The first new Torion wheeled loader sold by Claas UK has been bought by Leyburn-based Metcalfe Farms in North Yorkshire. Long established customers of Claas Eastern at Sinderby, Metcalfe’s farming and contracting business operates a fleet of Jaguar SPFHs and Lexion combines.
The company has used wheeled loaders for 33 years, and the decision to change brand and buy a top-of-the-range Torion 1914 was partly due to the high level of dealer customer service and support, and the higher capacity of the 12.4t capacity flagship combined with lower ownership costs.
Launched at Agritechnica, the Torion, which made its UK debut at LAMMA, takes Claas into a new market sector. Covering a total of seven models in three different category sizes, all have been designed and built in cooperation with Leibherr. The smallest Torion 535 and 639 models are powered by 63hp and 68hp Yanmar engines. Drive is through a two-range infinitely variable hydrostatic drive, the tipping load (articulated) of both models is 3.45t and 3.85t, and clearance height is less than 2.5m.
All three mid-range 1177, 1410 and 1511 have a three-range hydrostatic Varipower transmission. Power comes from DPS engines developing up to 167hp. Positioned low and well towards the rear, the block acts as a counterweight and allows for high tipping loads of 7.75 to 9.75t. All models feature Smart Loading, including a programmable bucket return function and defined lifting and lowering limits.
Finally, the Liebherr engines in the largest 1812 and 1914 models develop 195hp and 228hp respectively. The infinitely adjustable, power-split Cmatic transmission works with a combination of hydrostatic and mechanical drive, for optimum efficiency in all loading and unloading operations. The boom is available with either agricultural or Z-kinematics and can be equipped with a high-lift boom as an option, which can achieve loading heights at the pivot point of up to 4.64m.
