The popularity of big bales of hay with farmers was one thing, but handling and storing them was another because there was virtually no existing or suitable farming equipment available for the jobs.

Initially, innovative farmers adapted various forms of industrial machines for the job, but it wasn't long too long before manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon and developed a series of specially designed machines, or loaders as they are sometimes referred today, for agricultural purposes.

Of course, they were not designed just for handling big, heavy square bales of hay. The new brands of agricultural loaders were designed for reaching and lifting all kinds of things, including pressed bales of wool among other things.

Leading the charge in agriculturally designed telehandler-type loaders was the British-based JCB Tractors & Excavators, probably better known by some for its Fastrac Tractors.

In this week's AgTrader, G&J East, Kadina is advertising a secondhand JBC 541-70 Agri Super Loader at an attractive price of $93,500.

East's spokesman Colin Adams described the loader, with just 3000 hours on the clock, as being in top condition having been well maintained and regularly serviced by the dealership since new.

"It is really one of the top agricultural loaders on the market today, boasting a reach of 3.7 metres, a maximum 4000-kilogram lifting capacity and a maximum lifting height of 7m," Mr Adams said.

"It is fitted with a smooth ride boom, quick-hitch which incorporates an LSP Hydraulic system.

"Power for the unit is from a 93kw JCB 444 turbo-saver engine with pre-cleaner, while the drive is via a six-speed powershift torque-lock transmission.

"This loader is also fitted with a hay-roll guard to protect the engine bay from accidental bale falls due to poor loading.

"The airconditioned cabin features a suspension seat and is fitted a radio, CD player and UHF radio."

Mr Adams said the loader had four working lights, a boom light, rear working lights and a rotating beacon light.

"It is fitted with a towing hitch and is mounted on 400/80R24 rear road tyres and 400/80R24 front lug tyres.

* Extract from a full report in Stock Journal, September 10 issue.