Case highlights the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a wheeled loader.
The following tips will help ensure the correct investment decision:
- Purchasing the correct size machine: The operating capacity (bucket size, breakout and lift capacity) and footprint must be determined. Other equipment in the system must also be considered and questions that should be asked include how much material needs to be moved on a daily basis, how many passes does it take to load the type of trucks you have, how quickly do materials cycle through the hopper you’re loading, is there another machine that the wheel loader needs to keep up with, such as an excavator or bulldozer, to move material as efficiently as possible, and what size/weight of materials will the machine need to lift or place?
- Consider fuel efficiencies: Too much or too little horsepower for the job at hand can waste large amounts of fuel. Idle time, improper operator behaviours, jobsite travel patterns and maintenance can also affect fuel efficiency. Each Tier 4 emissions solution also affects fuel efficiency differently.
- Counterweights: Counterweights help improve lift capacity, traction and machine stability.
- Examine operator ride comfort: Ride control options automatically reduce loader arm bounce at elevated speeds, and give the operator full control of their load retention and comfort.
- Understand arm configurations: Most wheel loaders are available in Z-bar (standard, most common), XR (extended reach) and XT (tool carrier) configurations. While Z-bar is the most common, XR models are popular in agricultural applications for placing materials and reaching high bins, while XT arms are popular in material handling applications with forks for handling of palletized and bulk materials.
- Operator comfort: As the operators spend many hours in the cab, it should be quiet, have sufficient space and have features to keep them comfortable, cool and engaged. Good joystick design can also reduce operator fatigue.
- Operator view from the cab: Floor-to-ceiling windows allow operators to view everything happening around them on the jobsite and down to the bucket or attachment. Good lighting at night helps improve visibility and awareness of machine movements.
- Heavy duty axles where necessary: Heavy-duty axles with open differentials can be used with solid tyres on hard surfaces to provide greater traction. The locking differential option is recommended for use in traction-limited conditions to provide better traction.
- Coupling-up attachments: When faced with the decision to go with a quick coupler and auxiliary hydraulics, remember that the ability to quickly switch between a wide variety of attachments adds much versatility. Consider the attachments needed now and any additional attachments that may be required on future jobsites. Forks, specialty buckets, snow removal attachments, grapples and agricultural attachments all expand the functionality of the machine based on the application.
- Backup, warranty and support options: Manufacturer and dealer support is a critical in maintaining the longevity of a machine, minimizing downtime and ensuring the machine runs as efficiently as possible.
- Ensure that service access is good: Look for machines that offer easy access to important maintenance compartments. These should include ground-level service checks, eye-level fluid gauges and an electronically lifted rear hood that provides complete engine access. Source: http://casece.com/en_us/News/Pages/The-Buying-Tip-Sheet-on-Wheel-Loaders.aspx