LoadMax Wheel Loaders Review: The Ultimate Feeding Machines at Crawford Farms
Updated: 3 days ago
Managing intensive agricultural operations means heavy material handling can rapidly take a toll on standard machinery. Upgrading to dedicated LoadMax wheel loaders provides the industrial breakout force and operational stability needed to process feed in half the time — all while protecting your primary tractors from expensive mechanical wear and tear.
In this case study, we hear directly from Geoff Crawford of Crawford Farms in Northland. He explains why their dedicated LoadMax wheel loaders have become the most valuable pieces of equipment across their farming operations.
Key Takeaways: LoadMax on the Farms
High-Volume Material Moving: Replaced traditional tractor loaders to move over 3,000 tonnes of annual feed seamlessly.
Streamlined Feeding Efficiency: Dedicated LoadMax machines operate as standalone mixers and distributors, eliminating individual multi-tractor or mixing wagon setups.
High-Frequency Reliability: Each machine runs three times a day, 24/7, keeping the operations moving with exceptional uptime.
Robust Local Support: Backed by Endraulic's rapid backup service and local Auckland parts warehouse.
How do you use LoadMax Wheel Loaders on your farms?
Crawford Farms uses LoadMax Wheel Loaders as a high-volume feed management system to move and mix thousands of tonnes of material annually.
"The majority of the jobs is feeding out," Geoff says. "We feed a lot of palm kernel—we probably feed on this farm 1,000 tonnes of palm kernel a year. We feed probably in excess of 2,000 tonnes of maize."
To handle these heavy volumes cleanly, Geoff paired their LoadMax loaders with custom attachments. "We've bought these buckets here that we put on our LoadMax. They are a 2-cube bucket, and that's what we use as a mixer bucket and feeding out."
Can a wheel loader replace a tractor and mixing wagon?
Yes, investing in dedicated wheel loaders with specialised attachments can entirely eliminate the need for multi-tractor setups and dedicated mixing wagons.
By utilising high-capacity mixer bucket attachments on his LoadMax loaders, Geoff completely cut out redundant machinery. "We don't have a mixer wagon, which means multiple tractors. We just have the LoadMax that does everything. We can mix in palm kernel and maize, mix it, and feed it into the sheds behind us."
This consolidated configuration prevents repetitive hitching and saves tractors from intensive mechanical fatigue across his properties. Geoff considers them essential assets: "It's outstanding equipment on our farm. It's probably the most valuable bit of equipment that we have. It gets used three times a day, 24/7, and it's so reliable it's unbelievable.
How is the customer service and parts support with Endraulic?
Endraulic provides comprehensive backup service and responsive support to ensure machinery handles intensive, round-the-clock farm work without downtime across New Zealand.
Reliable local backup service is crucial when machinery handles daily operational feeding. Geoff highlights that dealing with the local team provides excellent peace of mind when minor issues arise.
"We found Endraulic outstanding," Geoff explains. "Nothing's an issue. For the small issues that we've had, we've found that the backup service is outstanding."
LoadMax Premium Features & Specifications
Industrial Capacity: Bucket size configurations ranging from 1m³ up to 2.5m³.
Rapid Attachment Changes: Quick hitch design with versatile utility options.
Operator Comfort: Premium air-conditioned cab options featuring excellent all-around working visibility.
Peace of Mind Warranty: Covered by a comprehensive 2-year / 2,000-hour warranty.
Nationwide Logistics: Supported by a dedicated local parts warehouse located in Auckland for immediate dispatch.
Get in Touch with Endraulic Today
Not sure which loader specification fits your daily workspace layout?
Contact the Endraulic team to discuss your specific handling jobs and material requirements. We will help you find the right loader size and attachment package for your business.
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