DRIVING IMPRESSION: In October MX updated its non-self-levelling and mechanical self-levelling loader range with the U400 becoming the U500. Better visibility and more functions are easy to see on the new 16 model loader range.
Spotting an opportunity to enhance visibility and add a bit of French flair, loader maker MX has revamped its U-series ‘utility’ loaders with a new boom profile and repositioned cross bar as well as a host of other refinements to make it nicer to use. Superseding the non-self-levelling andmechanical-levelling U400, is the U500 with the same ensuing two digit model number denoting the lift capacity, max working height and tractor power once you cross reference the spec sheet. For instance, the U512 featured here is suitable for 82kW/110hp up to 171kW/230hp tractors and has a lift height in the region of 4.0m to 4.20m depending on the host tractor.
There are also two new additions, the U511 (4.20m, 1,430kg at max height) and now the biggest loader in the range, the U514+ (4.50m, 2,490kg).
When browsing the spec sheets, the eagle eyed will have spotted one subtle difference in the lift capacity specs of the old and new. On one of the most popular MX loaders, the U412, this load rating was measured at 600mm out on the pallet forks which resulted in a rated lift capacity of 1,825kg. With our new U512 this measurement has changed to 800mm from the pivot point, (the same as many of MX’s competitors and the reason for the change) so at the same ground level position the result is 1,880kg. In essence the lift capacities are pretty much the same between the two U ranges.
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