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The Schaffer 9630T is gaining a reputation for solid design and reliability.
The German built Schaffer brand is imported to Ireland by TFM.
Clever handbrake position unobstructed by the passenger seat.
Air-con Controls located on the right footwell, not an easy reach.
Solid comfortable joystick integrated with the seat for operator comfort.
The pivot steer control which makes this machine extremely manoeuvrable is said to be maintenance-free and comes with a three-years or 3000-hour warranty from the manufacturer.
The HTF - High Traction Force - transmission system gives better traction and pushing effort for farmers who make pit silage.
The popularity of telescopic loaders on Irish farms has increased steadily, and has seen a huge lift in sales over the last year, nearly a 60% increase on the previous year. The transition away from a traditional tractor and loader offers huge advantages on many mixed farms. Once the initial move is made to buy a telehandler, very few farms will go without them ever again.Schäffer is imported and sold by TFM in Ireland. According to Pat Bergin, the brand has really kicked off this year, with nine units sold and some more deals at an advanced stage.
The popularity of telescopic loaders on Irish farms has increased steadily, and has seen a huge lift in sales over the last year, nearly a 60% increase on the previous year. The transition away from a traditional tractor and loader offers huge advantages on many mixed farms. Once the initial move is made to buy a telehandler, very few farms will go without them ever again.
Schäffer is imported and sold by TFM in Ireland. According to Pat Bergin, the brand has really kicked off this year, with nine units sold and some more deals at an advanced stage.
The German company was established by Heinrich Schäffer in 1956, and has passed down to the next generation of the family. The first pivot steer loader with a telescopic boom was made in 1996, and has developed from there.
The 9630T on test was a mid-sized machine, setting its stall out in the 120-130hp class, competing against the likes of the JCB TM 320. After an initial walk around the machine, impressions are that the Schäffer is a well put together, no-nonsense machine. The quality of build on the chassis and the engine hood strength all point towards a long working life.
The pivot steer control, which makes this machine extremely manoeuvrable, is said to be maintenance-free and comes with a three-year or 3000-hour warranty from the manufacturer. Powering the Schäffer is a Deutz four-cylinder engine developing a maximum output of 130hp.
Comfort in the cab
The cab is comfortable. The integrated controls in the seat armrest are ideal for loader work and long hours. Another really clever idea sees Schäffer move the handbrake from the traditional left side to the right side. The reason is that pulling up a handbrake with a passenger can be awkward.
All control functions are housed in the joystick, which allows the driver’s left hand to remain safely on the steering wheel for complete control of the machine. This features a roller switch for boom extension rather than the twist control on older models.
You can really only enter the machine from one side. The other door can be opened also, with a latch system for a welcome breeze. The main door opening is good, with a clearing height of just 1.5m. The average-sized person should have no difficulties entering and leaving the cabin numerous times during the day. The pillar width is 1.13m inside the cab, not huge yet comfortable. This also allows the machine to be compact inside sheds. What I can’t figure out is the positioning of the air-con controls, on the floor on the right side of the cabin; it seems easier to operate by foot rather than by hand.
The Schäffer has a good view outwards for loading, due to the low boom pivot point. This made it good on the pit also, keeping the centre of gravity low. On that point, the lowest ground clearance is 420mm on the standard tyres. For pit work, fitting dual wheels on the front would really benefit when climbing and shoving the grass up the pit.
Performance
This was my first time driving a pivot steer loader of this size with a hydrostatic transmission, switching over from the powershift model. It does take a little bit of getting used to. Coming to the edge of the pit, the machine can be inched forward by feathering the pedal.
Its HTF (High Traction Force) transmission system has a thrust that was previously unique in this class and matched up to the operating weight of the machine, for better traction and pushing effort for farmers who make pit silage. It also allows transport speeds of 35km/h.
When it comes to pushing, simply bury the pedal and the Schäffer responds, delivering the power to the wheels. To get the most out of the Schäffer, it has to be driven to get the full response.
To put it simply, if you’re a little meek with the pedal, the maximum thrust forward will not be available. At 8,500kg it has a decent weight for pit work, but we had it coupled with a 10ft Tighe fork, probably just a fraction too big for a machine of this size. That said, it was completely fine to use on the Schäffer, which has a 4,200kg lift capacity.
The rear axle never left the ground while on test with a full fork of silage. The silage was near to perfect with a day of wilting.
The oscillating rear axle did let the loader ride over some of the bumps on the pit also, without the feeling the machine was about to turn over. Pushing and lifting at the same time into the pile from the wagon tested the hydraulics, which pump out 120litres/min at 220 bar operating pressure.
I did manage to get a very decent shove to raise the fork and clamber up with a full fork. Flicking the joystick from side to side, the response was good to jolt out the grass too.
If you’re used to a big artic shovel on the pit, you might end up a little bit annoyed. But the flexibility with this machine on a mixed farm is fantastic. It is good on the pit, while still being able to stack bales at 5.1m, and corner around a tight cubicle house for winter feeding.
The tilt cylinder is protected within the telescopic boom, which helps prevent damage and wear to this otherwise vulnerable area. The sliding elements in the telescopic boom are made from Ferroforma special material that doesn’t wear, according to Schäffer.
The 9630 will still be available this year. Its successor, the 9640T, will be here in July. The 9640T is bigger offering more specification.
Capable all-rounder on the farm.
Functional, robust design.
Clever handbrake position.
Good frontward visibility.
Poor location of air-con controls.
Price depending on specification €80,000 plus VAT.
Higher driving seat position.
Diesel engine with more power (140hp) and more torque.
24in tyres as standard.
Drive train with 20km/h or optionally 40km/h.
ZF axles 17,600 daN load capacity.
Load-sensing and flow-sharing hydraulics with 145litre/min oil flow.
Hydraulically driven fan – reversing function as an option.
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