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Wheel loaders have traditionally been used in repetitive load-and-carry applications, but thanks to today’s trend of maximizing an equipment investment by using one machine for multiple functions, wheel loaders are now doing more. “Wheel loaders can excel when used in tool-carrier applications,” says Scott Sikkink, Terex ASV Product Marketing Specialist. “Models designed to be tool carriers can work on all types of projects, from general construction tasks to more specialized landscaping and utility work.” Features like an articulating center point, oscillating rear axles and rear-mounted engines offer wheel loader operators an advantage when working on challenging jobsites. These features offer operators a combination of speed and maneuverability, particularly in space-restrictive and sensitive-turf environments. Also, a wheel loader’s hydrostatic drive system provides infinitely variable speed control, giving these machines the ability to easily adapt to a wide variety of tasks. But, Sikkink says, it’s these machines’ ability to work with a variety of different attachments that allow them to excel as tool carriers. Most tool carrier-designed wheel loaders come equipped with a universal skid steer loader quick-attach system, letting them marry up with skid steer and compact track loader attachments, including buckets, forks, augers, brooms, hydraulic breakers, trenchers, snow blowers and more. “The compact wheel loader market in North America is still much smaller than 20 Utility Contractor | May 2009 Riddle 2: I play in the sand, but I don’t build a castle. In fact you can fill me with rocks, mud and gravel. If you don’t need me, I become quite detached. But cleanse the pallet if we are well matched. A New Multipurpose Tool in Town Attachments Making Wheel Loaders Jack-of-all-trades By Amber Reed the skid steer and compact track loader market,” states Sikkink. “So most attachments are actually designed for skid steers but may work with wheel loaders. “Because of the difference in auxiliary hydraulic flow between wheel loaders and skid steers or compact track loaders, it is important to understand how your wheel loader’s driving, braking, steering and lifting functions may influence the performance of an attachment, particularly ones that require continuous hydraulic flow,” counsels Sikkink. When choosing attachments for a wheel loader, it is important to pay particular attention to the attachment’s flow requirements. Attachments that require continuous hydraulic flow, such as augers and brooms, do not work as efficiently if the wheel loader’s hydraulic specifications do not meet the attachment’s needs. In this case, the demands of the rest of the wheel loader’s systems can result in sluggish attachment operation or may cut hydraulic flow to the attachment altogether. This can be very frustrating to owners and operators who are trying to increase the usage of their equipment. “It is a good idea to source your attachments through the distributorship where you purchased your wheel loader,” recommends Sikkink. “Your distributor knows the wheel loader’s exact hydraulic specifications and will counsel you on which attachments will work with your machine. It is important to let your distributor know all of the potential applications you want to perform because this will influence what advice your distributor gives you when making a machine purchase.” With so many wheel loader options and models available, an attachment will work differently depending on the wheel loader. For example, continuous-flow attachments require wheel loaders designed with higher auxiliary hydraulic flow or dedicated auxiliary hydraulic circuits. Without this design option, certain continuous-flow attachments would need to be run on larger units in order to work effectively. The larger units, however, may not work well on space-restricted jobsites and can increase operating costs by increasing fuel and maintenance costs. Also, as Sikkink points out, since the attachments are designed for smaller, more compact machines, they may not fit well on larger wheel loaders. Terex, however, offers an additional dedicated auxiliary hydraulic circuit option with a second pump on its TL80 and TL100 wheel loader models, explains Sikkink. This option allows Terex units to run a wider variety of attachments without sacrificing the operation of the machine. In tough economic times, wheel loaders are no longer expected to perform just one task, but to do everything they are capable of doing. “By consulting your equipment distributor on the right attachments and options for your wheel loader,” concludes Sikkink, “you can significantly enhance the productivity of your machine to maximize your investment dollars.” Amber Reed is a Technical Writer for Performance Marketing, West Des Moines, Iowa.
Minis on a Growth Spurt Compact Wheel Loaders Is an Expanding Market By Jay Baudhuin Compact wheel loaders are growing in popularity in the U.S. The wheel loader market is expanding into a wide variety of applications such as landscaping, golf courses, cemeteries, construction, municipal and utility sites, as well as commercial and industrial material handling applications. Compact wheel loaders are becoming a popular replacement for traditional skid steer units. The wheel loaders typically do not tear up turf on the jobsite, offer better weight distribution and the wheelbase lends itself to better loading, pushing and grading of materials. Many contractors are finding that wheel loaders are improving their overall efficiency, especially in applications where turf damage is a consistent issue such as landscaping projects, curb and gutter work and golf course rehab. Typically compact wheel loaders are classified by horsepower. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) categorizes the units from 1 to 40 hp, 40 to 60 hp, 60 to 80 hp and 80 to 100 hp. Many manufacturers, including Wacker Neuson, offer several sizes. There are typically two different styles — articulated steering and rigid frame all-wheel steer (AWS). Articulated wheel loaders offer excellent maneuverability with a wide choice of power and performance ratings and rigid AWS are very comfortable to Riddle 3: What is filled, but empty Works in sets, but sold as one And even when it’s on the move, it’s still in the same place May 2009 | Utility Contractor 21
Page 4: MAY 2009 CONTENTS 12 Get Engine Sma
Page 8: GROUNDBREAKING NEWS Bobcat Lends a
Page 11 and 12: GROUNDBREAKING NEWS Cracking the Sa
Page 13 and 14: standards in 2011, with 75 to 174 h
Page 16 and 17: This John Deere D-Series Tier 2 mot
Page 18 and 19: Wheel Loader Riddler Answering the
Page 22 and 23: operate and provide excellent stabi
Page 25 and 26: Picture by Kaj Bjurman, Stockholm,
Page 27 and 28: 2009-2010 DIRECTORY The Voice of th
Page 31 and 32: 2009-2010 DIRECTORY A WORD ABOUT TH
Page 34 and 35: NUCA COMMITTEES 2009 Leadership Rol
Page 36 and 37: 2009-2010 CONTRACTORS As of April 3
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2009-2010 CONTRACTORS As of April 3
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2009-2010 ASSOCIATES As of April 3,
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2009-2010 PRODUCT INDEX As of April
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INSIDE WASHINGTON NUCA’s Legislat
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SAFETY MANAGEMENT What You Need to
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NUCA NEWS Tina Dillon Chairs Steeri
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INDUSTRY CALENDAR June 2009 11-14 -
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ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Al Asher & Son
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