Robert Turner runs a beef finishing enterprise based just outside Markethill, Co Armagh. He finishes in the region of 200 heifers annually.
With the majority of Robert’s day-to-day farm work involving the use of a loader, he tends to keep the machine fresh, upgrading roughly every three years.
Last year, Robert purchased his eighth Kramer wheel loader, the KL30.8T, to replace his older 680T model – the first Kramer he’s had in the more recent green Kramer ag livery.
Background
By chance, Robert saw a Kramer loader working on a farm in 1993. “I happened to be at a farm where there was a Kramer 312 LE. At that time they were fairly new to the country, so there wasn’t too many of them about.
“I took an instant liking for it and brought it for a drive. I felt it was ahead of its competitors at the time. Its visibility and build quality appealed to me.”
The next year, Robert bought his first loader, a 312 LE model, from Boyds in Ballymoney which would have been the only Kramer dealer in the country at the time, he noted.
Since delivery during April 2019, Robert has clocked up 1,300 hours.
The machine went well and a number of years later, Robert traded it for the 418 T model. “The 418 T came with a telescopic boom and was an all-round more compact machine. It had the shape of the more modern models.”
The next model to follow the 418 T was the 521 T, which Robert said had a very high cab. After the 521 T, came a 580 T, followed by two 750 T models in a row and most recently a 680 T. The 680 T was traded in April 2019 for the KL30.8 T.
“The KL30.8 T is a slightly more compact machine compared to the previous 680 T, but with the same, if not more, ability.”
The compactness and maneuverability are two stand out features for Robert.
Engine and transmission
The Kl30.8 T is fitted with a four-cylinder Deutz engine. This 2.9l Stage V power plant churns out 75hp, which has never seen him stuck or short of power.
Most weeks, one fill of the loader’s 85l diesel tank will just about see the week through, although during the busy winter feeding months this can increase slightly. Robert said everything is easy to access in the engine bay.
“Once the bonnet is open, the engine oil dipstick, hydraulic and transmission oil sight glass and all filters are in sight and easily accessed, which isn’t so common on a lot of machines now.”
Coupled with the engine is the hydrostatic transmission built by GKN. Travelling a lot to and from outfarms, Robert opted for the optional 40km/h version (20km/h standard), which has dual speed ranges (0km/h to 7km/h and 0km/h to 20km/h). Shifting between ranges is just a matter of flicking a switch on the dash, which can be done without stopping.
To achieve the full 40km/h, two-wheel steer mode has to be selected which locks up the rear axle. The three selectable steering modes are front-wheel steer, four-wheel steer and crab steer.
Robert explained how four-wheel steering is great around the yard. But, surprisingly, the crab steer mode has come in more useful than he initially thought it would. He noted how it has proved its worth having come close to the odd wall or two.
Robert likes the hydrostatic transmission for its ease of use when shunting about the yard where he generally works in the slower of the two ranges for better speed control and response.
The loader has a max lift capacity of 2,000kg.
Hydraulics
Robert’s machine is fitted with the standard 70l/min Rexroth gear pump, although the option of a 115l/min pump was available.
Robert likes two hydraulic features in particular. One is the pressure release button on the boom leaving the attachment of hydraulic hoses easier. The second is the third service constant flow switch, which works well with yard sweeper as it saves holding the third service button on the joystick for a period of time.
Overall, Robert can’t fault the hydraulic system on his KL30.8 T, noting that its speed is more than enough for his day-to-day jobs, which include feeding bales and pit silage, cleaning out sheds, etc.
Cab
Robert is happy with the cab on his KL30.8 T and the control layout.
All switchgear is colour-coded depending on its operation, for example red switches relate to safety features, blue switches are driving features, green switches relate to hydraulic functions and the remaining grey switches are for the electrical system.
Visibility alongside reliability have been the main features that attracted him back to Kramer time after time.
“The visibility is something that has always been a standout feature on the Kramer models. The fact it’s a four-wheel steer and not a centre-pivot machine seems to allow for a lower boom pivot, which straight away offers better visibility.”
Robert didn’t opt for air conditioning given the fact both doors open 180° and latch back against the bonnet, which he said is perfect for a stockman’s machine. Robert likes that the joystick and armrest can be easily raised, allowing access in or out of the right hand door.
All the necessary functions are on the joystick, including forward/reverse shuttle, neutral, third service and all the typical boom functions.
Robert explained that his dealer was recently out fitting a sensor to the machine so that weight needs to be on the seat for the hydraulics to engage (standard on all models now).
“I fitted a reversing camera to the loader to eliminate the natural blind spot right behind the loader. This just gives reassurance that nobody or nothing is behind the loader when reversing.”
Verdict
With 1,300 hours clocked up since delivery in April 2019, it’s clear Robert’s KL30.8 T doesn’t sit idle for long periods of time. He has always liked the four-wheel steer concept for its stability and reduced number of wearing parts in comparison with a pivot steer.
“Over 26 years of owning Kramer loaders, there’s little I could fault with any of them, looking back. My running costs have always been low. The KL30.8 T so far has been no different, I’ve only had to replace one or two hydraulic hoses that bust, other than that it has been trouble-free. The hoses on the boom that are always flexing, I feel, would benefit from being twin-wire braided instead of single-wire braided.
“Backup from my local dealer couldn’t be faulted. Recently they called out unknown to me to fit the safety system to the seat. It’s good to know that they’re thinking about the customer.
“All my loaders have been fitted with the Kramer headstock, so I’ve a good selection of attachments gathered now. There’s a shear grab, a shear bucket, standard bucket, silage fork, yard sweeper, work platform, silage pusher, bale spike and a bale carrier, so there’s not much I can’t do with the loader. The quality has remained constant with Kramer right through the years. I can’t see me moving away from the brand anytime soon,” said Robert.
Likes
Visibility from the cab.Manoeuvrability around the yard.? Dislikes
No reversing camera as standard.Would like to see double-wire braided hydraulic hoses used on the boom.Specs
Engine: 2.9l four-cylinder Deutz (75hp).Transmission: 40km/h dual-speed hydrostatic (20km/h standard).Hydraulics: 70l/min gear pump (115l/min optional).Weight: 5,500kg.Lift capacity: 2,000kg.Telescopic reach: 4.5m.Tyres: 375/70 R20.Fuel tank capacity: 80l.List price: €95,000 plus VAT.
Robert Turner runs a beef finishing enterprise based just outside Markethill, Co Armagh. He finishes in the region of 200 heifers annually.
With the majority of Robert’s day-to-day farm work involving the use of a loader, he tends to keep the machine fresh, upgrading roughly every three years.
Last year, Robert purchased his eighth Kramer wheel loader, the KL30.8T, to replace his older 680T model – the first Kramer he’s had in the more recent green Kramer ag livery.
Background
By chance, Robert saw a Kramer loader working on a farm in 1993. “I happened to be at a farm where there was a Kramer 312 LE. At that time they were fairly new to the country, so there wasn’t too many of them about.
“I took an instant liking for it and brought it for a drive. I felt it was ahead of its competitors at the time. Its visibility and build quality appealed to me.”
The next year, Robert bought his first loader, a 312 LE model, from Boyds in Ballymoney which would have been the only Kramer dealer in the country at the time, he noted.
Since delivery during April 2019, Robert has clocked up 1,300 hours.
The machine went well and a number of years later, Robert traded it for the 418 T model. “The 418 T came with a telescopic boom and was an all-round more compact machine. It had the shape of the more modern models.”
The next model to follow the 418 T was the 521 T, which Robert said had a very high cab. After the 521 T, came a 580 T, followed by two 750 T models in a row and most recently a 680 T. The 680 T was traded in April 2019 for the KL30.8 T.
“The KL30.8 T is a slightly more compact machine compared to the previous 680 T, but with the same, if not more, ability.”
The compactness and maneuverability are two stand out features for Robert.
Engine and transmission
The Kl30.8 T is fitted with a four-cylinder Deutz engine. This 2.9l Stage V power plant churns out 75hp, which has never seen him stuck or short of power.
Most weeks, one fill of the loader’s 85l diesel tank will just about see the week through, although during the busy winter feeding months this can increase slightly. Robert said everything is easy to access in the engine bay.
“Once the bonnet is open, the engine oil dipstick, hydraulic and transmission oil sight glass and all filters are in sight and easily accessed, which isn’t so common on a lot of machines now.”
Coupled with the engine is the hydrostatic transmission built by GKN. Travelling a lot to and from outfarms, Robert opted for the optional 40km/h version (20km/h standard), which has dual speed ranges (0km/h to 7km/h and 0km/h to 20km/h). Shifting between ranges is just a matter of flicking a switch on the dash, which can be done without stopping.
To achieve the full 40km/h, two-wheel steer mode has to be selected which locks up the rear axle. The three selectable steering modes are front-wheel steer, four-wheel steer and crab steer.
Robert explained how four-wheel steering is great around the yard. But, surprisingly, the crab steer mode has come in more useful than he initially thought it would. He noted how it has proved its worth having come close to the odd wall or two.
Robert likes the hydrostatic transmission for its ease of use when shunting about the yard where he generally works in the slower of the two ranges for better speed control and response.
The loader has a max lift capacity of 2,000kg.
Hydraulics
Robert’s machine is fitted with the standard 70l/min Rexroth gear pump, although the option of a 115l/min pump was available.
Robert likes two hydraulic features in particular. One is the pressure release button on the boom leaving the attachment of hydraulic hoses easier. The second is the third service constant flow switch, which works well with yard sweeper as it saves holding the third service button on the joystick for a period of time.
Overall, Robert can’t fault the hydraulic system on his KL30.8 T, noting that its speed is more than enough for his day-to-day jobs, which include feeding bales and pit silage, cleaning out sheds, etc.
Cab
Robert is happy with the cab on his KL30.8 T and the control layout.
All switchgear is colour-coded depending on its operation, for example red switches relate to safety features, blue switches are driving features, green switches relate to hydraulic functions and the remaining grey switches are for the electrical system.
Visibility alongside reliability have been the main features that attracted him back to Kramer time after time.
“The visibility is something that has always been a standout feature on the Kramer models. The fact it’s a four-wheel steer and not a centre-pivot machine seems to allow for a lower boom pivot, which straight away offers better visibility.”
Robert didn’t opt for air conditioning given the fact both doors open 180° and latch back against the bonnet, which he said is perfect for a stockman’s machine. Robert likes that the joystick and armrest can be easily raised, allowing access in or out of the right hand door.
All the necessary functions are on the joystick, including forward/reverse shuttle, neutral, third service and all the typical boom functions.
Robert explained that his dealer was recently out fitting a sensor to the machine so that weight needs to be on the seat for the hydraulics to engage (standard on all models now).
“I fitted a reversing camera to the loader to eliminate the natural blind spot right behind the loader. This just gives reassurance that nobody or nothing is behind the loader when reversing.”
Verdict
With 1,300 hours clocked up since delivery in April 2019, it’s clear Robert’s KL30.8 T doesn’t sit idle for long periods of time. He has always liked the four-wheel steer concept for its stability and reduced number of wearing parts in comparison with a pivot steer.
“Over 26 years of owning Kramer loaders, there’s little I could fault with any of them, looking back. My running costs have always been low. The KL30.8 T so far has been no different, I’ve only had to replace one or two hydraulic hoses that bust, other than that it has been trouble-free. The hoses on the boom that are always flexing, I feel, would benefit from being twin-wire braided instead of single-wire braided.
“Backup from my local dealer couldn’t be faulted. Recently they called out unknown to me to fit the safety system to the seat. It’s good to know that they’re thinking about the customer.
“All my loaders have been fitted with the Kramer headstock, so I’ve a good selection of attachments gathered now. There’s a shear grab, a shear bucket, standard bucket, silage fork, yard sweeper, work platform, silage pusher, bale spike and a bale carrier, so there’s not much I can’t do with the loader. The quality has remained constant with Kramer right through the years. I can’t see me moving away from the brand anytime soon,” said Robert.
Likes
Visibility from the cab.Manoeuvrability around the yard.? Dislikes
No reversing camera as standard.Would like to see double-wire braided hydraulic hoses used on the boom.Specs
Engine: 2.9l four-cylinder Deutz (75hp).Transmission: 40km/h dual-speed hydrostatic (20km/h standard).Hydraulics: 70l/min gear pump (115l/min optional).Weight: 5,500kg.Lift capacity: 2,000kg.Telescopic reach: 4.5m.Tyres: 375/70 R20.Fuel tank capacity: 80l.List price: €95,000 plus VAT. 
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