Capital Equipment News August 2022

WHEEL LOADERS

D iscussing how the development of attachments has affected the versatility of the wheel loader, Anteneh Gebremeskel, product manager for wheel loaders at Volvo CE Region International, says Volvo Construction Equipment’s broad range of attachments makes it possible to tailor the wheel loader exactly for the appli cation and conditions on a particular work site and to switch seamlessly between jobs. He says Volvo CE offers buckets for all types of jobs and materials including log grapples, material handling arms, and a long line of different fork attachments. “Each attachment is of the same quality as the rest of the wheel loader and is de signed as an integrated part of the machine. Their functions and properties are precisely matched to parameters such as link arm geometry and breakout, rim-pull, and lifting force,” he says. Gebremeskel adds that the majority of Volvo wheel loaders feature TP-linkage, which combines high breakout torque and excellent parallel movement throughout the entire lifting range. “This makes them a great all-rounder, suitable for pairing with a wide range of at tachments such as buckets, forks, grapples and others. “However, for customers who do not need that versatility and want their wheel loader for bucket applications only, Volvo CE also offers five Z-bar linkage models – L60Gz; L90Gz; L120Gz; L260H and L350H.” Ross Collard, managing director of HPE Africa, says wheel loaders, for example, can be fitted with log grabs for the forestry industry and forks for the material han dling industry, “making these units highly versatile.” Michael Helm, General Manager: Con struction Division & Marketing at Komatsu Africa Holdings says the basis of the wheel loader is excavation and loading. “By preparing an attachment, the wheel loader’s versatility can be further expanded, leading to the expansion of the market,” he says. Articulated, all-wheel steer loaders: applications Collard says the Hyundai 9S wheel loader range from HPE Africa has a four-wheel drive system with a rigid front axle and oscillating rear axle. “Wheel loaders can be used for various applications, including moving soil, loading aggregate materials and use at feedlots,” he says. Helm says Komatsu doesn’t stock all wheel steer wheel loaders, but he lists as the features of articulated steering a

Truck loading or load-and-carry operations might favour the wheel loader due to typically higher travel speeds and a longer wheelbase to smooth the ride.

The applications, features and evolution of the wheel loader The wheel loader remains a trusted workhorse on the jobsite thanks to its heavy loading ability. These machines are, however, constantly evolving and becoming more versatile with new onboard technologies. This feature takes a closer look at these machines, their advantages and applications, as well as at some of the technologies they feature. By Mark Botha

“Volvo CE’s range of attachments makes it possible to tailor the wheel loader exactly for the application and conditions on a particular work site and to switch seamlessly between jobs.”

Anteneh Gebremeskel, product manager for wheel loaders at Volvo CE Region International.

“Skid steer loaders and compact track loaders are designed essentially as a platform for handling attachments.”

Michael Helm, General Manager: Construction Division & Marketing at Komatsu Africa Holdings.

TALKING POINTS

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS AUGUST 2022 32