The New Mecalac AS 1600: Efficient, Versatile and Uncompromisingly Intuitive

19 April 2016, 12:05

by Mecalac (Europe)

On the bauma, Mecalac presents a new, 4-wheel steered swing loader: the AS 1600. It replaces the popular predecessor, the AS 150 that for 13 years had been the flagship in the 11-ton-class.

The AS 1600 comes in an entirely new design and with a number of features Mecalac for the first time developed for a loader of this class. This includes a new intuitive operating concept, the new traction drive with MDrive, a new low-emission engine, the load-sensing hydraulic system with flow sharing and analysis of loader data via the Mecadiag diagnostic system. As a professional wheel loader, the AS 1600 was developed to meet the highest of demands on productivity, profitability, reliability, convenience and versatility.

It is the only wheel loader of its class reaching a load over height of 3.4 m, and with a turning radius of only 4.35 m across the rear it is ideal for confined work sites. The AS 1600 handles even larger buckets than its predecessor: several bucket sizes from 1.6 to 2.5 m³ and several types are available.

Boom with ZPLUS kinematics

The AS 1600 can swing its ZPLUS kinematics boom by 90 degrees to both sides. This kinematics developed by Mecalac boasts high and constant tear-out and reset forces and a constant force curve across the entire tipping range, ensuring powerful but also sensitive operation. In addition, the ZPLUS kinematics ensures exact parallel guidance, which is particularly important when working with pallet forks.

All of the bucket assembly functions are damped, which allows for jolt-free, comfortable working.

The boom suspension is a standard feature. For this reason, the maximum bucket filling can be quickly transported even over rough ground without loss, and the driver is protected against unnecessary vibrations.

Safety and efficiency

Like all other Mecalac swing loaders, the AS 1600 is based on a torsion-free rigid chassis with Mecalac 4-wheel steering. As a result, the centre of gravity is always in the loader’s centre, even during steering. This translates to maximum stability and agility.

Mecalac swing loaders are unique worldwide because they can swing the bucket arm without tipping load loss. With a swing range of 180°, they are ideal for process-oriented working even in most confined spaces (minimum impact on the traffic, time savings, less fuel consumption). Another major benefit: they are extremely versatile and can be used as wheel loader, rough terrain forklift, excavator or for lifting. A wide range of attachments offers an enormous variety of capabilities.

Intelligent engine and traction drive concept

The AS 1600 comes with a water cooled 90 kW Deutz turbo diesel engine with intercooler that complies with the requirements of EU Stage III B. With a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), maintenance-free operation is ensured in all situations and under all environmental conditions.

The powerful Common Rail injection system and the electronic engine control with intelligent link to the drive management ensure optimum engine performance at low fuel consumption.

The AS 1600 is equipped with an automotive hydrostatic traction drive with MDrive. 3 switching stages selectable jolt-free under load allow for an optimum adaption to the work situation while helping optimise the fuel consumption.

With the MDrive function, hand throttle and inching speed can be coupled to the pedal and the inching speed controlled as desired in the lowest drive stage. This simplifies working with hydraulically operated attachments such as planer, mower, grader, plate compactor or sweeper significantly.

When travelling on roads, the Eco mode function offers additional fuel savings.

Load sensing hydraulic system

The load sensing system with flow sharing adapts the delivery rate of the hydraulic pump to the active consumers. In this way, optimum hydraulic power is available to all working cycles at all times.

The powerful auxiliary hydraulics - a series feature - offers a flow rate of 138 l/min at 280 bar.

Panorama space cab with intuitive operating concept

In terms of volume, the cab of the AS 1600 is the largest of its class.

The perfectly matched controls increase the productivity and offer maximum convenience.

The driver’s seat is centrally located and allows for an optimum view of the work environment. All operating

and driving controls, including those for the auxiliary hydraulics, are integrated in the ergonomic, pilotcontrolled joystick.

2 large doors with sliding windows allow for entry and exit on both sides of the loader. This is a safety asset in confined spaces, for example next to much travelled roads.

Setting and monitoring of various loader functions such as the flow rate of the auxiliary hydraulics and selection of the travelling speed in the lowest drive stage is possible with the central multifunction display with integrated on-board computer. The Mecalac 4-wheel steering is synchronised automatically.

When any of the 3 drive modes (parking, working, road travelling) is selected with the selector switch, several safety-relevant functions are enabled automatically. For example in the “road travelling” mode: working hydraulics and working lights switch off, the fuel saving Eco Mode is enabled, the presence of the bucket protection is checked, and much more.

The series equipment comprises an air conditioning system, a comfortable seat and ample storage space.

Diagnosis and maintenance

The Mecadiag diagnostic system makes it easy to analyse the loader data. It offers fast diagnosis and optimised maintenance because the service technician can quickly identify the required measures.

Source: Groupe Mecalac S.A.