Telehandler Showcase: Schäffer

I would put pivot steer telescopic loaders in the same basket as pickup hitches on tractors; not many people have them, but once you have had one, you find it hard to live without it.

With the Schäffer Pivot Steer Telescopic Handler 9640 offering a big cab, fantastic visibility, a telescopic boom, maintenance-free pivot and a rear pickup hitch, having these five features all on the game day bingo card means you’ve immediately swept the pool, taken home the meat pack and flipped them the bird on the way out the door.

History of Schäffer

Schäffer has a rich history dating back to its founding by Heinrich Schäffer in 1956. As a family-owned business, over the decades Schäffer has evolved into a renowned manufacturer of high-quality loaders, specialising and concentrating solely on pivot steer machines.

Pivot Steer Telescopic Handlers

Out of all our Telehandler Showcase machines, the Schäffer was in the ‘one of these does not look like the other’ categories. With Schäffer so firmly specialising in pivot steer loaders, which offer several benefits compared to conventional telescopic handlers, we set out to myth bust the claimed list of benefits.

Enhanced Manoeuvrability: Pivot steer loaders have a smaller turning radius, allowing for better movement in confined spaces. We tested this very unscientifically using the drone footage of the turning circles and some crudely stacked bales representing a series of corners and tight spaces – the Schäffer did indeed prove this to be true.

Greater Stability: The pivot steer mechanism provides superior stability, reducing the risk of tipping over during operations. I’m not 100% sure this is true; I felt slightly safer in a conventional telehandler as the pivoting motion significantly moves the weight around much more than its telescopic handler competition. Moving three bales around and loading trailers – no issue. A bucket of wet metal on uneven ground was a little different (but not changing underwear material). It did also have the biggest bucket to be fair.

Increased Precision: Pivot steer loaders offer more precise control, making them ideal for tasks that require accuracy. This is certainly the case and for no other reason than the visibility is much better all-around due to the tractor-style cab.

Durability of Components: The absence of steering axles enhances the durability and longevity of the components, ensuring reliable performance. This is hard for us to quantify given our short period of time spent with each machine (days not months), but certainly the 10 stud axles that don’t have kingpins that turn are a massive improvement when it comes to strength. There obviously is the major pivot point, which if maintained correctly (and thanks to the inclusion of nylon in the Schäffer pivot making it maintenance free) will significantly extend service life, so all things point to this being true.

Engine

The 4 cyl 3.6L Deutz engine was a favourite of all of our judges in the Telehandler Showcase, with 75% of the machines there featuring that motor. Schäffer however has managed to squeeze 143hp from it with their software, and to meet Stage V compliance use a combination of DOC, DPF and SCR (requires AdBlue). The hydraulic reverse fan and large rear radiator with clean air intake from behind the cab keep the engine and hydraulics cool, even when being pushed to the ragged edge.

Transmission

Smooth is the best way to describe the 2-speed hydrostatic with on the move range change. Range one is 0-20km while range two is 0-40km. It also includes the high-pressure drive (HD-Plus) and High Traction Force (HTF) from the high flow 145L/min hydraulic pump, which alleviates the main downside of a hydrostat. Full time 4WD from the standard 460/70R24 tyres is on offer, although there are four options in total all the way up to the 700/40-26.5, which is a massive footprint for this type of machine.

Axle and Drive

The main point here (excuse the pun) is the maintenance-free pivot joint. This is obviously the highest wearing point of the machine, and this Schäffer design is a game changer – twin steering rams and large surface area pivot points all bolster the longevity check list. We then move to the other key differentiator over a standard sideload telehandler, which is the planetary HD ZF limited slip diff axles with a 10-stud pattern. The key point here is that they don’t move at all (apart from the rear having a pivot). It is done from the centre knuckle – no kingpins. Inboard wet disc brakes and the hydro braking take care of braking during operation, while the manual park brake is also oil immersed.

Boom and Headstock

Ferro-form (hard form of cast metal) make up the sliding elements in the telescopic arm. The tilt ram cylinder is nestled inside the telescopic arm down to the Z-bar tool carrier with parallel lift. Speaking of tool carriers, from factory you get the choice of Schäffer’s own hitch design (which we had on our test machine). The Q-fit or Manitou hitch variants are all available also. 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. For balance, the other benefit of a pivot steer is the large rear cast bumper, an additional rear belly weight and the engine all helping keep the machine so well planted during operation.

Operator Environment

I often talk SCVs in a hydraulic context, but on the Schäffer, SCV refers to the cab, specifically the SCV Plus-Cabin (Silence, Comfort, View) and it pretty much sums it up perfectly. While I can’t comment specifically on sound levels in the cab because I had the door open the whole-time during operation (personal preference), the comfort and the view have already been well documented due to the nature in which a pivot steer operates and proved unmatched during our showcase. If a more upper-class feel is what you’re after, then the new T3 series 9640 will be the ticket. Advanced telematics for easier diagnostics, a new proportional joystick with additional functionality, electronic load levelling and a new fully digital consol round out a full cab upgrade.

For additional comfort, a Bill Bennett rear pick up hitch was fitted to the machine and can be pivoted to the side for use on silage stacks. This also proved handy to improve rear ground clearance.

Summary

I hadn’t had much experience with pivot steer telescopic loaders prior to our showcase, but over the years have owned and operated many telehandlers. The Schäffer Pivot Steer Telescopic Handler 9640 was a bit of an eye opener when it came to visibility and cab comfort, as these are certainly next level (and that’s before experiencing the T3 Schäffer). I was pleasantly surprised by its benefits, and competitive advantages.

Its innovative design and robust construction make it an ideal option for various applications in the ag market. As the payout reaches historic levels, for loading feedout wagons of all shapes and sizes, telescopic loaders are unmatched for productivity and efficiency over loader tractors. This one is a must-consider if you’re in the market.

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