The LoadMax series epitomises the needs of the Kiwi farmer and has the known Hustler build quality to boot
Alongside that impressive line-up, another star of the show was the Hustler LoadMax TX110 trailer. Actually, I lie: the real star of the show was a duo – the Hustler LoadMax and the LM100 bale clamp. Over three days, we loaded and unloaded a trailer load of round bales 18 times. Not a single bale was ripped. While I’d like to put that down to our elite operators, that, also might be a lie.
The truth is that if you’re in the market for a trailer, a LoadMax from Hustler should definitely be in the hunt, with quality build and many features making it such a strong offering.
Standard features
- Hydraulic tailgate release
- Toolboxes on both sides of the chassis
- Top of the sides are angled to prevent material build-up
- Two-way swinging tailgate
- Folding, load-bearing headboard
- Lifting eyes on sides and tailgate
- Central greasing
- Quick-lift, centre-mounted jack
For me, three key features set this trailer apart.
Folding sides
These are not your standard hinged sides that need to be fully removed or simply bounce out as you trundle along the race. Nor are they the heavy lift-out sides that end up being left in the grass and filled with water. These are well-thought-out and a genuine example of Kiwi ingenuity.
On the TX110 (the 10-tonne variant), the two-piece fold-down sides are folded simply by removing four bolts: one on the headboard, two on the centre partition, and one on the tailgate. These fold down and slot in place without flailing around, thanks to the U-shaped hinges, which drop down and self-lock. Once the sides are down, you can then remove the centre partition by lifting it out without bolts or tools. When folding back up, you reverse the procedure.
Snazzy tailgate
The dual-purpose tailgate is another example of Hustler’s clever engineering. It not only has hydraulic tailgate trips for your standard material spreading or dumping tailgate use, but it also has a left-hand hinged feature (from standing behind it). This swings fully around and can be secured against the side of the trailer, perfect for logs or bulky material that would foul up a normal hinged tailgate. And it’s a fantastic addition if you want to move the digger around the farm.
Folding headboard
I’m not sure if you’ve picked up on the theme here, but I like folding stuff on a trailer. This is because I’m your traditional Kiwi farmer who wants one piece of machinery to do at least three jobs. The folding headboard is a clever solution to an age-old problem: deck space never seems big enough when carting bales. Traditionally, a hay extension has been the solution here. However, this usually spends more of its time lying in the grass rusting than it does yoked to the trailer, so why not fold the headboard, which is already on the machine? Better still, make it load-bearing and able to fold via the removal of two pins – you have my vote.
A solid all-rounder is how I would describe the LoadMax series. It epitomises the needs of the Kiwi farmer and has the known Hustler build quality to boot. If its solid performance during the Tractor Showcase was anything to go by, you won’t be disappointed.