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Machine Matters

Cover Story/Machine Matters: Wheels on the ground

August 31, 2008 |

Wheel loaders in the 150-to-200-horsepower range are the jobsite gofers – go for this, go for that. Jobs abound for this size of wheel loader, many of which now have standard features that were options a short time ago. In fact, the lists of options for new models get shorter with each redesign.

From custom to customary
Nick Tullo, Volvo’s North American communicator and specialist, articulated haulers and wheel loaders, says features that were add-ons to earlier wheel loader models are now standard because 1.) it’s often more economical to build upgrades into the base model and 2.) the advanced features are frequently integrated into other systems. For example, Tullo says Volvo’s electro-hydraulic controls offer infinitely variable settings for boom and bucket angles and includes a return-to-dig function that was a separate option when hydraulic servo controls were used. Alan Pumklin, Cat’s wheel loader market development engineer, says consolidating features also simplifies loader operations. Gary Bell, vice president of Kawasaki Construction Machinery, adds that specific environments or applications often require an entire set of specialized options available in package form.

While today’s midsize wheel loaders are ready to hit the ground rolling, there are options to consider depending on your work, your operators and how long you plan to keep your machine. Mike Gidsaspow, Komatsu’s wheel loader market manager, says some features may make the machine a more attractive resale – even if it’s an item you might not use frequently. “Ride control and auto-reversing fans are standard on many Komatsu machines because of high demand from our customers. These options don’t impede the performance on your machine. If you don’t want to use the ride control, just turn it off and you don’t need to worry about it.”

Options to consider
Fatigue is a huge drain on operator productivity. Tullo says the goal is to keep the operator comfortable so that the afternoon’s production rate is the same as in the morning. Tilt steering columns, infinitely adjustable seats, arm rests and controls placement options support the operator’s production style. When these are combined with an optional noise suppression package and air conditioning system operators can comfortably concentrate on the job at hand.

Hydraulic ride controls increase operator production and material retention by keeping the load stable and let the operator focus on driving. Quick couplers and auxiliary hydraulics systems save your operator’s time and allow the loader to use more power-hungry attachments such as power brooms.

Bryan Evans, product support manager at Doosan, says that 90 percent of resale value is determined by how well the machine has been maintained. Automatic hydraulic reversible fans are standard on some wheel loaders, optional on others. These quickly purge the loader’s cooling system of debris to keep components cool and functioning at peak production levels, lessening component wear and decreasing the downtime spent cleaning the machine offsite.

Machine monitoring and diagnostic systems give real-time feedback on the loader’s performance and store data for future servicing. Some systems wirelessly transmit location and activity data to the contractor’s offsite computer and/or the dealer – especially helpful to monitor unauthorized use or theft.

What’s new in the 2008 150-to-200-horsepower wheel loader line-up
Cat H-Series 938H, IT38H and 950H
Cat’s new 938H and IT38H models have a flat and long peak power curve, which Cat says gives them about 8 percent more power compared to previous models. The loaders have an idle management system to maximize fuel efficiency at idle and minimize emissions.