Mecalac’s new 12-ton AS1600 departs from traditional wheel-loader design by a unique ability to pivot its fully loaded bucket up to 90 degrees. According to Peter Bigwood, general manager for Mecalac North America, the AS1600 departs from traditional wheel loader design by offering the “unique ability” to pivot its fully loaded bucket 90 degrees to either side. Source: Timberbiz
The 12-ton (10,920-kg) AS1600 reportedly requires only half the space of conventional loaders for tasks such as loading trucks or discharging materials with a standard 1.6-cubic-metre bucket.
The ability to swivel its bucket up to 90 degrees allows operators to approach jobs differently, impacting space management and logistics.
For example, the AS1600 could take up just one lane of traffic on a road rather than the two necessary for operating traditional loaders.
The AS1600 also provides increased stability over conventional articulated loaders, according to Mecalac. A rigid frame and an automatically engaging rear axle allow operators to pivot the bucket 90° without reducing overall stability, while other equipment can become unstable with a 45-degree turn.
Mecalac claims that the AS1600 is the only wheel loader of its class to offer a load over height of 3.40m and a turning radius of 4.35m across the rear.
The AS1600 is powered by a water-cooled 100-kW Deutz turbo-diesel engine featuring common-rail injection and an electronic engine controller with intelligent link to the traction drive to optimize performance and reduce fuel consumption.
The loader features three steering options – two-wheel, four-wheel and crab. Operators can simultaneously drive, pivot and manoeuvre. Bucket capacities range from 2.1 to 3.3 cubic yards.
