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MANUFACTURERS' COMMENTS
00:00 02 Mar 1995
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Belle Engineering
"We appreciate the words 'inspiring' and 'excellent', to describe the Belle 7600 unit, the additional comments of 'brilliant accessibility', 'immediate access' and 'a fitter would love this', all help to sum up why Belle is probably now the number two in the UK market. We had hoped for a more thorough assessment - via the use of marker cones - which would have allowed the three testers to identify the true hallmarks of the Belle 7600 - a highly-manoeuverable fast cycle time skid steer loader."
Bobcat (Melroe Europe)
"In these professional evaluation events, it is always interesting to hear the opinions concerning controls - all-hand versus hand-and-foot. Through our customer exposure in the UK and worldwide, we know that the controls in Bobcat loaders meet the needs of the majority of skid-steer loader users. Not wishing to be dogmatic, we had offered all-hand controls as an option on Bobcat loaders for some time, but the take-up rate was so low that we have discontinued it. That isn't to say that all-hand controls are wrong, we use them in relatively static machines such as mini-excavators. However on a vehicle that is always operated on the move, we simply feel that the technology has not yet produced hand controls that would give the same level of precision and speed as combined hand and foot controls.
"Serviceability was a major concern of the first impression judges and this is also one of Melroe's constant drives. We developed cross-mounted, single-side serviced engines with easy access for daily check. Tip-up cabs for easy access to hydraulic and drive train components have been a feature on the Bobcat loaders since 1973.
FERMEC (MF Industrial)
"We enjoyed our day and valued the excellent feedback we gained from perhaps one of the more demanding of customers, the UK plant hirer. For this reason, Fermec spent considerable time with rental operators, when developing the MF516, to ensure the design closely matched the users' needs. We were therefore delighted with the positive comments about the simplicity of maintenance, the quietness and ease of operation, the superior cab access for the operator and the speed of the simple quick attach operation.
"To clarify two points raised during the day. First the battery on the MF516 is located under a floor panel and this panel has the facility to be padlocked to safeguard the battery. Second, if hand controls are preferred on the MF516, we offer the option which, once fitted, enables rapid conversion from hand to foot control or vice versa depending on preference.
"We were perhaps a little disappointed that the facilities used did not allow the operators to fully evaluate the performance of each machine. We would have preferred some heavier conditions."
Gehlmax UK
"These results show that there is a different machine requirement for different people - in some instances testers' views contradict one another.
"Perhaps more time should have been spent with each machine. From my personal experience, Gehl gets a better customer response when demonstrating in the open market, as opposed to a 15 minute test."
JCB Special Products
"The JCB Robot range of skid steer loaders was designed to be first class for safety, ease of operation, operator comfort and maintenance access. We believe that side access is imperative for safety. Another feature is that the hydraulic controls cannot be used until the adjustable restraint is brought into position. As tester Mac McQueen so ably summed up the Robot: 'Once again JCB has produced a machine which meets the high standards the company is renowned for'."
JI Case Europe
"We recognise that the comments made by the invited plantmen on access to the 1840 Uni-Loader for service are, in the main, valid criticisms. However, we would like to point out that this aspect may cause service personnel, new to Case Uni-Loaders and therefore unfamiliar with the range, a little initial difficulty until becoming more conversant with the maintenance requirements of the various models. We will incorporate all constructive criticism in the design of our future Uni-Loader models.
"It is indicative that the Uni-Loader's power, performance and reliability characteristics are proving to be the most important factor in the purchase decision with the many thousands of Case skid steer loader users throughout the world."
New Holland
"We give priority to operator/user comments - to ensure product suitability and advantageous performance in comparison to competitive machines. Different operators look for different features - a fact which this test highlights. Indeed, the LX series of skid steer loaders have been designed from research based on operator needs from all over the world.
"Operators have a choice of selecting either hand or foot controls to suit their style of driving. Security-wise, all removable panels are lockable, and an automatic lock-out system locks the hydraulics if the operator drives the machine without having the seat belt connected.
"Designed to maximise performance and reliability, the LX series are even stronger than their predecessors, boast 'best in class' pivot pin diameters and have an exceptionally strong chassis.
"When it comes to serviceability the LX series' daily maintenance checks can be accessed through 'one' lockable service door and service periods for greasing and drive chain tensioning have been extended."
Thomas Equipment UK
"Buyers of Thomas's new S-Series skid steer loaders benefit from 30 years of design, manufacture and user experience - as testified by the testers' comments. The determined efforts of Thomas' development team is also acknowledged, especially when it comes to safety devices, maintenance access and site performance. The adverse comments related to minor matters.
"Thomas engineering is very thorough. Some 'ifs' were pointed at the T-133S. Some related to the newness of the machine. The quick hitch for bucket change has proved itself since first used in the 1970s and we know that the boom control action, while positive, is widely accepted. The bucket's main pivot pins, unchanged in 10 years of successful use, are well up to Thomas tough specification.
"Our brief in supplying equipment is to match or exceed the regulations on noise emissions, and safe operation."
Zeppelin (Devonshire Sales and Marketing)
"As a new arrival in the UK market, we welcomed the opportunity to participate in CJ's First Impressions test.
"We do, however, believe that the event would have provided readers with more useful information if it had incorporated standard tests to ensure that the testers were always comparing 'apples with apples'.
"In reviewing the results, Zeppelin is delighted that the testers were impressed by the ZK32B's design and build quality. We are pleased that they recognised the benefits of the machine's transverse engine.
"We are equally confident that skid steer operators will agree with the favourable comments about the ZK32B's joystick controls.
"We noted that the testers liked the ZK32B's fully glazed and heated cab. Their favourable opinions were undoubtedly created by the fact that the ZK32B has one of the quietest, most spacious cabs in its class."
"We appreciate the words 'inspiring' and 'excellent', to describe the Belle 7600 unit, the additional comments of 'brilliant accessibility', 'immediate access' and 'a fitter would love this', all help to sum up why Belle is probably now the number two in the UK market. We had hoped for a more thorough assessment - via the use of marker cones - which would have allowed the three testers to identify the true hallmarks of the Belle 7600 - a highly-manoeuverable fast cycle time skid steer loader."
Bobcat (Melroe Europe)
"In these professional evaluation events, it is always interesting to hear the opinions concerning controls - all-hand versus hand-and-foot. Through our customer exposure in the UK and worldwide, we know that the controls in Bobcat loaders meet the needs of the majority of skid-steer loader users. Not wishing to be dogmatic, we had offered all-hand controls as an option on Bobcat loaders for some time, but the take-up rate was so low that we have discontinued it. That isn't to say that all-hand controls are wrong, we use them in relatively static machines such as mini-excavators. However on a vehicle that is always operated on the move, we simply feel that the technology has not yet produced hand controls that would give the same level of precision and speed as combined hand and foot controls.
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"Serviceability was a major concern of the first impression judges and this is also one of Melroe's constant drives. We developed cross-mounted, single-side serviced engines with easy access for daily check. Tip-up cabs for easy access to hydraulic and drive train components have been a feature on the Bobcat loaders since 1973.
FERMEC (MF Industrial)
"We enjoyed our day and valued the excellent feedback we gained from perhaps one of the more demanding of customers, the UK plant hirer. For this reason, Fermec spent considerable time with rental operators, when developing the MF516, to ensure the design closely matched the users' needs. We were therefore delighted with the positive comments about the simplicity of maintenance, the quietness and ease of operation, the superior cab access for the operator and the speed of the simple quick attach operation.
"To clarify two points raised during the day. First the battery on the MF516 is located under a floor panel and this panel has the facility to be padlocked to safeguard the battery. Second, if hand controls are preferred on the MF516, we offer the option which, once fitted, enables rapid conversion from hand to foot control or vice versa depending on preference.
"We were perhaps a little disappointed that the facilities used did not allow the operators to fully evaluate the performance of each machine. We would have preferred some heavier conditions."
Gehlmax UK
"These results show that there is a different machine requirement for different people - in some instances testers' views contradict one another.
"Perhaps more time should have been spent with each machine. From my personal experience, Gehl gets a better customer response when demonstrating in the open market, as opposed to a 15 minute test."
JCB Special Products
"The JCB Robot range of skid steer loaders was designed to be first class for safety, ease of operation, operator comfort and maintenance access. We believe that side access is imperative for safety. Another feature is that the hydraulic controls cannot be used until the adjustable restraint is brought into position. As tester Mac McQueen so ably summed up the Robot: 'Once again JCB has produced a machine which meets the high standards the company is renowned for'."
JI Case Europe
"We recognise that the comments made by the invited plantmen on access to the 1840 Uni-Loader for service are, in the main, valid criticisms. However, we would like to point out that this aspect may cause service personnel, new to Case Uni-Loaders and therefore unfamiliar with the range, a little initial difficulty until becoming more conversant with the maintenance requirements of the various models. We will incorporate all constructive criticism in the design of our future Uni-Loader models.
"It is indicative that the Uni-Loader's power, performance and reliability characteristics are proving to be the most important factor in the purchase decision with the many thousands of Case skid steer loader users throughout the world."
New Holland
"We give priority to operator/user comments - to ensure product suitability and advantageous performance in comparison to competitive machines. Different operators look for different features - a fact which this test highlights. Indeed, the LX series of skid steer loaders have been designed from research based on operator needs from all over the world.
"Operators have a choice of selecting either hand or foot controls to suit their style of driving. Security-wise, all removable panels are lockable, and an automatic lock-out system locks the hydraulics if the operator drives the machine without having the seat belt connected.
"Designed to maximise performance and reliability, the LX series are even stronger than their predecessors, boast 'best in class' pivot pin diameters and have an exceptionally strong chassis.
"When it comes to serviceability the LX series' daily maintenance checks can be accessed through 'one' lockable service door and service periods for greasing and drive chain tensioning have been extended."
Thomas Equipment UK
"Buyers of Thomas's new S-Series skid steer loaders benefit from 30 years of design, manufacture and user experience - as testified by the testers' comments. The determined efforts of Thomas' development team is also acknowledged, especially when it comes to safety devices, maintenance access and site performance. The adverse comments related to minor matters.
"Thomas engineering is very thorough. Some 'ifs' were pointed at the T-133S. Some related to the newness of the machine. The quick hitch for bucket change has proved itself since first used in the 1970s and we know that the boom control action, while positive, is widely accepted. The bucket's main pivot pins, unchanged in 10 years of successful use, are well up to Thomas tough specification.
"Our brief in supplying equipment is to match or exceed the regulations on noise emissions, and safe operation."
Zeppelin (Devonshire Sales and Marketing)
"As a new arrival in the UK market, we welcomed the opportunity to participate in CJ's First Impressions test.
"We do, however, believe that the event would have provided readers with more useful information if it had incorporated standard tests to ensure that the testers were always comparing 'apples with apples'.
"In reviewing the results, Zeppelin is delighted that the testers were impressed by the ZK32B's design and build quality. We are pleased that they recognised the benefits of the machine's transverse engine.
"We are equally confident that skid steer operators will agree with the favourable comments about the ZK32B's joystick controls.
"We noted that the testers liked the ZK32B's fully glazed and heated cab. Their favourable opinions were undoubtedly created by the fact that the ZK32B has one of the quietest, most spacious cabs in its class."
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