Mecalac AS900tele loader takes aim at backhoes, wheel loaders, telehandlers

Marcia Doyle Headshot
Updated Dec 8, 2020
Mecalac’s 8-ton AS900tele telescopic swing loader.Mecalac’s 8-ton AS900tele telescopic swing loader.

Functioning as a loader, telehandler or landscaping tool, the 8-ton Mecalac AS900tele telescopic swing loader — now available in North America — is designed to reduce the need for additional equipment.

With 22.2-gpm auxiliary hydraulics, the machine can use several attachments, including mowers, road sweepers and earth augers, and do work usually performed by backhoes, conventional wheel loaders and telehandlers, says the company.

The AS900tele features Mecalac’s AS Series swing design. Operators can swivel the fully loaded bucket 90 degrees on either side. With the rotated bucket, the machine can fill trenches or carry pipes while requiring less operating space, says Mecalac. Only a single lane is required to complete road projects.

Mecalac AS900tele telescopic swing loaderWith a lifting height of 15.5 feet and outreach of 11.5 feet, the AS900tele allows operators to minimize repositioning while maximizing reach, says the company. It has a carrying capacity of 5,004 pounds at full extension.

The machine has three steering options — 2-wheel, 4-wheel and crab, allowing operators to simultaneously drive, pivot and maneuver, regardless of ground conditions. Combined with the swivel arm, this gives the unit a 20% smaller turning radius compared to traditional wheel loaders.

The AS900tele also offers increased stability over traditional articulated loaders and telehandlers, says Mecalac. The balanced design combined with the automatically locking rear axle allows operators to safely maneuver in all positions and on all terrains.

“All the AS Series units were designed around a single idea — how do we improve the articulated loader to provide better efficiency and streamline the worksite,”  says Peter Bigwood, general manager for Mecalac North America. “The AS900tele takes that innovation a step further, replacing two or even three other machines without sacrificing the productivity or safety of Mecalac’s swing loader.”