Wheel loaders
150 to 200 horsepower
What are the top financed models in this size of wheel loader? Contractors and others have been choosing these machines throughout most of 2010.
By Lauren Heartsill
The Caterpillar 938H features a Cat C6.6 engine, differential lock system, load sensing hydraulics and increased lift and tilt forces to increase performance in digging and material-handling applications. The Cat Fusion wheel loader coupler system design moves the center of gravity closer to the machine, while allowing the loader to pick up and use a variety of work tools. The Cat 938H dumps 8 feet. 10 inches at 45 degrees, and its bucket can hold 3 to 3.9 cubic yards.
“The majority of 938Hs go into construction applications, which is project based,” says Bill Campbell, Cat product application specialist for medium wheel loaders. “So, these customers use financing to tie machine expenses to and match the duration of the project, versus aggregates customers, for example, who typically plan equipment replacement as part of annual capital budgets.”
The John Deere 624K features keyless start, seat-mounted controls, expanded sealed switch module and a new LCD monitor with a multi-function interface. The wheel loader also includes Deere’s Quad Cool system, which places the radiator, transmission, hydraulic and air-to-air coolers in a separate compartment for efficiency and decreased debris build-up. The model also uses NeverGrease Pins, which have a sealed design that does not require greasing.
“Some features on the 624K, such as seat-mounted hydraulic controls and rear object detection systems, aren’t available on other loaders,” says John Chesterman, Deere’s product marketing manager for four-wheel-drive loaders.
The Volvo L90F handles jobs such as harbor applications, goods terminals, general industries and logging yards. The L90F features an automatic power shift transmission and a cab with optimized visibility. TP-linkage handles the work of a tool carrier and standard machine. The L90F has an operating weight of 33,070 to 37,480 pounds, a Volvo D6E LAE3 engine and max power at 1,700 rpm.
“It’s an ideal size machine – whether for contractors, asphalt producers or utility workers – that fits the bill for so many applications,” says Blaine Pressley, Volvo Equipment segment director.
The Komatsu WA320-6 – designed for the construction, utility, government, sewer, waste and agricultural markets – uses a hydrostatic transmission system for increased power and performance. With an operating weight of 31,590 to 32,070 pounds and a heaped bucket capacity of 3 to 4.2 cubic yards, the WA320-6 gets its power from a Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 engine. The WA320-6 also features variable traction control with S-Mode, designed for snow removal, high breakout force and operator comfort.
“The WA320-6 makes it easier for contractors to justify buying a new machine, since this wheel loader can be used during the summer and winter,” says Mike Gidaspow, product marketing manager for Komatsu America. EW
Top 7
1. Cat 938H
2. Cat 950H
3. Deere 624K
4. Volvo L90F
5. Deere 644K
6. Komatsu WA320-6
7. Komatsu WA380-6
