Kramer telehandlers are backed by a long history, quality German engineering and a list of standard features
Kramer telehandlers are serious workhorses specifically designed for the agriculture industry.
Manufactured in Germany and distributed locally by Brandt, they have been designed to be reliable and solid for all farming needs while including a wide range of impressive features as standard.
Kramer’s presence in Australia may only date back about four years, but the company itself – which started by making tractors exclusively – is due to celebrate its century next year.
Five models are imported by Brandt into Australia – the KT144, KT276, KT307, KT407 and KT457.
The first two numbers of Kramer’s models represent the unit’s lift capacity with the third number representing its reach.
This means Kramer customers in Australia have a choice of between 1.4 tonne and 4.5 tonne maximum lifts with reaches between 4m and 7m.
It is not simply a case of defining their value by the lift capacity and reach though, as Kramer aims to make its telehandlers stand out through the depth of features which are offered as standard.
“The specifications mean even our base models offer some of the highest features on the market,” Brandt’s Director of Shortline Nick Clements says.
“Every telehandler we bring in comes with a central lubing system, so you don’t have to grease the machine.
“That’s an ease for the farmer not having to worry about the machines getting greased, because they are maintained by a central system.
“Reversing cameras are brought in as standard along with the under-body bash plating, so the machine is protected from underneath for working on rough conditions.
“It also comes with three years of telematics included, so the grower can get live diagnostics free of charge 365 days of the year.”
By offering telehandlers from 1.4 tonne to 4.5 tonne capacities, Kramer can appeal to a wide section of the market.
The smallest telehandlers have found a niche among construction and event hire companies, Clements says, with the midsize telehandlers being popular with dairy farms for use in sheds and cleaning out muck.
Hay contractors are a target market for the largest of Kramer’s local telehandlers.
One farmer who has purchased the second largest model is South Australia’s Sam Shinkle.
Based near the Victorian border, the grain, sheep and cattle farmer bought his KT407 from Brandt’s Naracoorte branch.
Shinkle is using the telehandler for hay handling, loader work such as moving pallets and some small construction work around the farm.
“I got recommended the Kramer telehandler. I looked at a couple of others and it seemed like this one was a better machine,” he says.
“They brought it out for a demo, and I enjoyed the machine – I just like how it worked.
“Anyone else that has driven it has commented how much they like it as well, specifically like truck drivers that load their own hay.
“They like everything about it, but they often comment how smooth and quiet it is, particularly the transmission being smooth.”
He also praises the “excellent” service from Brandt Naracoorte salesman Jamie Atkinson and says he would “absolutely” purchase machinery from Brandt again in the future.
The telehandler’s smoothness and quietness are other areas which Shinkle highlights as being standouts on the KT407.
All Kramer telehandlers are driven by an electronically controlled hydrostatic gearbox, combining comfort and power in one transmission.
This means they can accelerate from a standstill to 40km/h without shifting, bringing the benefits of reduced fuel usage while increasing the smoothness, which Shinkle highlights.
Across the board, there are also different transmission versions available for individual models.
All-wheel, front-wheel, crab and manual crab steering modes are all included as standard to help operators work in any conditions, while its compact dimensions help to reduce the turning radius.
Kramer telehandlers have three functional modes – bucket, stacking and manual – which can all be controlled through the ergonomic joystick.
The Smart Handling overload protection system keeps everything under control in any situation.
Its intelligent driver assistance system prevents loads from reaching the overload area and eliminates the chance of the machine overturning, while it handles many routine tasks, such as extension and retraction of the telescopic arm, allowing the operator to focus on the job.
Inside the cabin, Kramer’s KT307 and KT407 come with the option of 2.3m cabin height or increased 2.5m height for greater visibility.
Intelligence, comfort and power have all been focal points of Kramer’s telehandler design, while Clements also highlights their robust nature.
“The machines get larger as the horsepower gets larger, the chassis frame beefs up and the functionality and accessories increase as well,” he says.
“The ruggedness of the machine’s hitch is another of the standout features.”
The torsionally stiff heavy-duty frame can safely accommodate the high payloads of the machine, thanks to its closed design and large material thicknesses.
“Kramer might have only been launched in Australia in the last four years, but customers can feel confident in the longevity and history with how long the brand has been around for,” Kramer says.
“They are getting the backing of a well-made German product with some of the highest features on the market.”
Kramer telehandlers are distributed in Australia by Brandt and the full range can be viewed online at www.brandt.ca/au