When we think about the jack of all trades in construction equipment, many think first of the skid steer. What other piece of equipment can be used for more applications while squeezing into more tight quarters? As versatile as the skid steer is, the compact wheel loader is a worthy competitor. Today's models are designed to be compact enough to handle the constraints of crowded jobsites, while offering the performance and productivity most often expected of larger machines. Following are what some of the leading manufacturers have to offer in the way of the jobsite powerhouse that is the compact wheel loader.
Case
Case compact wheel loaders offer Versa-Boom linkage for excellent reach, visibility and precise parallel lift. They achieve greater material retention with increased bucket roll back, while a comfortable cab boosts operator productivity. All models feature easy access to service points at ground level. These machines are ideal for landscaping, industrial material handling and residential construction applications.
Four models are available. The Case 21E compact wheel loader is rated at 50 hp (38 kW), with an operating capacity of 10,173 lbs. (4615 kg). The Case 121E is rated at 60 hp (45 kW), and offers an operating capcity of 10,849 lbs. (4921 kg).
The Case 221E and 321E compact wheel loaders are rated at 69 and 77 hp (51 and 57 kW), and have rated operating capacities of 11,947 and 12,676 lbs. (5419 and 5750 kg), respectively.
Standard buckets range from 1.0yd3 (0.9 m3) on the Case 21E, up to 1.4 yd3 (1.1 m3) on the Case 321E.
FAST FACTS:
Four models range from 10,173 to 12,676 lbs. operating capacity
Standard buckets range from 1.0yd3 to 1.4 yd3
Versa-Boom linkage for excellent reach, visibility and precise parallel lift
Wacker Neuson’s newest wheel loader, model WL 37, is the only articulated wheel loader on the market to offer high-flow auxiliary hydraulics for enhanced attachment performance. This 3.7 metric-ton unit offers a straight load capacity of 5,926 lbs. and fully articulated tipping capacity of 4,912 lbs. using a standard 0.78-cu.-yd. bucket. Power comes from a 4-cylinder, 77.8-hp turbocharged Deutz diesel engine.
Wacker Neuson is the only manufacturer to offer a wheel loader with a true high-flow option. The WL 37 is available with 17-gpm auxiliary hydraulics or a true high-flow option of 33 gpm. This high-flow option allows the unit to operate high-flow attachments such as cold planers, snow blowers, etc.
The articulated WL 37 features a built-in articulated joint that reacts to uneven ground and ensures that all four wheels remain on the ground at all times, providing for extremely stable operation.
The large engine cover and compartment allows for easy access to daily maintenance and service points. The driver’s cabin can be tipped to the side for optimum accessibility to the hydraulic system, electrical system and articulated cylinder.
According to Marcus Auerbach, director of compact equipment, "The Wacker Neuson compact wheel loaders can perform the same tasks as a higher-powered skid loader but deliver up to 30% in fuel savings. They are also faster on the jobsite and should have higher resale values at trade-in time too. Add to this the wide range of attachment tools we offer and you really do have a machine that can match the versatility of a skid loader and save a decent amount of money on the jobsite."
FAST FACTS
Straight load capacity of 5,926 lbs.
Fully articulated tipping capacity of 4,912 lbs. using a standard 0.78-cu.-yd. bucket
True high-flow option on offers 33-gpm auxiliary hydraulics
Gehl Company features three new additions to its compact articulated loader line: models 140, 340 and 540. These machines are designed for landscapers, farmers, ranchers, stable operators, fertilizer and feed plants, municipalities and grounds maintenance crews world-wide.
Gehl articulated loaders feature tipping loads ranging from 1,900 to more than 5,100 lbs. (when not articulated) and rated operating capacities from 950 to more than 2,550 lbs. These machines can run virtually all universal-type attachments, putting tools customers already own to good use.
Compact sizes from as narrow as 41 inches on the model 140 allow easy access to extremely tight spaces. Articulated steering allows for turns up to 45 degrees, which further enables these compact loaders to navigate confined spaces while minimizing damage to sensitive surfaces and reducing tire wear.
The unique lift arm design on the Gehl articulated loaders achieves maximum strength, excellent visibility and fast cycle times. The parallel-type linkage on the models 140 and 340, and “Z” bar-type linkage on the model 540 provide excellent bucket breakout forces from 2,433 lbf. on the model 140 to 10,749 lbf. on the model 540. The unique linkage design allows for mechanical self-leveling action in both the up and down directions, excellent bucket dump angles at the mid- and top-ranges of the lift path, as well as outstanding forward reach.
FAST FACTS
Three models feature tipping loads ranging from 1,900 to more than 5,100 lbs. (when not articulated)
Rated operating capacities from 950 to more than 2,550 lbs.
Unique lift arm design achieves maximum strength, excellent visibility and fast cycle times
Komatsu America Corp. (KAC) announces the introduction of the WA50-6 compact wheel loader designed to bring increased production and added operator comfort to end-users in a variety of construction, landscaping, nursery and other applications.
The WA50-6 has an operating weight of 8,100 lbs., and features a maximum dump height of 8’ 1”. The standard auxiliary hydraulics simplify hydraulic attachment installation, enhancing the capability and versatility of the machine. The automatic electronic bucket leveling is controlled by the bucket control lever and increases the productivity of the compact wheel loader.
The WA50-6 is equipped with the latest KOMTRAX technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, machine location and machine utilization are relayed to the web application for analysis. The KOMTRAX fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency.
The WA50-6 features three working modes, enabling the operator to choose the mode that best fits his application:
1. P mode provides maximum rimpull for grading and excavating applications.
2. N mode is appropriate for normal/moderate loading or load and carry applications.
3. S mode virtually eliminates wheel slip allowing the machine to perform well in mud, snow, and other soft or slick applications.
To simplify maintenance, Komatsu equipped the WA50-6 with numerous features. The wide opening engine cover provides outstanding access to daily checkpoints. The filters are remote mounted and arranged collectively for easy inspection and replacement. In addition, the radiator and oil cooler are side by side making them easy to inspect and clean, and it ensures that only the freshest air reaches each component. Extended greasing and service intervals make it easier to schedule maintenance.
"The WA50-6 wheel loader is state-of-the art designed and manufactured with Komatsu components," says Steve Moore, compact wheel loader product manager, Komatsu America Corp. "The Dash 6 model further improves the features and benefits of the previous model. It features a new higher-powered Komatsu 4D88E-6B 4 -cylinder engine and the service and parking brake systems were improved to a wet disc sealed system. This offers long life and sealed from contaminants."
He continues, "The cab was made enlarged and new hydrostatic transmission controls were added. The easy-to-use controls and hydrostatic transmission with four traction modes makes it easy to maximize performance, creating a loader that is a valuable addition to any rental fleet."
The WA70-6 and WA80-6 use state-of-the art Komatsu designed and manufactured hydrostatic transmissions with limited slip axles as standard, Moore says. Visibility is enhanced with the Delta loader boom and to the rear with a transverse engine. The cab tilts up and makes service a snap. With high visibility, easy to operate hydrostatic transmission with limited slip axles, and easy to service features, both models are a high-value addition to your rental fleet.
FAST FACTS
8,100-lb. operating weight
Automatic electronic bucket leveling is controlled by the bucket control lever for increased productivity
Operator can choose from three working modes to best suit the application
Takeuchi
Takeuchi compact wheel loaders provide customers with an outstanding blend of power and performance.
All Takeuchi compact wheel loaders feature a 100% inching pedal that when used in conjunction with the accelerator pedal allows the operator to maintain full flow and pressure to the loader and auxiliary hydraulic functions while reducing travel speed, says David Caldwell, product and training manager.
"Takeuchi offers two loader linkage arrangements," he says. "The TW50 is equipped with a parallel loader linkage that allows it to function much like a tool carrier and makes it an ideal choice for picking and placing material. The larger TW65 and TW80 feature Z-bar loader linkages that make them excellent choices for digging and loading aggregate material, snow removal, scrap and recycling applications."
100% locking differentials are standard equipment and provide the additional traction an operator may need to power through adverse terrain and conditions.
"All Takeuchi compact wheel loaders feature spacious operator platforms that feature a six-way adjustable suspension seat with arm rests, low effort pilot controls, and certified ROPS/FOPS level 2 protection," Caldwell says.
FAST FACTS
100% inching pedal allows the operator to maintain full flow and pressure to the loader and auxiliary hydraulic functions while reducing travel speed
Standard 100% locking differentials provide additional traction for adverse terrain and conditions
Six-way adjustable suspension seat
The latest generation Volvo L20F and L25F compact wheel loaders offer greater operator comfort and an improved compact design. The new machines offer a range that delivers the key requirements of the 50- to 60-hp wheel loader class, namely versatility, compact dimensions, ease of operation and flexibility for use with a wide range of attachments for many different applications.
The machine’s compact size helps give all-around visibility and the ability to work in narrow or confined work sites. Servicing is easy, with quick and convenient access to all the main service points, which are located under the protection of the engine hood. The electric circuit board is also located in a safe, protected and easily-accessible location. An easy-fill, high-capacity 15.8 gallon fuel tank allows for long work cycles.
The frame concept features an articulating/oscillating joint in the center of the machine between the front and rear frame. This combined with 100-percent operator-selectable differential locks on the front and rear axles as standard, provides each machine with optimal performance, stability and traction when operating on rough terrain. Parallel linkage on both models offers excellent visibility to the attachment.
In addition, the Volvo L20F and L25F have been designed for easy machine operation — a key feature for rental customers — as everyone from expert operators to those with limited experience can quickly become proficient. An optional hand control inch valve permits operators to precisely adapt travel speed to fit the application.
“The new Volvo L20F and L25F models are the result of more than 50 years of wheel loader experience,” said Bernhard Lemling, Volvo wheel loaders product planner. “We brought all the knowledge from our long history into these products.”
FAST FACTS
Easy-fill, high-capacity 15.8-gal. fuel tank allows for long work cycles
Articulating/oscillating joint in center of the machine between the front and rear frame
Parallel linkage offers excellent visibility to the attachment
John Deere offers three compact wheel loader models. The John Deere 244J is a tight-turning, heavy-lifting, versatile machine that combines best-in-class maneuverability, travel speed, breakout force, reach and stability. Oscillating stereo steering delivers a smooth turning radius that’s 20-percent tighter than comparable loaders for faster cycle times and less material spillage. Equipped with a 59-hp IT4 engine, the 244J travels at speeds up to 19 mph. Low and high-speed ranges provide infinitely variable travel speeds to match the work at hand. A sound-suppressed cab provides ample headroom and best-in-class all-around visibility. In addition, the 244J is equipped with a standard pin-type hydraulic quick-coupler for easy attachment of accessories, including buckets, forks and augers.
John Deere's 324J is a 74-hp compact wheel loader that combines outstanding maneuverability, travel speed, breakout force, reach and stability in an innovative package. Oscillating stereo steering delivers a smooth-turning radius that’s 20-percent tighter than comparable loaders for faster work cycles and better material retention over rough terrain. In addition, the 324J features a spacious cab, extra uptime from sealed electrical connections, more durable axles, and extended service intervals. The hydrostatic drivetrain’s infinitely variable range allows contractors to match travel speed to the work at hand and inch ahead while maintaining full hydraulic power. Equipped with an IT4 emission-certified engine, the 324J travels at speeds up to 19 mph.
The John Deere 344J is a heavy-duty compact loader for those users looking for increased productivity. The 344J boasts outstanding maneuverability, travel speed, breakout force, reach and stability – easily making it the most capable in its class. A unique oscillating stereo steering combines machine articulation with rear-axle steering, for superior close-quarters maneuverability. The spacious walk-through cab provides comfort and is fully equipped with intuitive low-effort controls and standard return-to-dig. In addition, the 344J is loaded with proven durability and uptime-enhancing features such as sealed electrical connectors, durable solid-state electrical load center, and simplified serviceability. Equipped with a 97-hp Tier 3 emission-certified engine, the 344J travels at speeds up to 19 mph.
FAST FACTS
Oscillating stereo steering delivers a smooth, tight turning radius for faster cycle times and less material spillage
Travels at speeds up to 19 mph
Spacious walk-through cab provides comfort and is fully equipped with intuitive low-effort controls and standard return-to-dig
RACINE, Wis. – Case compact wheel loaders offer Versa-Boom linkage for excellent reach, visibility and precise parallel lift. Get greater material retention with increased bucket roll back. A comfortable cab boosts operator productivity. All models feature easy access to service points at ground level. These machines are ideal for landscaping, industrial material handling and residential construction applications.
Four models are available. The Case 21E compact wheel loader is rated at 50 hp (38 kW), with an operating capacity of 10,173 lb (4615 kg). The Case 121E is rated at 60 hp (45 kW), and offers an operating capcity of 10,849 lb (4921 kg).
The Case 221E and 321E compact wheel loaders are rated at 69 and 77 hp (51 and 57 kW), and have rated operating capacities of 11,947 and 12,676 lb (5419 and 5750 kg), respectively.
Standard buckets range from 1.0yd3 (0.9 m3) on the Case 21E, up to 1.4 yd3 (1.1 m3) on the Case 321E.