Fast forward to 1959 and Kramer’s foray into the loader market launched with its all-wheel drive shovel loader. The year 2000 saw the company acquire Neuson, and then in 2007 it purchased Wacker. Now more commonly known as Wacker-Neuson, it is a leading construction equipment brand.
The next step of the evolution in 2012 saw Kramer back into the ag market, with a focus on the construction of a new ag specific machine (painted in the traditional green livery we see today).
Their success in the ag market escalated in 2017 when Kramer entered a strategic alliance with John Deere to sell the Kramer-branded telehandlers through their agricultural dealer channels.
Like the majority of German machinery manufacturers, Kramer’s impressive and high-tech manufacturing facility for the telehandlers and wheel loaders is in Pfullendorf, Germany. This is where the telehandler we tested, the TH407, is made. The fifth-largest (and middle child) in a 10-model lineup, there are many variations of the ag range. In a nutshell, it’s relatively simple to work out capacity in size – for example, the TH276 is the baby with 2.7T to 6m, and the TH559 is the big daddy with 5.5T lift to 9m.
Engine
The powerplant of the Kramer is a familiar Deutz engine. The four-cylinder, 3.6L turbocharged engine delivers 136 horsepower. While this is 7hp less than the other two telehandler machines with the same engine we tested as part of our Telehandler Showcase, importantly the Kramer doesn’t use SCR, so AdBlue is not a requirement. It does however have 500 Nm of torque, a large cooling package with hydraulic reversing fan and all daily servicing can be done from ground level. In terms of protecting the engine from the bumps that inevitably happen on the RHS of a telehandler, a robust steel plate ensures the vitals are kept in tip top shape. Transmission
Full hydrostatic drive is the main party piece of the trans department, as this allows for seamless acceleration and deceleration. The three speed settings are electronic restrictions rather than actual gears. Snail, tortoise and hare are the three settings with speed from 0-7km/h,0-15km/hr and 0-40km/hr respectively. There are also three ‘smart driving’ modes to further enhance this. The first is Hydrostat, which will rev right out to 2350rm, Ecospeed will go to 2000rpm while EcospeedPRO will limit rpm at 40km/hr to 1550rpm (representing significant fuel savings).
Additionally, the transmission system is equipped with creep speed option, allowing for fine-tuned control of the machine’s speed independently of the engine RPM. This 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, and engine speed is set via the electronic hand throttle right next to it – all clever stuff.
Boom and headstock
Materials-wise, the boom is made of a high-strength and torsion-resistant box section. Even when the telescopic arm is max extended, the overlap area of the inner and outer arms is at least one metre. The large main pin is mounted in the main frame with additional external support. To balance the machine as much as possible rear caster weights are mounted straight to the chassis and certainly made the machine feel solidly planted during our testing.
An optional extra, which I personally love, is the additional U-shape boom support. This cradles the boom and is ideal for digging forces at low levels, so the side forces don’t end up at the rear boom pivot. Speaking of things I love, another is the automatic bucket reverse ‘Smart Loading’ concept. This is unique to Kramer and with vibration (bucket shake) function allows faster cycle times. With the automatic bucket reverse, the attachment can automatically be moved to a previously programmed target position from any initial point. There are three modes in total but with one being manual there are really only two of note.
Bucket mode
When lowering the boom, the telescopic arm is automatically retracted slowly and is a return to dig type setup. Bucket mode is ideal for loading bulk materials like the metal we had at the showcase.
Stacking mode
This is a nifty feature where you set the boom and the attachment is moved up and down in a vertical line, i.e. the telescopic arm automatically moves in and out and the load is moved up or down in a straight line, clever stuff – great for bales.
Headstock wise, as standard from factory you get the choice of Kramer’s own hitch design, the Q-fit (which we had on our test machine), or Manitou hitch. All feature hydraulic latching and electric pressure relief of hydraulic couplings, plus the plumbing for a fourth service and a high-flow depressurised return as standard.
Operator environment
First up this is the high cab design (2.49m as opposed to 2.31m for the low cab). This not only increases the visibility and room in the cab for tall operators like me, but also makes it much easier to hop in and out of.
Now telehandlers are traditionally niggly to get in and out of due to the steep, tucked away steps, but not on the Kramer folks.
The adjustable steps (outwards) make a big difference, but not as much as the U-shaped recess in the bottom of the cab frame.
During our initial machinery walk around we almost scoffed at the significance of this notch, but it makes a HUGE difference, allowing more of a stair entrance and best of all no shin smacking – top marks. The ample amount of customisation is the next noticeable feature in the Kramer: four steering modes (crab, front only, 4-wheel and manual crab); switching is done via the large blue switch in the colour coded control layout. Blue is driveline, red safety, green hydraulic function and grey is electrical.
In terms of visibility, control wise, a 7” LCD display allows you to keep track of all the machine parameters, while the large panoramic, curved front windscreen is wonderful also for vision. A large right-hand window and three-piece right-hand mirror with LED lights keep the right-hand side in check day and night. Speaking of night, the Kramer was the most Christmas tree like of all those we tested with exceptional lighting – all good stuff.
Summary
We were impressed with the build quality, functionality and user friendliness of the Kramer. The thought that has gone into small but significant features such as the notch in the footwell for access and colour coded buttons in the cab, combined with the smart transmission, boom construction and Smart Loading concept makes it just too good overall to overlook if you’re in the market for a telehandler.
Top 5
- Hydrostatic transmission with three adjustable travel ranges
- Easy cab access thanks to recess and adjustable steps
- Daily maintenance is easy thanks to grease banks and all fluid level checks from ground level
- Smart Loading concept with three settings
- Build quality: The Kramer was certainly representative of the German build quality we know and love