Giant stands tall on goat farm

The bright yellow Giant 5000 Tele in questionis reasonably compact, in the shape of an articulated, wheeled loader with a telescopic boom, tipping the measures at 4.5 metres long and 1.46 metres wide, with the needle on the weigh scales touching 5.2 tonnes.

Used extensively to help manage the 750 milking animals, the machine offers a lift capacity of up to 2.8 tonnes and a lift height of up to 4.35 metres with the boom fully extended.

The articulated layout around a central pendulum joint means the machine is very stable, while also imparting excellent manoeuvrability in the tightest spaces, meaning loads can be placed accurately where they are required.

Power is provided by a 4 cylinder, 75hp Kubota engine that works in conjunction with a two-stage hydrostatic transmission that offers 0-10kph or 0-20kph working speeds. With four-wheel drive as standard and 100% locking differentials on each axle, traction is never an issue, while reliability is ensured with the use of 16 tonne axles with external planetary final drive reduction assemblies.

Twin hydraulic circuits deliver 145 litres/min to the driveline, while the 78l/min delivered to the hydraulic system means the loader and implement functions are always fast and responsive.

At the Schuler Farms operation, the loader has become a key part of the daily operation, offering versatility such a loader a mixer wagon, moving pallets, pushing a manure scraper in the feeding area, handling round bales for feed and bedding, while a useful bucket/ grab combo comes into its own delivering wood shavings to the loafing area, then cleaning out, usually twice a year.

The centrally mounted cabin, in a raised position on the machine, offers excellent all-round visibility, with an adjustable steering column, a central information display and all key control functions integrated into the joystick/armrest controller