More room and more sophisticated controls result from a significant cab upgrade for two of Schaffer’s largest capacity telescopic wheeled loaders.

The fundamental characteristics are unchanged – the T-3 versions of the 102hp and 129hp 8620 still lift a maximum of 4.2t,  and 3.8t to a height of 5.2m, while the heavier 143hp 9640 takes 4.2t all the way to 5.4m.

But the new control features are reckoned to help operators get the most out of their machines with less effort.

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Despite the Comfort Cabin Plus design being 8% larger in volume, the German manufacturer’s engineers have sacrificed the right-hand door to install a full-size moulded housing for switches, dials, electrical connectors and storage trays, and for the first time, a 10in colour touchscreen.

Carried on an adjustable mount, the display shows the usual vehicle instruments in graphic form, and is used to access various control settings. with the practical addition of eight soft keys alongside for the most frequently used functions.

Several usage profiles for the hydraulics have been predefined for operators to select, with “fast mode” intended for loading straw bales or bulk materials, for example, while “slow mode” is for precise tasks, such as moving pallets.

A full-size right-hand console and a 10in display dominate inside © Schaffer

Automatic functions

Optional assistance features include an automatic shake function that needs only modest input from the joystick – to discharge sawdust from a bucket at a measured rate, for example, or to free sticky material from a muck fork.

Auto attachment positioning to minimise joystick inputs is also available, and the display can be used to adjust the flow rate of auxiliary hydraulics or show images from front and rear cameras that can be installed.

Suspended pedals to clear the floor, a larger and illuminated doorway and more grab handles aim to make it easier to get in and out.

An upgrade to LED road and work lights all round should brighten the surroundings on a dark night.

Unchanged for these two models are the use of Deutz four-cylinder engines and Schaffer’s hydrostatic transmission with automatic thrust control and engine-related torque adjustment to reduce fuel consumption without hindering performance, with a cruise control function also available.