Several automatic settings and control functions have been introduced on an updated range of Case IH Farmlift telescopic handlers.

Selected using a new membrane keypad or 7in colour LCD display, the operating modes and functions are intended to make the driver’s life easier and more productive by providing optimum engine and hydraulics response for different operating scenarios.

The model line-up is unchanged from an earlier cull of Powershift and four-speed Autoshift models to standardise – other than for the hydro-drive Farmlift 526 – on the six-speed auto-shifting transmission, now called PowerDrive.

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However, the Farmlift 636, lifting a maximum load of 3.6t to the full height of 6.1m, gains a hydraulics upgrade from 140 to 160 litres/min, as does the Farmlift 742 to enhance its 4.2t maximum lift capacity and ability to take 2.5t to 7m.

The bigger pump is reckoned to increase lift and lower times by 25%, resulting in faster work cycles.

On all models, the hydraulic compensating cylinder previously used to keep attachments level as the boom is raised and lowered has been ditched in favour of an electronic system.

This employs two angle sensors to inform an ECU that instructs the tilt/crowd circuit to compensate.

Apart from being simpler with much less hardware, the electronic system is said to be more accurate and to remain so over time.

There is a new digital display and keypad in the cab © Case IH

More functions

Other hydraulic functions include active shake, which rattles a bucket or fork to shift sticky materials with minimal joystick inputs, and a new semi-auto back-to-position feature.

This enables the operator to set two target positions covering raise/lower, dump/crowd and extend/retract movements – so it could be used to set height and boom extension limits for loading a muckspreader or prevent a muck fork being punched through a low roof.

The continuous-flow function is said to have been improved with fine adjustment of engine revs and auxiliary flow rate, and an engine speed can be stored for use with a specific attachment.

Power shuttle sensitivity adjustment modifies the acceleration response after a direction change, and there is also a hydraulics boost function that automatically increases engine revs to high idle and disengages the transmission.

This feature kicks in when the joystick is used, indicating a need for more oil flow, but the machine is moving slowly with low engine revs; the boom must be in the retracted position for the system to work.

Operators can also select one of several driving modes. In “transport”, for example, the boom hydraulics are disabled, smooth power shuttle is selected, and two-wheel steer engaged.

Select “loading” and fast shuttle response and rapid boom movement are prioritised, while “handling” mode engages synchronised boom lift and extension for a vertical lift path.

Joystick response sensitivity can also be altered to suit the differing requirements of precision handling and, for example, muck loading.

Prices start at £114,244 for the Farmlift 633 PowerDrive and peak at £129,725 for the Farmlift 742.