INDUSTRY INSIDER | December 5, 2024

Mecalac Offers Telescopic Wheel Loader to Improve Stability in Material Handling Applications

NORFOLK, Mass.  Mecalac, manufacturer and distributor of compact construction equipment for urban environments, offers the AT1050 telescopic wheel loader for the North American market. The telescopic loader, part of the AT Series, balances the functionality of a rigid chassis front loader with the maneuverability of an articulated loader. The AT1050 also combines functions, such as material handling and loading, for the construction, landscaping, recycling and composting industries.

The AT1050 stands out in its class due to its unique blend of compactness and speed. The AT1050’s rigid chassis keeps the machine balanced by retaining its center of gravity — even during tight turns — and four-wheel steering ensures outstanding maneuverability when navigating work sites. Three steering modes enable the operator to use two-wheel steer when travelling at up to 25 miles per hour, four-wheel steer for tight turns and crab steer for moving diagonally to get the AT1050 into position close to walls or obstacles. A rigid chassis also means that the unit loses no capacity while turning whereas a traditional articulating loader will reduce its capacity up to 30% while doing the same movement. The AT1050 is steady, but also swift. Unlike typical telehandlers that need plenty of room to maneuver, the telescopic loader can make a single movement within a radius of 12 feet, 2 inches (3.71 meters).

Typically, operators need to choose between a telehandler’s reach or a wheel loader’s ability to cut, move and grade materials. Jobs requiring both attributes may require both machines on an often-crowded jobsite. The AT1050 uses its innovative telescopic boom to perform both functions — and more. Featuring Mecalac’s patented hydraulic quick coupler, the AT1050 can quickly switch between forks to a number of other accessories such as buckets, hydraulic grapples, sweepers or job-specific implements.

“Why choose between a telehandler and a wheel loader when you can have both, and more?” said Peter Bigwood, general manager for Mecalac North America. “By combining flexibility, stability and mobility, the AT1050 extends what our customers can do with just one compact machine on an ever-shrinking job site.”

The AT1050 delivers heavy-duty performance with a Tier 4 Final 75-horsepower (55.4-kilowatt) engine with a DOC emissions control system. This means that there is no DPF or DEF fluid to manage, boosting uptime while mitigating de-rates and engine issues relating to bypassed regeneration cycles or compromised DEF systems. This is crucial in industries where a unit will be used by multiple operators and down time means revenue lost.  Equipped with loading forks, the machine has a lifting height of up to 15 feet, 2 inches (4.66 meters) and reach of up to 9 feet, 9 inches (3 meters). This working range is paired with a superior lifting force of more than 3 tons at 6,305 pounds (2,860 kilograms). The monoboom design offers a clear view of the work tool and the lifting kinematics combine the strength and breakout force of a loader and the reach of a telehandler. Expanding on this, the panoramic roof and large, tinted windows offer operators exceptional visibility of the worksite.

“There is a good deal of thought that goes into Mecalac machines like the AT1050 to make them robust, simple to use and easy to maintain,” continued Bigwood. “These qualities keep them working on site and earning money for our customers, which is why they are a must for several industries.”

Learn more about Mecalac’s full line of equipment at www.mecalac.com.