New MST backhoe from Sanko

The new MST Concept backhoe loader from Turkish manufacturer Sanko Makina is said to be the cleanest and most environmentally-friendly machine it has built at its Gaziantep factory.

Reseach and development director Zafer Özbalaban said, "We take our responsibility for the environment very seriously."

The new backhoe loader has a Stage IIIB/Tier 4 interim engine. The electronically-controlled Perkins 1204E engine uses a high-pressure common rail fuel system. It is equipped with a NOx reduction system and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) for emission control.

Sanko said that the net horsepower remained unchanged from the previous model's Perkins 1104D engine, although the net torque value has been increased by 10%. It said this resulted in superior performance and reduced fuel consumption.

Mr Özbalaban said that increased fuel efficiency was being demanded by customers.

The MST series of backhoe loaders will still feature models powered by Tier 3A and Tier 2 engines for countries which have less stringent regulations, although Mr Özbalaban said that the company would encourage the use of Stage IIIB/Tier 4 interim engine.

The new Concept model has an advanced electronic control unit - Trax - and Sanko offers a variety of drive train options. These run from a fully automated powershift transmission to the most fuel economical version - syncro power shuttle transmission from Carraro.

There are new controls in the MST Concept. PPC servo control backhoe joysticks are standard, while mechanical backhoe levers are also available as an option. The front loader is fitted with a single lever joystick for operating loader arm and bucket movements, 4-in-1 bucket opening and closing, and kick-down and transmission dump functions.

Sanko claimed that the MST series backhoe could offer every option for the hydraulic system on the market.

The cab has been redesigned with more space and tinted glass. There is a multi-adjustable steering column, and the steering controls and instruments are designed to reduce fatigue in operators.

The front loader uses the same kinematics as the previous series. Sanko said both ends of the machine could be equipped with versatile, easy-to-use attachments and quick couplers. The machine can be configured with general or multi-purpose loader buckets, pallet forks, hydraulic thumb, standard- and heavy-duty excavator buckets, or hydraulic breaker attachments.

Mr Özbalaban said that 30% of Sanko Makina's production was for the domestic Turkish market, while 10 to 15% of the company's exports went to European destinations.