machine matters | by Marcia Gruver Doyle IS IT TIME FOR A NEW
s you've waited for the economy to turn, your wheel loaders have aged, and now those machines are
be time to bite the bullet and step up to a new loader in the 4-to-<6 cubic yard reference bucket size:
perhaps two generations behind what's currently in dealer order books. Buying a low-hour used machine – if you can fi nd one at a decent price – is always an op- tion. But the improvements in the newest generation go beyond new paint. As one manufacturer says, "It's an exciting time for wheel loaders." Here are some reasons it may
Tier 4 Interim engine You'll pay a higher price for new loaders and the primary culprit is the engine. These engines gener-
Advanced electronics, drivetrain refi nements make the case for a new machine
WHEEL LOADER? A
ally require large diesel particulate fi lters, low-ash oil and ultra-low sulfur diesel (see sidebar). But they also come with advanced electronics that allow a host of refi nements in air fl ow rate, fuel injection, combustion and after-
Volvo says its L110G and L120G models offered signifi cant improvements over previous models, including a 25 percent increase in lifting force.
20 August 2012 | EquipmentWorld.com
