Wheel loaders are the go-to material handling machine for jobs where heavy loads need to be moved efficiently.
The latest models have advanced automation features to speed up production and handle repetitive tasks. They offer real-time bucket loading data and make life more comfortable for operators with roomier cabs, air-suspension seats and climate control, to name a few modern conveniences.
Safety features have also gone high-tech with object-detection systems and Develon's "Transparent Bucket."
Wheel loaders are the fifth most popular construction equipment category behind compact track loaders, mini excavators, excavators and stand-on compact utility loaders. And OEMs continue to innovate and release new models.
In the past year, Case overhauled its G Series. Deere expanded its premium X-Tier lineup. Volvo added new features to its midsize models. LiuGong released the first of its next generation, and Hitachi launched new midsize loaders.
According to EDA, 11,152 new financed wheel loaders were sold between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. (EDA and Equipment World are owned by Fusable.)
In this report, we look at the most popular models above 90 horsepower, as well as new models and features on the market. For smaller models, check out our buyer’s guides for compact wheel loaders and small articulated loaders.
Powered byHere’s the latest in wheel loaders from Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Develon, Hitachi, Hyundai, JCB, John Deere, Komatsu, Liebherr, LiuGong, Sany, Takeuchi, Volvo, Wacker Neuson and XCMG.
Bobcat
Bobcat's L235 Bobcat
The L205, L235, L255 and L285 range from 142 to 189 horsepower, bucket capacities of 2.5 to 5.5 cubic yards and operating weights of 27,274 to 34,487 pounds.
The new loaders are “purpose-built for big load-and-carry tasks,” the company says. The cabs feature a fully adjustable air suspension seat, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and joystick controls. The standard 8-inch high-resolution touch display provides access to key function settings and the rearview camera.
Additional standard features include automatic heat and air conditioning with adjustable air vents, front and rear LED work lights and hands-free Bluetooth device connectivity. Customers can choose from pin-on connectors or two optional quick couplers for attachments.
Case
Case's largest wheel loader, the 1121GCase Construction Equipment
The upgraded models range from the 142-horsepower 521G to the 345-horsepower 1121G.
At 61,650 pounds, Case calls its largest G Series model “a mountain mover.” The company touts the 1121G’s power, productivity and operator comfort for demanding jobs where efficient truck loading and high-volume material handling are needed.
Features on the 1121G include Auto Dig, Auto Dump and Auto Meter to prevent over-digging and deliver efficient, consistent performance. Starting this year, buyers can equip the big loader with Case’s X-Drive hydrostatic continuous variable transmission. Along with 20% greater fuel efficiency, the company says, the transmission smooths acceleration, improves traction and reduces tire and axle wear.
The cab gets an upgrade, too, with a heated and ventilated seat, rear object detection, improved Bluetooth connectivity, updated noise-canceling microphone and seatbelt indicator light. A customizable four-corner strobe lighting is available for added safety and visibility. Maintenance access has also been improved.
Case’s top-selling large wheel loader is the 28,159-pound 621G at 172 horsepower and 3-cubic-yard bucket capacity. Overall, Case ranks fourth in overall sales in the U.S. for new financed loaders at 10% of total sales, according to EDA.
Caterpillar
Cat 938Caterpillar
Its best-seller is the 191-horsepower 938 with bucket capacities of 2.5 to 6.5 cubic yards. It weighs 35,528 pounds.
Features in the cab include automatic temperature control, “low effort” joysticks and adjustable seat suspension. Caterpillar also added hydraulic cylinder dampening for increased operator comfort. Multi-view camera and rear-object detection are optional.
For operation, Caterpillar designed the 938 for fuel efficiency and added auto engine rpm mode, which boosts power when needed, and Auto Wheel Torque to increase traction. Cat Payload helps you hit targeted loads.
In all, Cat offers 27 models of wheel loaders over 90 horsepower, all the way up to the massive 543,772-pound 995, with 1,870 horsepower and bucket capacities of 22.3 to 57 cubic yards.
Other popular models are the 249-horsepower 950 and its GC counterpart, the 170-horsepower 930 and the 170-horsepower 926.
The company introduced 10 next-generation medium wheel loaders — ranging from the 42,461-pound 950 to the 78,264-pound 982 — including XE variants in 2025. The loaders can now be equipped with the company’s most advanced systems, such as remote control, collision warning, 360-degree camera vision and Advanced Payload tracking. The loaders are also available with a variety of tech designed to make operators of all experience levels more efficient and less fatigued, the company says.
Develon
Develon’s DL220-7Develon
The 160-horsepower model is among a 12-loader lineup from the company formerly known as Doosan Infracore. One unique aspect of Develon’s -7 loaders is that they come standard with the company’s Transparent Bucket. The industry-first technology gives operators a virtual "see through" view in front of the bucket on a dedicated monitor, eliminating forward blind spots when the bucket is raised.
Other features on Develon’s loaders include an AVM (around-view monitor) for a 270-degree view and front and rear moving-object detection. Engines have Economy, Standard and Power modes. Models from the DL320-7 and up also have situational awareness technology, or SAT, mode. This mode monitors engine and transmission performance and matches engine output to the load, the company says.
Develon’s 12 models range from the 142-horsepower DL200-7 to the 394-horsepower DL580-7, with bucket capacities ranging from 3.3 to 8.4 cubic yards.
Hitachi
Hitachi's ZW120-7Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas
There are 10 next-gen models available, ranging from the 100-horsepower ZW100-7 to the 303-horsepower ZW310-7, with bucket capacities of 1.4 to 6.1 cubic yards.
The company also still offers its dash-6 models, which range from 96 to 517 horsepower and from 1.7- to 8.3-cubic-yard buckets.
The two newest members of the dash-7 lineup are the midsized:
- ZW120-7 at 100 horsepower; 19,100 to 20,340 pounds; and buckets capacities of 2.5 to 3.1 cubic yards.
- ZW140-7 at 154 horsepower; 25,760 to 26,490 pounds; and buckets capacities of 1.8 to 2.4 cubic yards.
Hitachi has standard, high-lift and parallel linkage versions of its loaders. Dash-7 models feature new cabs, speed control, a payload weighing system and the ConSite telematics technology suite.
The payload weighing system lets operators check the weight of the load in the bucket from the cab monitor and log the material loaded. The system also emits a warning when the bucket is overloaded.
The larger, quieter cabs feature an 8-inch anti-glare LCD monitor with Bluetooth radio, a seat-mounted armrest with ergonomic electric-hydraulic controls, ergonomically located switches and an adjustable seat and mirrors. The position and design of the cab pillars and the layout of the monitor and switch panel have also been adjusted for improved visibility from the cab.
Premium packages are also available for the next-gen loaders, featuring Hitachi’s Aerial Angle camera system, which provides a 270-degree bird’s eye view of the loader’s surroundings, as well as a rear obstacle-detection system with automatic speed reduction.
Hitachi’s top-seller is the 33,000-pound ZW180-7 at 168 horsepower and bucket capacities of 3.4 to 4.2 cubic yards.
Hyundai
Hyundai's HL940AHD Hyundai Construction Equipment
Configurations available for various models including standard Z-bar, extended reach (XT) and heavy duty (HD). Hyundai also offers three “Tool Master” wheel loaders — the HL930A TM, HL940A TM and HL955A TM — with a boom and parallel linkage designed for increased load stability, rapid dumping and operator visibility.
Standard features on HL900A Series loaders include an on-board weighing system accurate to within 3%, five years of HiMATE telematics and premium ZF axles with limited-slip rear differentials.
The company’s top-seller is the 30,000-pound HL940A in standard Z-Bar and as extended-reach with 2 additional feet of hinge pint height. The 154-horsepower loader has a bucket capacity of 3 cubic yards.
Features on the HL940A include a bucket with a wider opening, curved side plates and enhanced spill guard. The loader runs on a Cummins diesel engine and has Hyundai’s Smart Power Mode for reducing fuel consumption yet staying productive in heavy-duty tasks like digging. Hyundai says the cab is also quieter at 68 decibels.
JCB
JCB 427Fairchild Equipment
All models feature the JCB CommandPlus cab with air-suspension seating, set-and-forget telescopic steering column that tilts up toward the dash for easier entrance and exit, and electrically heated and adjustable mirrors. The cab is a four-pillar design, versus the more common six pillar, for improved visibility. It is glass to floor wherever possible, including the door.
In addition to an F-N-R selector stalk on the column, a selector on the joystick lets operators make directional changes without taking their hands off the joystick. Two 7-inch monitors are standard; one shows operating information and the other has a “?” button to explain and select functions.
JCB offers both three- and four-spool hydraulics for handling a variety of attachments. LiveLink telematics is standard for five years.
Each of the five models have Agri versions, targeted at farmers. But contractors might like some of the features, such as six-speed transmission instead of five speed, more operator comfort, H-bar lift instead of Z-bar, and the availability of high-lift and super-high-lift capacities.
The company’s top-seller is the 31,656-pound 427 at 179 horsepower and 3.1-cubic-yard capacity.
John Deere
Deere's 904 X-TierJohn Deere
Deere most recently expanded its range of its premium-spec wheel loaders with the new 422-horsepower 844 X-Tier and 442-horsepower 904 X-Tier. The 36- and 40-ton models come equipped with top-end features and advanced technology, including electrified drivetrain, intelligent machine controls and optional operator awareness systems, designed to help operators move more material while burning less fuel.
The new models join the remaining X-Tier lineup of the 644, 744, 824 and 944.
Deere’s top-seller is the 624 P-Tier, ranked No. 2 by EDA, followed by the 544 P-Tier, at No. 3 in the U.S. The company launched updates last year for both models as well as its 524 P-Tier. They are available with Deere’s SmartDetect jobsite awareness system as a factory option. The system uses cameras, radar and machine learning to detect objects and people near the machine and provides visual and audible bystander alerts on the in-cab display.
Deere also enhanced its QuadCool Cooling System with improved accessibility, debris management and serviceability. Redesigned rear hoods, grilles and cab roofs give the midsize P-Tier loaders a new look and eliminate the need to climb on the machines for maintenance.
The P-Tier is the mid-range of the company’s three-tier classification. G-Tier loaders have pilot controls and cabs with fewer features. The P- and X-Tiers have electrohydraulic controls and cabs with heated and ventilated seating and automatic temperature control, among other features. The X-Tiers come with Deere’s hybrid E-Drive system.
In all, Deere offers 19 models of wheel loaders over 90 horsepower, starting with the 103-horsepower 344 P-Tier and up to the 536-horsepower 944 X-Tier, with bucket capacities ranging from 2 to 10 cubic yards.
Komatsu
Komatsu's WA485-11Komatsu
Komatsu’s WA320-8 at 165 horsepower and 3- to 4.2-cubic-yard capacities is the top-selling new financed wheel loader over 90 horsepower in the U.S. Komatsu also commands fourth place with its WA270-8. The midsize loader runs on a 149-horsepower Komatsu engine and has bucket capacities of 2.5 to 3.5 cubic yards.
The company’s 191-horsepower WA380-8 with bucket capacities of 3.5 to 4.3 cubic yards is its third-bestseller.
Komatsu started rolling out its dash-11 models in 2025, with the 5.5- to 6.3-cubic-yard WA475-11 replacing the WA475-10, and the 6.4- to 7.2-cubic-yard WA485-11 replacing the WA480-8.
The new dash-11 models are equipped with Komatsu’s Hydrostatic-Mechanical Transmission, which switches to hydrostatic when high torque is needed and mechanical for increased fuel efficiency during lighter use.
The WA475-11 runs on a 343-horsepower Komatsu engine, with 53 more horsepower than its predecessor. Despite the power increase, it has 7% lower fuel consumption, the company says, and a 40% increase in climbing speed.
The WA485-11 runs on a 363-horsepower Komatsu engine, a 64-horsepower boost over the WA480-8. It reportedly delivers 12% lower fuel consumption and 13% faster climbing speed.
In the redesigned four-pillar cab, operators will find angle feedback joystick steering and independent work control designed to help reduce fatigue. A steering wheel option is available. Visibility has been increased by adding a lower glass area and by eliminating two rear pillars, and in-cab noise has been reduced, the company says. Rear object detection with warning buzzer and indicator light and a deluxe LED light package are standard.
Komatsu says it also redesigned the buckets with a cross-sectional shape for increased digging efficiency.
In all, Komatsu offers 20 wheel loader models in various configurations, ranging from 126 to 2,300 horsepower and bucket capacities of 2.6 to 53 cubic yards.
Liebherr
Liebherr L 566 XPowerLiebherr
Bucket capacities are 2.6 to 11.10 cubic yards.
The company views its midsize L 526, L 538 to L 546 as “all-rounders.” Now in their 8th generation, they are designed for productivity and efficiency.
The Liebherr travel drive enables continuous acceleration in all speed ranges, without noticeable gear changes and without interrupting the traction, the company says. It can operate at lower engine speeds for saving fuel. It also features Z-bar kinematics that deliver around 20% greater breakout forces than the previous generation, longer bucket arms for higher reach and dumping heights, and larger standard buckets.
The cab comes with multiple storage components, adjustable seat and steering wheel, optional joystick steering integrated into the seat, extensive glass for increased visibility.
On the tech side, personnel detection at the rear warns of hazards with a visual and audible signal. Front space monitoring increases visibility when using large attachments. Skyview 360° monitors the loaders’ surroundings on a separate display, and Truck Payload Assistant weighs bucket loads.
Liebherr’s larger loaders come with XPower, the company’s combination of hydrostatic and mechanical drives. The interaction of the drives is automatically and continuously adapted to the task at hand. “XPower offers the highest efficiency in material pickup and transport as well as optimum acceleration and maximum performance in all loading cycles,” the company says.
LiuGong
LiuGong 838HvLiuGong
The 842T represents a new size class for the company, while the 856T is a revamp of its international best-selling model.
Powered by a Cummins Tier 4 Final engine paired with a ZF five-speed transmission with a lock-up torque converter, the T Series boasts faster cycle times, faster travel speed of 25 mph and improved efficiency. Front and rear limited-slip differentials provide better traction and reduced tire wear.
The cab has been redesigned with a 30% increase in legroom and a 20% increase in visibility, the company says.
LiuGong also revealed two new electric wheel loaders at ConExpo: the 1.5-yard-capacity 820TE and the 7-yard-capacity 870HE.
LiuGong offers eight other models of wheel loaders, from the 154-horsepower 835Hv to the 370-horsepower 890Hv. Bucket capacities are 2.5 to 7.1 cubic yards.
Its battery-electric 856HE MAX gets 8.6 to 11.7 hours of runtime on one charge, depending on the use, the company says.
LiuGong’s diesel loaders feature Cummins engines. The cabs come with vertically and horizontally adjustable air suspension seat.
The Z-bar geometry positions the bucket closer to the tires, “achieving high bucket breakout forces with maximum rollback” and reduced spillage of materials, the company says. A hydraulic quick coupler for attachments is available.
Sany
Sany SW305KSany America
Sany touts the slogan: “Fully loaded is the new standard.”
The loaders feature Deutz engines, boom suspension system, differential locking axle, automatic transmission kick down, bucket self-leveling, return to dig, single electro-hydraulic joystick control, third function hydraulics, 360-degree camera view, air-ride and heated seats, keyless entry and USB port.
The SW305K’s Z-bar linkage design delivers 27,652 pounds of breakout force, and the SW405K delivers 40,466 pound-force.
The SW305K can lift 30,000 pounds, and the SW405K up to 40,000 pounds.
Takeuchi
Takeuchi TW95Takeuchi
The cabin features a deluxe high-back air-ride seat with heat and armrest, single joystick control for all loader functions and directional changes, a proportional thumb wheel for auxiliary hydraulic functions and rocker switches to control a wide range of machine functions, the company says. A hydraulic quick coupler for attachments is standard.
The TW95 can reach a travel speed of 24.8 mph with its standard high-speed road gear. Hydrostatic drive and dynamic braking slow the loader as the operator backs off the throttle.
At low speeds, operators can engage the 100% locking differentials for increased tractive effort when needed. Takeuchi made the engine hood to open wide for easier maintenance and inspections.
Volvo
Volvo L90HVolvo Construction Equipment
The additional tech for the L60, L70 and L90 — which range from 24,000 to 38,000 pounds — includes Volvo’s exclusive fuel-saving OptiShift transmission and a factory-fitted OilQuick automatic quick coupler for changing attachments without leaving the cab.
Models getting next-gen upgrades last year were the L150, L180, L200 High Lift, L220 and L260. They range from 53,131 to 85,980 pounds and 299 to 414 horsepower.
New for 2026, the large loaders can also be equipped with an optional 360-degree bird’s eye camera system.
Volvo ranks fifth in the U.S. for sales of new financed wheel loaders, at 8.7% of total sales behind Case, according to EDA.
Volvo’s top-seller is the L90H at 184 horsepower and bucket capacities of 2.9 to 9.2 cubic yards. Next is the 170-horsepower L70H with bucket capacities of 2.4 to 8.4 cubic yards.
Volvo’s next-gen models are loaded with technology including:
- Load-sensing hydraulics.
- Automatic bucket leveling from both dump and curl positions.
- Auto Bucket Fill (optional) — automates the throttle, lift and tilt hydraulics for consistent filling of the bucket.
- Smart Control — fuel-efficient engine mode that’s now activated by default when the machine turns on. Volvo says it lowers fuel consumption by up to 4% without compromising productivity.
- Load Assist — provides on-board weighing, operator coaching and tire-pressure monitoring. A new load ticket function is now available to streamline invoicing.
The Volvo Co-Pilot touchscreen is now 12.8 inches, 20% larger. Volvo is also offering an updated collision-mitigation system that alerts operators to obstacles when in reverse at speeds as low as 0.3 mph.
In all, Volvo offers 18 models of wheel loaders, from 100 to 530 horsepower and bucket capacities of 1.8 to 16.6 cubic yards.
Wacker Neuson
Wacker Neuson WL60Wacker Neuson
The loaders can reach travel speeds of 24.85 mph and have high-flow load-sensing hydraulics of 39.63 gallons per minute.
Features include articulated pendulum joint and oscillating axle for increased traction and maneuverability, hydraulic quick coupler and large windows for increased operator visibility.
The WL95 has automatic air conditioning and 7-inch digital display. The joystick console is mounted on the operator's seat and is cushioned against vibrations.
XCMG
XCMG XC948UXCMG
- XC938U – 133 horsepower and 2.49-cubic-yard bucket.
- XC948U – 200 horsepower and 3.15-cubic-yard bucket.
- XC958U – 225 horsepower and 4.58-cubic-yard bucket.
- XC968U – 295 horsepower and 4.6-cubic-yard bucket.
Features include a high-torque electronic control engine and five-speed full-automatic transmission and load-sensing hydraulic system.
The pressurized, low-noise panoramic cab tilts, and the large-angle backward-opening hood allows easier maintenance access. The has operator an unobstructed 316-degree view from the cab, the company says.
