If you’re in the market for a telehandler, then hopefully you’ve already had a hoon in one of the many demonstrators that Claas Harvest Centre has been hosting around the country. I’ve been yarning to a few people who went along, and their feedback has unanimously been very positive.
So, when it came to putting together our Telehandler Showcase at the South Island Agricultural Field Days, I was quite chuffed at having a decent spell in the machine to better know what it’s like on a day-to-day basis.
That’s what I focus on here, along with some cool improvements with the new VARIPOWER 3 (rather than regurgitating information you have already read in our November issue). According to office feedback, unanimously I am assured that nobody ever wants to read my articles twice – disappointing but fair. Just in case you are one of the select few who would like to revisit this review however, you’ll find it online at farmtrader.co.nz
Engine
All six models in the ‘small’ SCORPION range feature the same engine, a 3.6-litre four-cylinder Deutz engine, which will soon be re-badged as a Liebherr, but still produce 143hp, 500Nm of torque and importantly no AdBlue. It’s always hard to really gauge the power of a telehandler unless you’re pulling a trailer or the like on the road. What was noticeable however was the ‘Dynamic Power’ system, which automatically adjusted engine speed as the hydraulics were used, making loading bales and bulk material a doddle for the CLAAS SCORPION.
Transmission
The full hydrostatic transmission uses the name VARIPOWER 2. It has a max speed of 40km/hr and for ease of use has three speed limiters. This essentially changes the travel range of the accelerator to be more sensitive to the task at hand.
The three ranges are Snail (0 to 15km), Tortoise (0 to 30km), and Hare (0 to 40km). CLAAS also offer a creep speed option (which wasn’t in our test machine at SIAFD, but was in the CLAAS SCORPION 741 we previously tested), which is perfect for tasks like trenching or trimming where high oil flow rate at low ground speeds is required. The maximum ground speed is easily set via a small lever in cab and engine speed is set via the electronic hand throttle right next to it.
One of the beauties of the full hydrostat and the clever software of the VARIPOWER is that when you leave the driver’s seat, switch off the engine or stop to 0km/h, the park brake is automatically applied. Likewise, the brake is automatically released as soon as you depress the accelerator pedal or select a direction of travel. A toggle switch is still fitted to manually activate.
For the 2025 model year, the VARIPOWER 2 transmission will still feature on some of the models. The CLAAS SCORPION 738 and 742 machines will now offer CLAAS’ new VARIPOWER 3 with a larger dual hydraulic motor that transfers up to 20% more tractive force to the wheels, while retaining the precise control we experienced with the VARIPOWER 2.
Boom and Headstock
With a main pump capacity of 160L/min, this was the winner in terms of overall output of all the telehandlers we tested. It proved to be more than ample for lifting, loading and stacking. The trans and hydraulic oil are in the same 90L reservoir and need replacing every 1000 hours. The new models feature some upgraded features to make those repetitive daily tasks a little more manageable: a boom retraction button, the bucket shake function (operated by holding the joystick to one side), and an automatic bucket return function that puts the bucket back in a previously saved position.
Easy maintenance is assured thanks to three (yes, you read that right, three) grease nipples on the SCORPION. Essentially three nipples run lines to key areas of the machine. This is fantastic for staff, as it helps keep the machine maintained to a high standard. Best of all, it’s extremely easy to retrofit an auto greaser thanks to the lines already in place – top marks here.
Around the back of the CLAAS SCORPION 732 is a full suite of options – a hydraulic drop-down pick-up hitch, an additional double acting spool valve, a single flow spool (with return) and twin line hydraulic trailer brakes. This is perfect for those New Zealanders tearing around with tube wrappers and trailers behind their telehandlers.
Axles and Chassis
Manoeuvrability is big plus on the score sheet of the CLAAS SCORPION when compared to the competition. Not only did it have the tightest turning circle (to be fair it was the smallest machine, but the comparable model has the same stats), but a toggle switch in the cab means that not only does it have the usual crab, four-wheel and front-wheel-only steering options, but it also has manually adjustable crab drive. This means you can set the rear axle steering angle individually in the desired position and steer the machine with the front axle. This steering mode is particularly ideal for cleaning out bins.
Operator environment
My only gripe during the first test was around my own clumsiness and hitting my head upon entry and exit. I was assured by Shane and Paul, the trusty product and training managers from Landpower, that although not initially obvious, the protection frame/roll bar, which used to be internally mounted, is now fitted externally in the new models. So that takes care of that. Plus, in fairness, I’m taller than the average Yogi bear. The result of this change is more room within the cab, and it reduces the likelihood of knocking yourself when getting in and out.
The cab is a nice place to spend the day. A large curved front window provides excellent visibility. The joystick was comfortable to use, the toggles operated smoothly and the return to dig position on the bucket (not the boom) worked well. The multi-colour 7” LCD screen display offers all of the vitals, and the cab feels functional without being cluttered. This has been further enhanced we are told on the new models, with the most improvements happening in the cab. However, sitting in the cab, it is very difficult to tell the models apart. The first of these changes is the door, which is now glass but is moving to half glass and half metal. The joystick in our test machine is separate and fixed to the side console. In the new models, it is mounted to the seat so the seat and joystick move together.
Other improvements include the steering column, which will pivot from the top, rather than the bottom, allowing more floor space for the operator’s feet with a bottom cut out making it easier getting in and out.
Summary
Out of all the telehandlers we tested, we agreed the CLAAS SCORPION was a particularly comfortable and nice place to spend the day. The telehandler is both nippy and manoeuvrable, has good visibility, and the full hydrostat transmission and class-leading 160L/min hydraulics mean its cycle times were also hard to beat. The upcoming improvements, while notable, are not enough to make me say ‘whoooa, certainly wait for the new model to come out’. Both models have plenty of attributes. Claas Harvest Centre’s nationwide back up continues to be a big selling point for these machines and certainly bolsters the positive feedback from the punters who have already got one. It’s fair to say that CHCs foray into the materials handling market here in New Zealand has certainly got off to a solid start!