A refreshed line-up of “small platform” Claas Scorpion telescopic handlers is on its way, featuring a new powertrain for selected models, more automated control features and added comfort and convenience for operators.

The five newcomers developed by Claas and its manufacturing partner Liebherr have max lift capacities from 3.3t to 4.2t, an increase of up to 300kg over the now superseded machines.

This has been achieved by increasing hydraulic system pressure and lengthening the wheelbase by 100mm to maintain stability.

See also: Ultimate guide to buying a telehandler 2024

All get the three-range Claas Varipower 2 hydrostatic drive as standard, using a proven hydrostat shared with the Jaguar self-propelled forage harvester.

But the Scorpion 738 and 742 can have Varipower 3, a more powerful version of the dual motor setup housed in a single “dry” casing with no reduction gears, which is said to give about 20% more tractive effort at the wheels, as well as greater pulling power.

All but two Scorpion telehandlers – the 960 and 756, which continue with 4-litre Deutz TCD power – now have 3.6-litre engines badged Liebherr D 914 and supplied to the construction machinery giant’s specification by FPT Industrial, under a supply agreement with the group’s large diesel engine business.

At 142hp, the engine’s peak power output matches the former Deutz motor’s performance but with an extra 50Nm of torque, at 550Nm.

Added features

For operators, added “smart loading” functions include auto bucket shake to evenly dispense materials such as wood shavings for bedding or to shift sticky muck and the like.

Automatic retraction as the boom is lowered – previously only available on the 746 to 960 – can now be engaged on all models except the high-lifting 1033 to complement the auto bucket/fork return to a memorised position in helping simplify repeated loading and re-handling cycles.

Hydraulic flow from a load-sensing variable output pump remains 160-litres/min with the engine running at 1,600rpm.

The machines retain their established features of an electronic hand throttle to separate engine speed and ground speed for selected operations, and “dynamic power” engine speed response to joystick movements.

© Claas

The Scorpion’s cab is now protected at its base by an external steel “bump” tube, and has a revamped interior, with the joystick and transmission speed selector now mounted on the seat to maintain a consistent arm/control position.

The cab door is now partially rather than fully glazed, with a plastic interior moulding providing extra storage space while also covering insulation material designed to reduce noise levels.

There is a marginally slimmer steering column surround to create more floor space for wellington and work boots, and a larger suspended brake/inching pedal to accommodate such footwear.

The machines also adopt revised instrumentation with a choice of 3.5in or 7in displays, there is continuous rather than stepped adjustment of the ventilation and air-con fan, and external lighting has a “courtesy” mode to illuminate the path away from the machine on dark mornings and nights.