At the end of 2021, Weidemann unveiled the T7402, a new telehandler model with a 4.2t lift capacity and 7.0m max lift height. We’ve been testing an early example to discover how the German maker’s largest handler to date stacks up.

As both Weidemann and Kramer are part of Wacker Neuson Group, we assumed Weidemann would simply rebadge a Kramer handler to get an

initial foothold in the 7.0m market. But that is actually not the case. The new T7042 is an in-house development, and only the two-stage boom comes from Kramer. Attachment-wise, you can choose from JCB, Manitou, Kramer and even the Matbro pin and cone mechanical carriages. Our test machine, which to say it was really well specced is putting it mildly, had the optional hydraulic quick attach.

Pre-series machine on test…

Weidemann was brave enough to provide us with an early machine; in fact it was one of the pre-series models. So some components and details have already been improved since the 4.2t, 7.0m lift handler entered production. Other aspects are still being reworked and will be retrofitted to these early examples that have been retailed. Our main concern was the amount of lateral movement in the boom, which twisted so much under high loads that the boom would touch the chassis and the bonnet spring open. According to Weidemann, this has been remedied.

Powerful and economical

The T7402 is powered by a 3.6-litre Perkins motor producing 90kW/122hp in its standard guise. Our test machine had the 100kW/136hp version, an extra £700 option and certainly recommended. Much the same applied to the reversing function for the hydraulically driven fan (£425).

The engine is mounted transversely, which, together with a 2.95m wheelbase, means that there’s plenty of space and good accessibility despite having DOC, DPF and SCR units tucked under the bonnet for Stage V. The engine is also tilted 5° — good for visibility.

Together with the electronically controlled wide-angle Power Drive 255 hydrostat unit (£1,760), the 7.7t unladen telehandler was always on top of the job during the test. We measured a strong pulling/pushing force of 5,690daN. The top speed of 41.5km/hr can be continuously reduced down to 16km/hr by pressing a button on the joystick or optionally using a lever on the right-hand console (a £290 extra).

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