With the rise in popularity of the self-propelled materials handler, it’s easy to forget the tractor front-end loader. Although the telescopics grab the limelight, tractor loader development didn’t stop when the self-propelled rolled into town. Mick Roberts drives the full-spec version of the Mailleux MX 100
Just as telehandler design has come a long way in the past ten years, tractor front-end loaders haven’t stood still either. But of equal importance, livestock tractors have come on as well. Although these tractors may still not have the compact dimensions of the selfpropelleds, they are catching up in the transmission department with clutchless shuttle reversers becoming more common. For those who don’t need the lift and reach offered by the telescopics, front-end loaders still offer the advantage of lower capital cost, and the versatility of the tractor when it is not materials handling. Tractor loaders now also offer some other advanced features, making them easier to attach, remove and operate.
To find out what the modern tractor loader can do, we travelled to France to operate the MX 100 model, suitable for 75hp to 100hp tractors, built by the country’s leading maker, Mailleux. The machines are sold in the UK by Chillton – part of the Mailleux Group. Our test candidate came loaded with the latest gadgets and options. While these obviously add to the cost of the machine, they do provide some interesting and useful extra functions which make the loader easier to operate.
For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save
