Situated near the village of Ballynacarrigy, between Mullingar and Edgeworthstown, Pat Medforth runs a spring-calving dairy herd. Like most dairy farms, a loader plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day running of the business, particularly during the winter months and at either end of the grazing season.
After decades of relying on a John Deere 6620 tractor fitted with a Quicke front loader for all handling duties, Pat, like many farmers over the last decade, began considering the move to a telescopic loader.
“My local contractor advised me to look at a wheel loader or telehandler, so I gave it some thought. I looked at several brands, including JCB, Weidemann and Schäffer, but dealer proximity was an issue at the time. The Kramer offered a few features the others didn’t and happened to be competitively priced,” Pat explained.
In late 2020, Pat took delivery of a new Kramer KL35.8T, along with a range of attachments. Once familiar with the machine, he quickly saw the benefits of a dedicated loader over a tractor and front loader, particularly in terms of comfort and productivity.
After clocking up around 3,000 hours over the following five years, Pat decided to trade the machine this spring for a new KL37.8T.
“The first loader performed well. The only real issue was a few hoses around the boom burst, but they were replaced under warranty. To give credit to Kramer, they’ve changed the layout of hydraulic hoses around the boom on the new machine,” he said.
KL37.8T
The KL37.8T forms part of the German manufacturer’s latest 8-Series loader range. Introduced in 2024, the updated line-up brought a host of revisions. Distinguished by subtle styling changes and a dark grey paint scheme that contrasts with Kramer’s signature green livery, the latest generation focuses heavily on improved performance and efficiency.
Effectively replacing the KL35.8T, the new model features a larger frame and increased capability. As suggested by the “37” in Kramer’s model numbering, tipping load rises by 200kg to 3,700kg, compared with 3,500kg for its predecessor. Maximum stacking height has increased slightly too, from 4.5m to 4.6m.
As a result, operating weight has risen too, from 5,850kg to between 6,200kg and 6,700kg, depending on specification. Overall, Kramer believes the KL37.8T is better positioned to compete with rival machines in this segment.
Engine and transmission
Under the bonnet, a 75hp four-cylinder Deutz engine is fitted as standard, while buyers can opt for a larger 3.6l Deutz engine producing 101hp, the latter being fitted to Pat’s machine.
Power is transmitted through a hydrostatic transmission available in 20km/h, 30km/h or 40km/h configurations depending on specification. Four operating modes are available as standard: Power, Eco, Road and CSD (Constant Speed Drive).
Like most dairy farms, the majority of Pat’s workload takes place within the yard, meaning maximum road speed is rarely called upon, despite being the 40km/h version. As a result, the loader spends most of its time in Power mode to maximise hydraulic performance.
Unique to Kramer is the four-wheel steer, rigid body approach whereas most competitors instead opt for an articulated chassis. Like a telehandler, operators can choose between four-wheel steer, front-wheel steer and crab steer modes. For road travel, Pat locks the rear axle steering and operates in front-wheel steer mode.
Hydraulics
The revised 8-Series benefits from an upgraded hydraulic system. Flow rate has increased from 84l/min to 90l/min, while Kramer has also introduced a load-independent flow distribution system (LUDV).
In practice, this allows operators to carry out multiple hydraulic functions simultaneously without compromising performance. Up to three movements can be performed at once, helping to reduce cycle times and improve productivity.
Pat praised the loader’s ability to manage several hydraulic functions simultaneously, particularly when operating the shear grab.
Another addition, although not frequently used, is the ability to individually adjust hydraulic flow rates for boom lift, bucket crowd and auxiliary services.
Like most modern loaders, the KL37.8T also incorporates a range of automated boom functions, including return-to-dig, upper and lower height limits, bucket shake, adjustable activation speeds for the boom suspension system and more.
A further standard feature, unique to Kramer is the Smart Attach hydraulic coupling system, which eliminates the need to manually connect and disconnect hydraulic hoses when changing implements.
Having heard the new machine had it equipped, Pat replaced his 6ft NC shear grab with a Smart Attach-ready 5ft model.
“Although the previous machine had an oil pressure release button that made connecting couplers easy, the Smart Attach system is a good feature,” he believes. “However, it did require new oil seals after about 20 hours, which were covered under warranty. Since then, it has worked perfectly,” he said.
Cab and comfort
When the new machine arrived, Pat quickly noticed it was not fitted with the air conditioning originally specified. However, Meath Farm Machinery (Cavan) later exchanged it for a machine equipped with air conditioning.
Not only was its worth proven during the record temperatures this summer, but Pat also finds it particularly useful for clearing a misted windscreen.
Although fitted with the larger panorama cab option, Pat said that it feels slightly smaller in comparison to his previous machine. He also noted the absence of a passenger seat.
That said, he believes the newer control layout is a good improvement, particularly given the fact all major controls are on the armrest.
With the new generation, Kramer has moved away from the simple armrest arrangement to a more tractor-like control arm.
Alongside the joystick, the folding armrest homes all essential controls and incorporates a 7in display, giving the cab a more premium feel.
Machine information is clearly displayed on the home screen, while settings and machine parameters can be adjusted using dedicated menus and a rotary controller.
Through the terminal, hydraulic flow rates can also be fine-tuned for the boom, attachments and auxiliary services.
Capacities
The KL37.8T offers a maximum lift capacity of 3,700kg and a maximum reach of 4.6m, both of which comfortably meet the demands of Pat’s day-to-day workload.
In addition to the 5ft shear grab, the machine is regularly used with a soft hands bale handler, bucket and pallet forks, undertaking all the usual loader duties associated with a busy dairy farm.
According to Pat, one of the most noticeable changes between the older machine and the latest model is the boom design.
“The boom on the KL37.8T pivots much lower than on the KL35.8T, and is noticeably neater the whole way down to the headstock,” he explained.
Verdict
With around 400 hours now recorded on the new machine, Pat believes the switch to a dedicated wheel loader is one that he wouldn’t undo, and something that with the benefit of hindsight should have been done years ago.
“Despite taking some time to get used to at the start, it’s nimbler and more comfortable to operate around a yard than a tractor and loader, visibility is much better too. I like the simplicity of the Kramer, especially when there can be several different drivers. It’s a machine that anyone can jump into and quickly get the hang of.
“In terms of build quality and performance, it’s difficult to fault. The only things I feel Kramer overlooked when updating the cab were the seat and the access steps. The seat could be more comfortable, and the design of the steps could allow for better access to and from the cab.”
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