Full-size wheel loaders aren’t known for their versatility. They are loaders, after all, and that’s about all they do. Even so, manufacturers are finding ways to make them better.
Here’s a look at the latest models on the market – from Case, Cat, Deere, Develon, Komatsu, Liebherr, LiuGong, Volvo, Hitachi, Wacker Neuson, Mecalac and Yanmar. All are equipped with advanced features designed to make life easier for operators and more productive for contractors.
The Case 721G has an FPT turbocharged inline 6 engine rated at 179 net horsepower. It is available with Z-bar, XT (toolcarrier) and XR (extended reach) lift with operating weights of 32,633 (Z-bar) to 33,814 (XT) pounds. Transmission options are four or five speeds forward with three reverse speeds. The ROPS cab has heat and air conditioning and an interior sound level of 68 decibels.Case Construction Equipment
Optimized power modes tailor performance to match the application and operator preferences. Control response, hydraulic flow and tip-off characteristics can also be adjusted.
Payload accuracy varies with time and range of motion through the lift cycle; so Case has made the optional payload accuracy feature less dependent on these factors for greater accuracy in real-world use. The tire pressure monitor is also more accurate and consistent. Operators can set front and rear pressures independently and adjust the tolerance before an alert is triggered due to over- or underinflation.
Brad Stemper, North America director of product management at Case, says that in the 120- to 350-horsepower range, Case offers Z-bar and parallel lift, XR extended reach and XT toolcarrier configurations.
Cat had its largest booth ever at ConExpo 2023. Part of that giant effort was the introduction of three new wheel loaders: the 926, 930 and 938.
