The Mecalac compact loader line arrives in North America

The Mecalac MCL2 compact loader.
The Mecalac MCL2 compact loader.

Designed for space management, versatility and ergonomics, the Mecalac Compact Loader (MCL) line is now available in North America. 

The MCL line is designed with a similar size as a skid steer, but with additional features and functionality. The new series of loaders includes the MCL2, MCL4, MCL4+, MCL6, MCL6+ and MCL8.

The smallest loader in the line, the MCL2 weighs 1,740 kg and is powered by a 25 hp engine that enables a maximum travel speed of 11 km per hour. The MCL8, the largest MCL loader, features a 2,850 kg operating weight and a 45 hp engine with a maximum travel speed of 30 km per hour. 

“We came out with six machines. Why? Because the markets are very separate. It’s construction, it’s rental, it’s agriculture, its many markets, and each market takes care of different things,” said Patrick Brehmer, Head of Design and Product Management for Mecalac. 

The MCL2 and MCL4 models deliver 30 litres per minute of hydraulic flow, while the MCL6 and MCL8 models provide 60 litres per minute of hydraulic flow. 

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Each compact loader has an option for auxiliary hydraulic lines on the boom and at the rear of the machine, as well as 12V electrical outlets, allowing the ability to use hydraulic attachments on either end of the machine. 

All MCL machines feature 45-degree articulation that keeps the front wheels travelling in the same path as the rear wheels while driving. As well, a 10-degree oscillation allows a strong follow-up and maximum traction during travel. 

“It’s a very compact machine with a very high articulation angle and taking the smallest footprint possible,” Brehmer said. 

Comfort equals safety

Safety continues to be a key focus for Mecalac in the MCL series with easy accessibility for entering the cab or re-fuelling from a solid ground footing. Additionally, the machines offer enhanced side and top visibility over similar sized skid steers. In the cab, Mecalac has focused on operator comfort and ease of use to promote safe operation. 

“Ergonomics is comfort, safety and efficiency. And it’s often linked: if something is comfortable, it will be safe and efficient,” Brehmer said. 

Mecalac M-Drive

The M-Drive and speed control features allow the loader to function as a tool carrier, providing control of rpm by hand throttle and speed via a foot pedal. This enables precise and controlled operation of a wide variety of hydraulic attachments.

The ability to define the speed range via the foot pedal provides supplemental benefits for several applications. For example, the operator can select a lower speed to improve accuracy on precise applications, such as flail mowing, sweeping or when using log grapple attachments. 

“So, you can manage independently completely the speed of your engine, the flow, hydraulic flow and driving speed. And you can set that this changes the way to work with hydraulic tools,” Brehmer said.

Both Speed Control and M-Drive are standard on the MCL6 and MCL8 models and are options for the MCL2 and MCL4 models. 

Easy transportability

The MCL line’s ease of transportability appeals to contractors hauling multiple pieces of equipment as well as rental fleets handling pickup and delivery.

Each machine in the MCL series offers easy transportability between jobsites with transport weight ranging between 1,740 kg and 2,850 kg and a width range of 1 metre to 1.3 metres depending on tire selection. 

Boom options

The MCL4+ and MCL6+ models come equipped with a short boom, which offers an improved tipping load, where the other four models come with a long boom that maximizes tipping height. Long or short boom, the MCL series machines yield multi-functionality through compatibility with a wide range of attachments. For example, with its hydraulic and electric auxiliary lines, the MCL series is ideal for snow removal, as an operator can mount a snow blade on the front and a salt spreader on the rear of the machine.   

Customization options for the MCL series allow customers to tailor the machine to their specific operation. A start-up code, entered on a keypad, offers the owner with tracking and monitoring capabilities by assigning a specific code for each operator. The code also minimizes the risk of theft. 

Each machine is available in three versions — canopy, canopy with foldable top or a cab version — in combination with a wide selection of attachments, which drives versatility and customization capabilities for individual operations. 

“The versatility is through the incredible hydraulics, electrical and drive functions with M Drive and speed control and the ergonomics because it’s extremely safe, extremely stable and easy to enter,” Brehmer said.