Load ‘Em Up!
Published 23/12, 2024 at 11:45Construction equipment manufacturers have been busy over the past year, rolling out one new product after another for contractors looking to expand or update their fleets.
Perhaps no sector has seen more debuts than compact loaders and skid steers, providing the power and versatility necessary to tackle any job, anywhere. The new models also offer comfortable, feature packed cabs and shock suppressing suspensions to suit veteran operators and newcomers alike. Being productive can now be both profitable and a pleasure.
Volvo CE launches updated L30 and L35
Two updated models from Volvo Construction Equipment offer operator focused improvements that build on the company’s already strong foundation in the compact wheel loader market. With the latest L30 and L35 compact wheel loaders, customers looking for 1m to 1.2m3 bucket capacity, or a 2.4t to 2.6t fork payload, can now experience faster work cycles in addition to improved manoeuvrability, tractive force and performance. These models include new features such as an advanced boom kick out and a bucket leveller option. This helps experienced operators ensure precise repetitive movement with less fatigue and help less experienced operators carry out faster loading cycles.
The new L30 and L35 also come with additional sensors to monitor their engine and cooling performance. The standard reversible cooling fan is adjustable to handle the dusty and high debris conditions of demolition jobsites with the operator alerted to deviations in machine behaviour. They also feature an electro hydraulic main control valve that is designed to enhance flow sharing. The optional adjustable boom and tilt function allow the operator to set the flow using the jog wheel and display. Another big development is the addition of an eight pin harness on the boom, which can be activated by a button on the joystick. This allows a wider range of attachments to be used without installing additional wiring.
CASE launces ‘F-Series’
CASE Construction Equipment has updated its compact wheel loader line with the launch of four ‘F-Series Evolution’ models – the 21F, 121F, 221F, and 321F. The 21F weighs in at 4,570kg, increasing to 5,423kg for the 121F, 5,694kg for the 221F, and 6,195kg for the 321F. Bucket capacities run from 0.7m to 1m3 for the smallest model, rising to 1 to 1.3m3 for the 321F. Both the 21F and the 121F feature a new monolift cylinder Z-bar loader arm, allowing for parallel lift for better pallet fork handling, without compromising breakout force. The 21F and 121F have standard flow hydraulics producing 67l/min of flow, while the larger 221F and 321F feature an optional high flow package, a front electrical socket and a depressurised return drain function.
To meet growing customer demand, CASE says the two larger F-Series models are available with a choice of travel speed ratings: 20kph in standard trim and an optional 40kph to move rapidly between work sites. The company notes that the increased travel speed is ideal for contractors that employ high performance, constant speed attachments, such as for snow clearing. When combined with optional arm suspension, the higher travel speeds are said to deliver increased productivity in load and carry operations.
Powered by a 43kW Stage V FPT diesel engine, the 21F boasts 245Nm of torque. This rises to 48kW and 261Nm in the 121F, topping out at 55kW and 316Nm in the 221F and 321F. The larger models come with new modular axles available with limited slip or 100% locking differentials for maximum traction in difficult terrain. They feature multi disc wet brakes with a hydraulically released parking brake. They have an ‘Eco’ drive mode, limiting engine revs to 1,700rpm for reduced fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions.
Smart features allow the operator to preset hydraulic response to suit individual tasks, while a bucket shake mode assists the emptying of sticky materials. As well as a return to dig function, there is now a return to travel setting and the two automated movements can be combined for easier operation in loading and tipping. A return to height function is also offered.
Caterpillar’s next generation skid steer and compact track loaders
Caterpillar has introduced eight new next generation skid steer loaders - the 250, 260, 270, and 270 XE -and compact track loaders—the 275, 275 XE, 285, and 285. All models feature a redesigned engine compartment that places the engine and cooling package lower into the frame for improved stability. Meeting both U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emissions standards, the four new compact track loader models are powered by the Cat C3.6TA engine, while the 250 and 260 skid steer loaders are powered by the Cat C2.8T and the 270 and 270 XE by the Cat 3.6TA. Caterpillar says the new engines maintain horsepower across a wider rpm range compared to engines powering the D3 series and boast significant torque increases.
A new closed centre auxiliary hydraulic system allows the new models to operate all ‘Cat Smart Attachments’ with standard hydraulics. The 250, 260, 270, and 275 are equipped with standard hydraulic flow and are shipped from the factory outfitted as high flow ready. This is activated simply via a new software enabled attachment, permitting on-machine or remote activation of increased hydraulic flow. With a 70mm increase in interior width, the models’ new cab expands footwell to ceiling height by 46mm and allows for an additional 40mm of hip room and 28mm more width between the joysticks. A range of new mechanical and air ride suspension seat options are available, including a high comfort seat that is both ventilated and heated. New auto temperature control, plus vent outlet positioning above the operator, quickly cool or heat the cab’s interior.
French equipment honours
The eS1000, Mecalac’s 100% electric loader, earned the grand prize for light range construction equipment from France’s Federation of Equipment. Presented at the organisation’s 59th annual meeting earlier this year, the award cited Mecalac’s ‘innovation that meets the imperative undertaking that construction projects are more environmentally friendly’. The eS1000 was also cited for its eight hour operating time and ease of recharging. Introduced in 2022, the eS1000 is based on Mecalac’s diesel powered AS1000 swing loader. The 7,085kg machine has an overall width of 1.9m and a tipping load of 4,300kg with a standard 1m3 bucket.
John Deere expands ‘P-Tier’ compact machines
Five new machines have joined John Deere’s P-Tier product line comprising of the 330 and 334 skid steer loaders and the 331, 333, and 335 compact track loaders. All boast a new one piece cab design with premium options, enhanced technology features, and an overall increase in operating power. Accompanying the machines are three new attachments, the MK76 and MH72D mulching heads and the CP40G cold planer. Drawing on customer feedback, John Deere says the new P-Tier models boast larger, fully redesigned operator stations and multiple safety features. Along with increased visibility on all sides of the machine, the new operator station is sealed, pressurised, and isolated from the frame to improve comfort and productivity. A standard onboard grade indication feature displays the cross slope and main fall of the machine enabling operators to use a relative benchmark to assist in maintaining a desired grade.
Another product addition from John Deere is the 326 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader. Along with purpose built telescoping linkage, the new 326 P-Tier offers more than 4.9m of reach from its telescopic lift arm, providing lifting while still being compact enough to work in tight spaces. Now equipped with the ‘Load Torque Indicator’ system, the 326 P-Tier provides visual and audible alarms if stability limits are exceeded during lifting, lowering, or extension. Once limits are reached, movements with the telescopic lift arms are only possible if the movement improves the stability of the load, helping keep the machine operating at maximum capability and performance. To optimise loading and stacking processes, the 326 P-Tier’s electro hydraulic controls are customisable from the touchscreen display offering ‘Auto Return-to-Dig’, and ‘Auto Lift’ and ‘Auto Lower’ functions to lower cycle times and increase productivity. The touchscreen display also provides warnings, machine status, and positioning information, all in easy view. In terms of visibility, the 326 P-Tier boasts an overhead window with dedicated wiper blade and optional boom mounted lights to complement the standard LED lights.
Kubota’s small sized SVL50x big on features
With its 121.9mm frame, the 2,549kg SVL50x is, according to Kubota, the smallest cabbed compact track loader on the market. Available in four models ranging from an open (ROPS) station to a deluxe cab, the new SVL50x is powered by a 36.5kW diesel engine. The working range includes a rated operating capacity of 533.4kg at 35% of the tipping load, 6,643.5Nm of bucket breakout force, and a hinge pin height of 258cm. The ‘x’ in SVL50x stands for ‘extra’ due to the number of additional features included in the new model. Similar to Kubota’s larger SVL75-3 compact track loader, the SVL50x is available with a one piece sealed cab that helps keep dirt, dust, rain, and debris out of the operator space while providing a quiet operating environment. An LCD touch panel gives operators access to a wide range of functions and information. The SVL50x also includes technologies such as an auto idling system. A creep mode slows the machine to a crawl when operating a trencher, snowplough, and other similar attachments. The new SVL50x compact track loader will be available at select Kubota dealers beginning in the first quarter of 2025.
ASV VT-75 aims to deliver superior lift capacity and loading capabilities
ASV’s VT-75 ‘Posi-Track’ compact track loader is designed for loading trucks and many other construction tasks. The Yanmar brand is said to deliver a variety of comfort and productivity features and technologies for a premium experience while allowing operators to complete more work in more places.
The 3,769kg machine has a 54.6kW diesel engine and utilises high performance hydraulics and direct drive pumps. A 3.2m lift height, a 1,043kg rated operating capacity and 2,980kg tipping load are designed for jobs such as loading over the side of high dump trucks. Equipped with a rubber track undercarriage and suspension that is made up of two independent torsion axles per undercarriage which is said to maximise ground contact and provide more traction and pushing power. The machine is also equipped with automatic two speed technology for a seamless transition between low and high speed modes.
The RT-65 compact track loader
ASV says it has redesigned every facet of the RT-65 loader to provide users with numerous productivity and performance benefits. The radial lift machine’s new hydraulics, engine, controls, wiring, pumps, hoses, and frame are said to benefit from the 49.3kW diesel engine and optional 101l/min high flow. The hydraulic system and direct drive pumps are designed to transfer more flow and pressure directly to the attachment. The 3,350kg RT-65’s automatic two speed is said to provide operators improved control while grading, in tight spaces or other precision applications. Self-levelling technology automatically levels the load both while both raising and lowering the machine’s arms. Other new features include a work tool positioner that enables the operator to create a push button preset for the attachment angle based on the application. Return to position technology complements with the ability to set a preset for the height of the loader arms. The two features can be paired or used independently, depending on the task at hand.
Foldable canopies available
Mecalac now offers a foldable canopy version for its MCL2, MCL4, MCL6, and MCL8 compact loaders. This allows operators to leverage the machines’ benefits in areas with limited overhead clearance.
Operators can fold down the canopy rapidly by removing a pin on each column and simply pushing the roof back. This reduces machine height by as much as 0.3m, allowing driving in areas with limited clearance etc. Mecalac loaders are also equipped with hydraulic and manoeuvrability options. With ‘M-Drive’, the engine speed can be controlled independently of travel speed, allowing power and hydraulic flow to be adapted to best suit the job at hand. ‘Speed Control’ allows operators to set the maximum travel speed from 1.6 kph up to 30.5kph on the MCL6 and MCL8 models. The ‘MCL’ loaders can accommodate a range of attachments, including buckets, grapple forks, pallet forks, and shredders. An extended boom is designed to enhance material handling productivity, making tasks such as stacking bales, managing fodder and cleaning stables simple and efficient. Each machine has a 45o articulation that keeps the front wheels traveling in the same path as the rear wheels while driving. A 10o oscillation allows for traction wherever the machine might travel, including on uneven ground.
Kioti’s new loaders
Known mainly for agricultural market machines, Daedong Corporation’s Kioti Tractor brand has entered the construction market with the launch of its TL750 compact track loader and SL750 skid steer loader. Both 54.4kW machines feature a wide cabin available with the standard open station design or an optional enclosed cab with air conditioning. A 3.3m height to hinge pin and vertical lift facilitates the easy dumping of materials into trucks and high sided hoppers. Both machines feature a roll up style door for easy entrance and exit, regardless of the position of the bucket or attachment. Activated with the switch of a button, a standard self-levelling feature automatically keeps the bucket or attachment in a horizontal plane when lifting. Optional ride control is designed to reduce material spillage and lift arm movement when moving materials across the site. Kioti’s hydraulic pilot joystick controls are designed for manoeuvrability, delivering what the company calls superior ‘featherability’ and finite control. Fingertip controls allow the operator to easily utilise the attachment function from the joystick for what is said to be a smooth and effortless operation.
New 1950 RT compact track loader
The new 54.4kW 1950 RT makes the most of what Manitou calls an ‘extremely compact footprint’. The 3,697kg machine with a radial lift arm features a rated operating capacity of 884.5kW, a 233.7cm lift height, and high flow auxiliary hydraulics to run a wide variety of attachments. Multiple track widths and tread patterns, coupled with counterweights, provide additional stability and operating strength. The 1950 RT also comes with Manitou’s ‘IdealTrax’ track auto tensioning system, a swing out cooler and temperature control.
New Holland grows its compact wheel loader lineup
New Holland Construction has added three models to its ‘C-Series’ compact wheel loaders, the W60C, W70C, and W80C LR. The W60C 47.8 kW W60C has an operating weight of 5,400kg and a Z-bar boom design for landscaping and material handling etc. The 55.4kW W70C has an operating weight of 5,672kg to handle a wide range of light construction tasks, whilst the 55.4kW W80C LR is designed primarily for the agricultural market, and has an operating weight of 6,093kg and lift capacity of 4,808kg. Updated features include a new ROPS/FOPS certified cab with climate control options. The cab is fully sealed and pressurised to minimise noise and keep out dust. An automated boom control is designed for the operator to set return to dig, return to travel, and height control from within the cab. A simplified creep mode is designed for operations requiring low vehicle speeds and high hydraulic power. A redesigned Z-bar monolift cylinder is designed to enhance operator safety and visibility to the attachment while also providing maximum breakout force and digging and lifting power. All models are compatible with more than 250 attachments, including buckets, brooms, snow blowers etc.
Two new small articulated loaders
New Holland’s new ML35T and ML50T telescopic reach small articulated loaders are now available, being designed to provide additional reach and hinge pin height when loading or moving materials, being developed to enhance efficiency and manoeuvrability. The flexible telescopic boom design of the ML35T and ML50T is able to retract and extend as needed to better handle jobs with varying height needs. The telescopic boom is able to manoeuvre and handle materials at elevated heights, with both models featuring a hinge pin height of approximately 4.3m. Equipped with a robust Stage V certified engine, diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF), the ML35T and ML50T are powered by 47.8kW and 54.4kW engines respectively. Steel plates and reinforced booms are designed for durability to minimise wear and potential cracking often found in plastic components. Serviceability is a simple process, with clearly labelled service points at ground level and easy access to engine compartments and grease surfaces.
www.construction.newholland.com
Yanmar expands compact track loader line
Yanmar Compact Equipment has made three additions to its line of compact track loaders. The 4,175kg TL75VS and 4,359kg TL80VS are designed to be highly durable and versatile construction grade vertical lift machines, both featuring a 3.2m max bucket pin height. The new machines are designed to provide premium performance and operator comfort with a torsion axle suspended undercarriage featuring a pivot link system at the rear axle. The linkage technology uses a spring load that is designed to reduce oscillation whilst stabilising the machine. Both machines feature self-levelling technology that uses dual direction capabilities to automatically level the load while raising and lowering loader arms.
A work tool positioner enables operators to preset the angle of the attachment based on the task, while return to position technology lets operators set a designated height for the loader arms. Through auto two speed, the machine shifts automatically between low and high speed modes for smoother transition and more control in spaces with limited room or where extra precision is required. Yanmar’s third new addition - the TL65RS radial lift compact track loader - is the smallest in the company’s current lineup. A 49.3kW Tier 4 Final diesel engine and 952.5kg rated operating capacity is said by the company to maximise performance and productivity for the best possible ROI. All three models are designed with easily accessible daily checkpoints, removable skid plates, three panel engine access and a swing out radiator that can be opened without tools.
Additionally, Yanmar has recently announced a new line of branded attachments, including a full range of buckets, augers, trenchers, stump grinders, soil conditioners, breakers, sweepers, pallet forks, brush mowers, grapple rakes and buckets, and snow and grading blades.
