Capital Equipment News August 2017

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Payload is a key metric that dictates the value of a wheel loader

A good under- standing of the job conditions is key to spec’ing the right machine for the job

Most common reason for high costs per ton oversized machines versus the required production output

The choice of the driveline is very important for fuel efficiency

Increasing operator knowledge and skills is another way of increasing fuel efficiency

Understanding material density and the composition of the material are important for bucket selection

The Cat Production Measurement system provides an integrated payload measure- ment with accurate on-the-go weighing.

of a wheel loader for the job at hand. Tuntland agrees, saying that this is very significant. He is even of the view that loading tool selection is critical and should take place before “right sizing”. “Factors such as underfoot conditions, face height, mobility requirements and blast fragmentation are all important factors when selecting a tool,” he says. Schmitt says if the wheel loader doesn’t match the application, it is difficult to reach the required production targets, or one may not even be able to get the job done at all, for example, when undertaking block handling or log handling. “Furthermore, if the machine size doesn’t match the application, you have the risk of destroying the unit or reducing the

lifetime of the wheel loader significantly,” he says. “Volvo provides special application packages as ready-to-select options, making a Volvo machine perfectly ideal for specific applications, such as waste handling, block handling, rock, quarry, hot slag and long handling, among others.” According to Brandauer, job conditions are very important for the choice of the right wheel loader, because they inform several other decisions such as tyre choice, dumping height, angle of articulation, maximum height and bucket width, to mention a few. “If you know your working conditions you can also calculate service intervals or even spare parts you need for a particular project,” says Brandauer.

Torres shares the same view with Brandauer, saying a good understanding of the job conditions is key to specifying the right machine to achieve the best results. He adds that underfoot conditions largely determine tyre choice, which is another significant element of ownership costs, as well as the configuration of the axle components to match either hard standing surfaces or very challenging, muddy or slippery conditions. Machine sizing Not sizing the machine to meet production targets is a frequent gaffe on many sites. How best can one determine the ideal size of the wheel loader they need on site? According to Torres, a good understanding

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