandler is heavier and slower, i think. What do you guys think?
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Post by Laapa on Jun 2, 2002 19:04:15 GMT 1
Hey Renze, I would be very interested to know more about that test.
Sure a tractor with a front loader have more applications, but for loadingjobs a a dedicated loader should outpreform it, or be seriously redesigned.
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