Innovation and power combined in unique wheel loader

For years, the Knikmops wheel loader range has varied between 800 kg and 2.5 tons. Until now, because Gebroeders Geens enters the market with a model bigger and stronger than ever before. The Knikmops KM350 weighs some 3,600 kg, produces 60 hp and can lift and move some 3,000 kg close to the ground. Add a working hydraulic flow rate of 62 l/min with maximum pressure of 180 bar and you have a compact wheel loader that can operate many attachments. "It is the first time in ten years that we are presenting a new machine with a completely new chassis type," says a proud co-manager Bert Geens.

Knikmops has excelled as a compact wheel loader with great lifting power for more than 25 years. The 100% Belgian articulated loader is modular and completely adaptable to customer requirements. Just think of Knikmops with fixed or a telescopic arm, diesel powered or zero emission or the tig options offered by Gebroeders Geens. Moreover, the production company also offers an extensive range of attachments, so there is a ready-made solution for every user from any outdoor sector, such as gardeners, road builders, earthworkers or farmers. Under the slogan "make your labor-intensive work light thanks to the clever use of the Knikmops", Gebroeders Geens builds appropriate solutions for heavy labor every day.

Also for large garden contractors

Gebroeders Geens developed the brand new Knikmops KM350 with farmers, large garden contractors and people in the earth-moving industry in mind. Bert Geens: "We deliberately involved the user in the development process. We listened very carefully to their needs, but of course also focused on our own expectations so that we could market the machine in a healthy and competitive way. It is the first time in ten years that Gebroeders Geens is presenting a new machine with a completely new chassis type. In recent years, the focus was mainly on electrification and Euro V standard so the design of KM350 was put on the background, but now it is ready and we are therefore very proud."

For large garden contractors, this is an ideal machine for moving large plants, for example. Bert Geens: "Where with the KM250 this was still rooting, with the more powerful KM350 you have excess. I can also reveal in advance that at a later stage we will also add a telescopic version of the KM350, which is very interesting for garden contractors."

With the Knikmops KM350, users can count on a 44 kW or 60 hp engine when handling this multi-purpose articulated loader. This allows this Knikmops to handle many different attachments such as a concrete transport bucket, a soil leveling bucket and the GECO leveller. In addition, there is continuous four-wheel drive, due to the four separate hydraulic motors at the wheels. This drive is controllable with a length press or optionally electrically engageable. The wheel motors are shifted on the Knikmops KM350, so it is possible to work powerfully at a small gear and to cover greater distances you can shift into a higher speed. Then the articulated loader can travel up to 35 km/h. To ensure stability and comfort, this articulated loader was equipped with a rear pendulum axle, unique for Knikmops. In short, this handy to drive Knikmops is an ideal asset on the yard or in the garden.

The Knikmops KM350 is about 4.6m long and 1.62m wide on standard wheels. The chassis has a width of 1.32 m on narrow tires. As with all other Knikmops from Gebroeders Geens, the driver sits delightfully high up on the articulated loader, which grants a unique overview of the load and the entire wheel loader. Moreover, this offers the opportunity to slide the engine completely into the wheel loader. As a result, the Knikmops KM350 remains very compact for its weight class and this articulated loader also has the straight rear end that makes me immediately recognize a Knikmops.

Helping hand

Knikmops is known as a reliable helping hand on the job site. The knuckle loader has traditionally been made to work with for short moments and get on and off it frequently and smoothly. The Knikmops KM350 will more often be used for longer periods of time. As a result, in addition to getting on and off, there is a need for more comfort for the driver. First, there is the adjustable steering column, another brand new feature in the Knikmops range. In combination with the adjustable seat, the Knikmops user can adjust everything to his or her own comfort and ergonomics. In addition, the seat plate of this Knikmops was equipped with rubber cushioning. This increases the driver's sitting comfort. Knikmops' well-known user-friendly digital dashboard can also be found on this articulated loader.

The compact steel chassis of the Knikmops KM350 is robust and designed for tough work. Thus the basic Knikmops values remain easily upheld. Compact, multifunctional and durable. With this, the worker can once again be supported by the helping hand of the Knikmops. For the Gebroeders Geens wheel loader to last a lifetime, proper daily maintenance is essential. To encourage the user to do a visual check every day, he or she can check the air filter, check and top up the oil, check the cooling water and check and top up the hydraulics and diesel via a handy maintenance valve at the back.

Groundbreaking

Innovation and accessibility come together in this groundbreaking compact wheel loader. "It is our first machine that can deliver 60 hp and features a pendulum axle and adjustable steering plan. The weight, 3,600 kg, is also special. Many customers transport our wheel loaders in a container truck and not on a 3.5-ton trailer. Bearing that in mind, we deliberately chose the heavier segment for this development. Moreover, we are the only manufacturer in the world who also chooses hydraulic wheel motors as drive for the heaviest models. And of course we also adhere to the strengths of Knikmops, namely comfort and compactness. We have developed a very powerful machine on the one hand, but on the other hand still compact enough for smaller spaces," concludes Bert Geens.