Tractor and crane combination is the perfect match for utility work

September 26, 2018

When leading Welsh Agricultural dealer David Evans Agri Ltd (DEAL) was approached by a customer for a bespoke tractor with a crane, they knew exactly which brand to use to get the perfect solution.

Visiting the DEAL dealership one day, Mark Davis, owner of M&D Services in Port Talbot, spotted in the yard a similar customised tractor – which had been built by David previously – and decided that he just had to have one of his own.

“The tractor/crane combo in David’s yard was intended for forestry use and I knew I needed something bigger, so this was a new challenge for DEAL,” said Mark.

“We fabricated and installed the mounting kit ourselves” says David, “making sure it was the perfect fit for Mark’s Fendt 936 Vario tractor. Building this for a customer was a bit of an experiment so we knew that it was important to have the back-up of the importer of a high-quality crane, so I came to Palfinger UK.” The bespoke fitment from DEAL goes even further by enabling the user to detach the crane and auxiliary leg stabilisers when required, so that the tractor can be used with or without the crane, or with other implements as required.

Rear mounted on the Fendt 936 Vario, the medium duty Palfinger PK 19.001 SLD5 has a 4-extension C Boom with lifting capacity of up to 18.5 tonne metres and a 12.6-metre reach. The lightweight design from Palfinger enables higher payloads than other cranes of a similar size, making the PK 19.001 SLD5 ideal for the wide range of heavy lifting tasks for which Mark requires it.

Additionally, the front and rear additional Palfinger stabilisers offer Mark both increased stability on uneven terrain around his home patch of South Wales and extra support for heavier loads, enabling him to lift and move larger items quickly and easily.

Les Drage, Head of Technical and Sales at Palfinger UK, detailed the work put into the project by the Palfinger UK team, commenting, “this was a special project with a significant amount of bespoke mechanical, hydraulic and electric interface work completed prior to dispatch from the Palfinger UK Devizes depot.

“Extensive liaison and support were provided initially from the Area Sales Manager Stuart Wilson, as well as from Project Engineers Rob and Gary to the team at David Evans Agricultural Ltd, while on-site stability testing was carried out by Steve in the Palfinger UK Service department before final handover. We’re pleased with the outcome and enjoyed working with David and his team on this specialist project.”

“I intend to use the tractor in my work with Utilities providers mostly”, said Mark. “In the countryside around South Wales very often these companies need to install poles, pipes and cables in areas which truck-mounted cranes can’t reach, such as through fields or down tracks – my tractor mounted crane solves the problem and will open up more opportunities for me in those areas of work.”

The 936 Vario itself boasts a maximum 366hp from a 7.1 litre Deutz TCD 2013 L06 turbocharged diesel engine; combined with the strength and power of the Palfinger crane it adds up to an impressive machine for M&D Services.

Speaking of the build, David is definitely open to working on other bespoke jobs in the future, “this really is a specialist bit of kit and sort of a prototype for us really. We think it’s gone very well and are certainly interested in working on similar projects in the future with Palfinger cranes. Our facilities here at DEAL are well-equipped to manage these sorts of projects and my team are always ready to help provide a solution to meet our customers’ requirements.”

On his experience working with the Palfinger UK team, David has nothing but praise. “The team at Palfinger UK have been great, I can’t complain at all. The Palfinger UK team and especially Project Engineer, Rob, was very helpful, coming out to support with the crane fitment and always available on the phone to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the build.”

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