The Ausa Taurulift T144H is the latest all-terrain compact handler addition to the Taurulift range, and is a telescopic version of the existing T133H model. The machine is powered by the popular Kubota V-1505 turbo diesel engine, features a hydrostatic transmission and has a lifting capacity of 1350kg to a height of 4 metres. 
Area salesman Mike Murphy, invited me to try out this latest offering. Entrance to the cab area is gained from the left hand side through a large opening, there was no door on this demo model which made it very easy to exit and egress the cab, which is very useful when working in delivery yards and the like, when the operative is often needed to get on and off the machine quickly. 
Once sat in the cab area, I was impressed by the 360 degree visibility the position offered me, offering an excellent view to all four corners of the machine. The cab is glazed on three sides which is pretty essential in UK markets, considering our climate, there is also a fully enclosed option available and I believe canopy versions are available for warmer climes. 
Controls in the cab are basic but very workmanlike. At the hub of all the controls is the multi-purpose joystick, which is situated to the right of the operator, this joystick controls all lift, and telescopic functions and with the use of a small orange thumb button the fork tilt function. On the underside of this control is a three position rocker switch which controls direction of travel, forward, neutral and reverse. When reverse gear is selected an audible reversing buzzer sounds to alert bystanders of the machines pending movement. 
Driving the machine is an easy and pleasant experience, once you have selected forward on the rocker switch, the handbrake is released by pressing a small electro button on the dashboard. There are two pedals on the floor, left hand pedal is the brake and right hand pedal is the throttle. I pressed the throttle pedal and found the hydrostatic drive to be extremely responsive, the machine was very quick too and according to Ausa it is capable of a top speed of 20 km/h. 
Steering was also very light and with an external turning circle of just 2.930mm, the 4x4 rear wheel steer machine is highly manoeuvrable, making it ideal in tight working areas. Other features which add to the machines ability to work in confined spaces include its low cabin height of just 1.90mm and a reduced machine width of just 1.40mm 
Once parked up I tried out the telescopic function, the hydraulic system is precise and gives good feedback to the operator, making inching into a pallet or other load very easy. Maximum reach with telescopic arm fully extended is 2.180mm and maximum capacity at full reach is rated at 550kg. 
In summary this is an excellent machine, which could do well in the fiercely competitive market sector it is competing in. There are many other brands in the competition which some may see as more fashionable, but brand snobbery is often very misguided and only a fool would not take a good look at this latest Spanish offering.
Plant & Engineering Services Ltd sell the entire range of Ausa machinery and are also the official appointed UK supplier of all Ausa spare parts, holding massive stocks at their yard near Exeter in Devon.
