From wheel loaders to backhoes to skid steers, there are many ways of loading material on a jobsite. But French manufacturer Mecalac says when you need a small footprint, versatility and speed, its new line of compact loaders will fit the bill.
Introduced at a May 17 media event in Denver, the MCL, or Mecalac Compact Loader line, will offer six models ranging from 3,836 to 6,283 pounds: the MCL2, MCL4, MCL4+, MCL6, MCL6+ and MCL8.
“Plus” models feature a standard short boom for greater lifting capacities, while the other four models come with a long boom for increased dumping height. Depending on tire selection, machine widths range from 3 feet 4 inches to 4 feet 4 inches.
The MCL2 and 4 models are powered by a 25-horsepower Perkins diesel engine, with travel speeds up to 7 mph for the MCL2, and 12 mph for MCL4 and 4+.
The MCL6, 6+ and 8 are equipped with a 49-horsepower Perkins diesel engine and travel up to 12 mph with an option for travel speeds up to 19 mph.
Head of Design and Product Management Patrick Brehmer says being a boutique manufacturer has allowed Mecalac to offer features and functionality not found on other machines this size, commonly called small articulated loaders.
The cabin of the MCL is on the rear chassis for added stability, while a suspended axle and 10-degree central oscillation ensure a smoother ride and better traction, the company says. Each machine has 45-degree articulation that keeps the front wheels traveling in the same path as the rear wheels while driving. Dual-entry doors with steps and handrails allow operators to enter the cab from a solid ground footing.
“It’s a very compact machine with a very high articulation angle while taking the smallest footprint possible,” said Brehmer. “And even though they’re compact, there’s much more technology installed in them.”
The complementary M-Drive and speed control features allow operators to set the engine speed independently from the drive speed, allowing the loader to function as a toolcarrier. Engine rpms can be controlled with the hand throttle and speed via foot pedal. Mecalac says this enables more precise and controlled operation of various hydraulic attachments, such as flail mowers, sweepers and log grapples. Speed Control and M-Drive are standard on the MCL6 and MCL8 and optional for the MCL2 and MCL4.
A variety of attachments are compatible with the units, and Mecalac’s quick-coupling technology makes it easy to pair augers, mowers, loader buckets and more with the loaders. Auxiliary hydraulic lines on the boom and rear and 12V three-pole plugs allow for added attachment versatility and productivity. For example, a snow blade could be mounted on the front with a salt spreader on the back. The MCL2 and 4 models offer 7.9 gallons per minute of hydraulic flow. The MCL6 and 8 provide 15.9 gallons per minute.
A start-up digicode can be assigned to each operator for tracking and monitoring. It can also serve as a theft deterrent. For remote equipment monitoring, Mecalac offers its MyMecalac Connected telematics services as an option. Owners can add the telematics box, which comes with a two-year subscription, to any MCL model.
The MCL range is available with a canopy or cab. The compact loaders have already arrived at select dealers in the U.S. A foldable canopy option will be available later this year.
