Grabbing bales made quick and easy
Front end loader and implement specialist Quicke has introduced the new Unigrip L+ and XL+ next-generation bale grabs, designed for users who need strength, efficiency, and soft handling in their daily tasks.
It has gone on to capture a huge chunk of the global market, last year building 35,000 loaders and 45,000 attachments, claiming a 30% share of the premium loader market.
At a recent factory event the company showed it wasn’t resting on its laurels, opening a new automated welding line costing SEK 30 million ($4.5m). This line uses 24 robots -- 14 for welding and 10 for lifting, which can position all 24 pieces needed to manufacture a loader in one movement and remove the need for time-consuming jig set-up.
Also on show was a new Q series loader, which will replace the current Dimmension series when it is launched at the SIMA 2017 show in Paris. Said to be tougher and more user-friendly, it is designed for tractors from 60-300hp. The key components are cast or forged, which helps optimise weight and improve lift capacities.
Re-design sees the ‘knee’ of the loader boom lowered by about 10mm, which combines with a lower cross-tube to improve visibility. A newly designed headstock also follows this theme, with the centre bar removed, improving the implement attachment view from the driver’s seat.
Part of the design brief also called for more durability and an increase of up to 50% in the expected working life of the loader. This is achieved by beefing up key components such as the main loader arms which are spaced about 10mm wider, and are made from steel with greater wall thickness and higher grade.
Key pivot points now have over-sized, 40mm pins, and response times should be improved with the use of 0.5in diameter hydraulic lines.
Overall, lift heights are greater by 70-140mm across the range, and the option of new high-lift versions should make loading high-sided trucks or trailers a breeze.
The traditional Quicke grey colour scheme has been dropped for a matte black finish, giving a fresh look.
The company has raised its game in high tech by complementing its industry leading thumb operated joystick (called LCS) with the option of the new Q-Companion system which will monitor the headstock position to aid hook-up of attachments, offer on-board weighing and monitor usage and service intervals.
