A Claas Torion 1812 loading shovel (pictured above) is currently making its way around Ireland – tackling silage pits on a ‘demonstration’ tour.
The Torion loader line-up is the result of a collaboration with Liebherr. The machines were first unveiled to the public at the Agritechnica show in Germany (during November 2017).
These pictures – courtesy of Billy Purcell / BP photography – show the machine in action (with a 16ft folding fork) in Co. Carlow. The loader is being put through its paces by Nicholas Brennan – of Brennan Brothers Agricultural Contractors, Leighlinbridge.
Image source: Billy Purcell / BP photography
As well as capturing these eye-catching photographs, Billy also shot this video (below) – showcasing the Liebherr-built machine from a myriad of angles.
For the record, the 1812 weighs 18.7t. Despite its beefy proportions, the machine is home to a four-cylinder (Liebherr) engine – with a power output of 195hp. If that hasn’t peaked your interest, bear in mind that the more powerful 1914 (which weighs 19.5t) is also home to a four-pot engine.
The big question
The big question, of course, is whether agricultural contractors here in Ireland will actually buy these loaders.
On one hand, the prospect of a Claas-badged loader sounds tempting. Remember; a significant cohort of contractors around the country already run Claas Jaguar forage harvesters; many subscribe to the mantra that Claas (depending on the dealer, of course) is one of the best in the business when it comes to back-up service.
However, complicating all of this is the fact that some Claas dealers already hold franchises for other (competing) loading shovels.
Kellys of Borris, for example, is a long-established JCB agent. Meanwhile, McCarthy Plant and Agri Sales (Co. Cork) is the main importer for Italian-built Venieri shovels (one of which is pictured below).
This might leave the new Torion line-up with an already-diminished list of potential outlets – before sales have even started in earnest.
Nevertheless, the big-name brands in the loading shovel business here – principally the likes of Volvo, JCB and Komatsu – are surely looking on with interest and – dare we say it – some measure of concern.