Volvo Construction Equipment launched the new L200H high lift wheel loader in North America. The industrial loader features a 27% increase in lifting capacity and a 13% larger grapple than the L180H model it replaces. This means the L200H can handle more timber per hour.
A new loading unit features a reinforced lift arm system, cross beam and rotator unit. This increases the machine’s maximum lifting capacity from 19,401 lbs. on the L180H high lift to 24,600 lbs. To accommodate this extra capacity and ensure the stability of the loader, larger 875-type low-profile L4 tires come standard.
“Volvo CE introduced the world’s first high lift wheel loader in 1974, and with the L200, we’re continuing our tradition of producing high-performing, low TCO machines,” said Stephen Roy, president, Region Americas, Volvo CE. “We’re really proud of this purpose-built design.”
Logging Applications
With the ability to stack logs to almost 23 feet high — 60% higher than a conventional wheel loader — the Volvo high lift arm design makes the most of timber yard storage capacity. The L200H high lift enables reaching logs on the stack thanks to 360-degree rotation and the ability to tilt. The new rotator unit is maintenance-free and features an integrated dampening system for stability.
Operating Capabilities
The L200H high lift is able to travel over rough terrains at speed, as well as can work on uneven ground and paved surfaces due to its four-wide tires and articulated steering. A new external axle oil cooling system reduces the temperature of the axles. It also includes an oil filter that keeps the axle oil clean, increasing the oil change interval to 4,000 hours (or 18 months).
Gear shifting has been optimized to serve demanding workloads. Technologies such as OptiShift, which integrates the reverse-by-braking function and torque converter with lock-up, further support fuel efficiency.
New Technology
The L200H high lift is the first high-lift variant to be compatible with Load Assist, Volvo’s suite of apps that is accessible from the in-cab co-pilot display.
The on-board weighing app provides real-time insights into the grapple’s payload to help eliminate overloading, underloading, reweighing and wait times. The operator coaching app provides real-time information and guidance.
Load Assist also includes a tire pressure monitoring system, which provides the ability to check the pressure and temperature of air-inflated and hydro-inflated tires from the cab.
Seating
The L200H high lift comes with a choice of seats. A specially designed multi-function lever ensures control of the hydraulics, and operators can personalize settings from their smartphones.
An optional comfort drive control gives operators the opportunity to steer the machine using a lever instead of the steering wheel. And because operators must be constantly aware of what’s happening around their machines, a new optional front-view camera provides visibility at the front of the machine and on top of the stack, with the view displayed on a dedicated in-cab monitor.
Service Life and Maintenance
Like its predecessor, the L200H high lift's cab can be tilted to 30º or 70º. Combined with an electronically operated engine hood, this makes access to work on the machine straightforward.
Inspecting and cleaning the engine compartment can be carried out with help from handrails on both sides of the machine. At thousand-hour engine service intervals, quick drain/fill connectors facilitate hydraulic oil, transmission oil, engine oil and front axle oil changes.
