Driving impression: Caterpillar TH407 telehandler Despite Caterpillar entering the telescopic handler sector way back in the 1980s, the UK market continues to be dominated by the likes of JCB, Manitou, Merlo and Claas. Cat importer Finning believes the latest generation of Cat handlers could shift this balance of power, even though at first glance its range-topping TH407 model appears only subtly different from its TH330B predecessor. James de Havilland investigates
Run a finickety finger down the spec sheets of a Cat TH330B handler and its ‘08 replacement, the Cat TH407. Has anything actually changed? Not much, maybe – but look again. Rated lift capacity for the new machine climbs from 3,600kg to 3,700kg, with full lift stretching a modest 100mm to 7,300mm. Move on to the engine, and the ag spec TH407 is powered by the same 93.1kW/126hp Cat C4.4 power unit offered on its predecessor as the ‘high power’ option. At 499Nm, torque output is the same too, although within the TH407 it
is developed 100rpm up the rev range at 1,500rpm.
So, there’s no massive hike in power, no bulging increase in total lift capacity. Yet there’s still rather more to the new TH407 than a few minor adjustments to its data sheet. The odd subtle tweak and inclusion of previously optional features add up to a very different and more modern handler feel for the operator.
For starters, the manufacturer has freshened up its styling for the TH407: nothing radical but enough to draw a clear line between existing and new. The changes most will notice are larger and more pro-minent mudguards, round working lights, revised fully glazed door with full frame, a high-spec standard seat, new dash and LSI stability system
