Construction World November 2015

COVER STORY

The L60Gz, L90Gz and L120Gz wheel loaders from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) come from a long line of productive, fuel efficient wheel loaders. Building on a legendary reputation dating back to 1954, these machines are equipped with proven, advanced technology designed to deliver superior lifting and breakout forces in even the toughest of conditions. VOLVO G-SERIES WHEEL LOADERS built for increased productivity

high breakout forces for strong, powerful digging and complete bucket fill in even the hardest materials. This is combined with load- sensing hydraulics that supplies power only when needed, lowering fuel consumption. Bucket pins are double sealed to keep grease inside the bearing and dirt out, ensuring long pin and bearing life, and the automatic bucket leveller and boom kick-out functions accurately stop the bucket and linkage in adjustable, pre-selected positions. A major contributor to sustained high productivity levels is operator comfort which in the L60Gz, L90Gz and L120Gz cabs has been redefined. On offer is the industry-leading, spacious ROPS/FOPS Volvo cab which includes ergonomically placed controls, a tilt- able steering wheel and vibration damping. The operator is granted easy access to the cab via a three-point access ladder with anti-slip steps and sturdy handrails. Slim cab pillars and large expanses of glass surrounding the cab create a productive and comfortable operating environment. Air is filtered through an easy-to-replace pre-filter that separates coarser dust and particles before passing through the indus- try-leading main filter, allowing 90% of cab air to be recirculated for continuous dust removal. To ensure the operator has all the neces- sary information and diagnostics for optimal performance, the Volvo Contronics system continuously monitors and records machine operation in real-time. Information including fuel levels and warning messages is relayed via the display in the cab. Servicing From a servicing point of view, the L60Gz, L90Gz and L120Gz are built to ensure quick and easy service and maintenance checks. Excellent access to the engine compartment and ground level access to the filters allow regular checks to be performed faster. “Babcock has a national footprint of branches and service dealers, all well equipped to provide unparalleled support to the new range of loaders in keeping with the customer focussed approach which Babcock has developed since 2000 when we were appointed the sole distributor for Volvo CE in Southern Africa. “Our track record has shown that we have increased sales year on year over the last 15 years so the introduction of the Gz series

ased on the Volvo Group’s strategy of providing inno- vative solutions to markets where they are actively involved, Volvo Construction Equipment has over the years

also helps to guarantee fuel consumption is kept to a minimum, applying mechanical push-back force when engine rpm is about to exceed the economic operating range. This encourages the driver to ease off the throttle

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thus reducing fuel consumption. Increased productivity

advanced solutions that have had an impact on traditional values by contributing to the lowering of equipment life-cycle costs to the benefit of their customers. The introduc- tion of the Gz range of loaders into the less regulated markets such as Africa, Middle East and Asia will give the brand added impetus without detracting from the erstwhile repu- tation which they have already established in those areas. “We welcome the introduction of this new model into the local market as it will give us the opportunity of competing favourably in areas that have previously been price sensi- tive but not detracting from the quality and technical innovations that are the hallmark of the Volvo brand,” commented Dave Vaughan, the sales director for equipment, of Babcock, the Southern Africa distributor of Volvo CE. Each machine is built with an ideal- ly-matched all-Volvo powertrain, designed to work together in perfect harmony for opti- mized performance. Equipped with powerful Volvo engines, the D6E (L60Gz and L90Gz) and the D7E (L120Gz) with power ranging from 114 kW to 179 kW respectively, these engines offer high torque at low rpm to ensure low fuel consumption. Volvo’s unique eco pedal

Productivity is the key for this new range of wheel loaders, built for an efficient, smooth performance. Fully Automatic Power Shift ensures optimal operation by adjusting machine gears in line with parameters including engine and travel speed, for comfortable gear changes and fast cycle times. Oil-cooled, wet disc brakes on the front and rear axles deliver superior breaking performance for smooth control and a long service life. One hundred percent differential locks on the front axle ensure outstanding traction in slippery conditions, and axle oil circula- tion allows the oil to flow and cool inside the axle – protecting components and increasing brake service life. The rear axle is supported on maintenance-free cradles and includes lubricated-for-life bearings thereby reducing servicing costs and increasing machine uptime. Built to last These machines are built to last, and the durable Volvo designed Z-bar linkage provides

“Our track record has shown that we have increased sales year on year over the last 15 years so the introduction of the Gz series will enable us to enhance our performance further.”

CONSTRUCTION WORLD NOVEMBER 2015