Capital Equipment News August 2017

Volvo CE provides special application packages as ready-to-select options, making a Volvo machine perfectly ideal for specific applications.

that affect the overall machine efficiency and uptime. “Payload is the keymetric that dictates the value of a wheel loader. CASE wheel loaders have perfected the art of reducing deadweight, optimising payload versus weight. This translates into outstanding fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance costs,” says Torres. CASE’s patented cooling system is also said to deliver maximum cooling effectiveness through its cube design. The technology ensures long-life for the driveline and brakes. “The heavy-duty axles of our wheel loaders are big and tough. Open differentials and multiple-disc brakes, cooled in an oil bath, reduce tyre wear by 20-30% versus limited slip differentials and decrease operating costs even further. Moreover, 100% diff-locks provide maximum traction in any condition,” says Torres. Bucket selection Bucket selection also has a major impact on overall loading efficiency. According

Recognising the importance of the driveline to the overall efficiency of the wheel loader, Volvo is one of the few OEMs that designs and produces its driveline components in house. Schmitt says the ideally-matched, all- Volvo powertrain has been built to work with minimal power loss, adding that the OEM's design has been rigorously tested to deliver optimised performance, high productivity, low fuel consumption and reliability. “The established and proven technology has been built by Volvo for 40 years, including all in- house components and parts,” he says. Schmitt is of the view that apart from the driveline, other machine components, such as the hydraulics, have a significant impact

on fuel efficiency. “Volvo’s load-sensing hydraulics, combined with the fuel-efficient Volvo engine, supply power to the hydraulic functions according to demand, to boost efficiency and lower fuel consumption. The system ensures fast response for shorter cycle times while delivering smooth operation through superior control of both the load and the attachment,” says Schmitt. Increasing operator knowledge and skills is another way of increasing fuel efficiency. “Operator training is not just an efficient way to reduce fuel consumption but also the risk of injuries and loss of production,” says Schmitt. Torres is of the view that the driveline is key, and there are many factors related to it