User story: Loads of choice with Kramer's KL35.8T loader

There is plenty of work for the KL. It is used to distribute 2,500 tonnes of sand per year for bedding down, and the farm makes 2,000 round straw bales a year and buys-in more.

Good visibility also comes in handy for pushing up silage to the sheds four times-a-day and for feeding cattle outside.

Mr Houseman says: “The telehandler is used to load the mixer wagon, but having the KL gives the peace of mind that we are covered in the event of a breakdown.”

The sixth in a line of telescopic boom machines on-farm, the KL 35.8T has a more powerful Deutz engine than its predecessor at 100hp, and he says it is better on the road and more powerful when loading. A reversing fan keeps the engine cool on dusty jobs, such as loading bales.

He says: “I really like the hydrostatic transmission, as it is so easy to drive. When we have hired in Loadalls, I have to remember to stand on the brake.

“With the Kramer, you just take your foot off the throttle and stop. This one does 40kph on the road too, which is an improvement.”

Mr Houseman addresses pros and cons of loading performance: “It obviously does not have the reach of a telehandler with a 4.5-metre loading height, but the boom has dampening, so it carries loads well without bouncing, and hydraulic quick attach means swapping between implements is easy.

“One sight frustration is that the implements are not interchangeable between the two loaders without using an adapter. Bucket capacity is a bit less than the telehandler too.”

He says the 84 litres/minute hydraulic capacity is more than adequate for demanding implements, such has the AG dispenser.

The cab is another area the KL wins, he says. “With the boom in the centre, it can have doors on both sides and air flows through without sucking dust into the cab as a telehandler can.

“It is also a much more spacious and comfortable cab, and being higher up further increases visibility, especially over the boom.”

Mr Houseman says he did not bother with the extra cost of air conditioning this time, as it is generally driven with the doors open, giving natural ventilation.

Michelin Bibload industrial tyres, used in the past and fitted to the telehandler, were also passed over for agricultural tyres on this model.

He says: “They increase wear life, but are more costly and are not as good for field work.”

Over the years, he has trialled a number of competitive makes, including seasonal hires of JCB Loadalls, and that original of the centre boom machine, the Matbro pivot-steer, but says he keeps coming back to the German build quality of the Kramer.

Breakdowns have been limited to the odd hydraulic pipe leak, taken care of under the warranty package, along with all servicing.

He says: “It is a big advantage having the dealer on the doorstep. Under the previous arrangement and through Ripon Farm Services, back-up has been unfailingly good. It is a factor you cannot ignore with livestock as they will always need feeding.”