Loaders

Loaders are also known as ‘Hoftracs’ in Germany. These versatile machines are typically operated in the agricultural sector. Designed to go through narrow and low doorways, loaders are usually much more compact and low in height than tractors, which are usually confined to the field. In addition, loaders typically feature articulated steering although armoured steering is available, too. Thanks to their tight turns, loaders are also popular machines in forestry, landscaping and municipal operations, where they are used in ground care, road and walkway cleaning as well as in snow clearance tasks.

In the farming sector, they primarily tackle material handling jobs around the farm. The nimble machines also go into livestock buildings for mucking out and feeding. Loaders are extremely versatile machines and adopt a wide range of attachments, including bale grabs, crocodile buckets, pallet forks, snow dozers, sweepers, diggers, mowers, silage cutters, straw forks, silage grabs, feeder containers and pelican buckets. Offering so many benefits, loaders have only one drawback, which is the risk of turning over.

This, however, is countered by fitting a rollover bar or a fully-enclosed safety cab that protects the operator in case of an overturn. The risk of overturning is down to the loader’s narrow wheelbase, which poses a risk whenever the machine is lifting a load or is making a turn.