Massey Ferguson newcomer raises bar with longer boom and extra lift

Farmers who like the clear right rear three-quarters visibility afforded by the lack of a pillar in the corner of the Massey Ferguson telehandler cab but want more lift performance will appreciate a newcomer to the range.

While on the same relatively compact 2.87m wheelbase of the 3.8-tonne lift, 7m TH.7038 in the MF range, the newly introduced TH.8043 outguns it with a maximum lift capacity of 4.3 tonnes to 7.50m.

A rear counter-weight with an extra 425kg of mass and a larger hydraulic cylinder enable the machine to lift more with its 50cm longer boom, which also features a new concealed Z-bar linkage for the implement carriage.

This increases the dump angle by 13deg to 49deg and provides an extra 17deg of headstock movement all told to lift and tip materials more easily.

Adjustable oil flow from the 190-litre/ min variable output hydraulics helps fine tune control response for precision load placement and retracting the telescopic section is now cushioned along with crowd and dump actions.

The new model also has greater towing capacity than its range compatriots – up 700kg at 7400kg – using a transmission with two mechanical and two hydrostatic ranges that can be set up for independent control of engine and ground speeds.

A new transmission for selected Case IH Farmlift telehandlers gives buyers greater choice when looking for performance and features to suit their particular needs.

The Farmlift 633 and 636 – now with 100kg extra lift capacity over their predecessors at 3.3 and 3.6 tonnes, and the 7m lift Farmlift 737 with 200kg more at 3.7 tonnes – come as standard with a four-speed forward, three-speed reverse torque converter transmission with manual shifting.

But they can also have a new six-speed (with three reverse gears) that is designed to deliver improved performance in high tractive effort situations such as climbing a silage clamp, repeat cycle loading and travelling up slopes.

Automatic shifting among the top three forward ratios gives the operator an easier time on the road up to the 34kph top speed, with smoother shifting throughout promised by revised electronic modulation settings.

For the same reason, improved shift quality is also promised for the six-speed 40kph auto transmission in the higher spec Farmlift 636 and 742.

Auto alignment for the four-wheel steering system, auxiliary hydraulics pressure release and auto lube options have also been introduced, along with a heated air suspension seat and tilt/ telescope steering column.

The Case IH Farmlift 636 has gained 100kg more lift capacity and an optional six-speed transmission in place of the standard four-speed.