​CLAAS launches updated front loaders and a new entry-level series, the FL E

CLAAS has built its own front loaders for its tractors since the 2009 financial year. Demand is increasing constantly, and over 15,000 CLAAS front loaders have now been sold. More than half of all ARION 400 tractors are sold with mounting brackets for front loaders fitted ex factory. With the latest generation of front loaders, CLAAS demonstrates its expertise in material handling, which already features an extensive selection of forage transport and loader wagons, telehandlers and wheel loaders. In addition to the introduction of the new entry-level FL E series, the established FL and FL C series are now equipped with many new features for added comfort and more efficient operation.

New entry-level series: FL 40 E to FL 100 E

With the FL E front loader, CLAAS now offers a new, third series aimed at farms looking for a simple but high-performance front loader for tractors from 45 to 120 hp. FL E front loaders can be fitted with a mechanical self-levelling linkage and come with the proven FITLOCK system with manual locking for simple installation and removal of the lift arms. An automatic locking system on the implement carrier provides convenient mounting of buckets and other attachments. The mechanical system locks automatically when the headstock is tilted, so the driver does not have to leave the cab a second time. The new FL E is also optionally available with additional hydraulic connections for a third function, which allows grabs or other hydraulic implements to be used. The proven SHOCK ELIMINATOR vibration damping system is also available to prevent bouncing when transporting heavy loads on the front loader.

FL C series with added convenience

The previous entry-level series, the FL C with integrated mechanical self-levelling linkage, has gained many new features for added convenience and more efficient operation, positioning it much closer to the top model, the FL. The model series has therefore been expanded through the addition of the FL 140 C where the loading height has been extended to 4.5 m. In addition, the hydraulic lines in all the new FL C models are routed inside the frame to protect them from damage and increase the service life. Like the top model, the FL, the new FL C also has support legs which fold under the lift arms. The front loader lift arms are conveniently installed and removed by means of the proven, fully automatic FITLOCK system. As in the FL, the FL 60 C to FL 120 C models can optionally be equipped with more powerful lift rams, increasing the lifting capacity by approximately 300 kg compared with the standard version.

FL front loader with new option for increased lifting capacity

The new FL series offers a maximum choice of equipment options for particularly demanding applications. By contrast with the FL C models, all FL front loaders come with the familiar performance-enhancing equipment options. These include the proven PCH hydraulic self-levelling linkage, the ACS automatic bucket return system and the SCS system which synchronises the third function with filling and dumping. The SCS system provides added convenience and increases the work rate, and is suitable for applications involving grab buckets and similar attachments, as dumping and opening of the grab do not have to take place separately in sequence. The FL 60 to FL 120 models can now also be optionally equipped with more powerful lift rams, increasing the lifting capacity by approximately 300 kg compared with the standard version.

The new CLAAS FL, FL C and FL E front loader series will be available from Agritechnica 2017.