First big Claas loading shovel sold in the UK; is Ireland next?

Claas has sold its first Torion wheel loader in the UK; the deal was confirmed at last week’s LAMMA show.

Launched at Agritechnica and making its UK and Irish debut this year, the new top-of-the-range Torion 1914 has been bought by Metcalfe Farms, based in North Yorkshire (England).

David, Richard and Tom Metcalfe of Metcalfe Farms (England) being presented with their new Torion 1914 by Trevor Tyrrell, CEO of Claas UK, at LAMMA 2018 last week

The farming and contracting business has apparently been operating wheel loaders, from other manufacturers, for 33 years.

The Torion range comprises a total of seven models, in three body sizes. Tipping load capacities stretch from 3.45t for the smallest 535 model up to 12.4t for the flagship 1914.

These loading shovels are the result of a collaboration with Liebherr. Not surprisingly, the 1914 is fitted with a Liebherr engine; it churns out 228hp. The 1914 weighs a rather substantial 19.5t.

It has an infinitely-variable, power-split CMATIC transmission; it combines hydrostatic and mechanical drives. A high level of mechanical drive is apparently employed at lower speeds (up to 10kph) and, again, at maximum road speed.

Surely, some agricultural contractors here in Ireland are also considering moving to these machines. Will the Claas badge (and Liebherr’s engineering prowess) be enough to tempt buyers away from the likes of Volvo CE, JCB and Komatsu?

One possible complication, however, is the fact that some Irish Claas dealers are already agents for competing brands of loading shovel.

Watch this space…