Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/953148
EquipmentWorld.com | March 2018 19 can do spin turns, but that's tough on tracks and under- carriage components and isn't recommended. Still, the ability to use differential steering allows CTLs to make tight turns. Compact wheel loaders can't counter-rotate the wheels, don't have differential steering, and therefore have the widest turning radius. Of these three equip- ment types, they're the least adept at navigating confined spaces. How much does this matter? Not much, for two reasons. First, there are few applications where extremely tight turns are required or at least preferred. In many cases when skid steer operators perform spin turns, it's because they can, not because they must. If they're in the habit of doing spin turns, they do them whether those turns are required in the current conditions or not. Besides, spin turns are fun. Second, compact wheel loaders are hardly awkward, lumbering beasts. They're quite nimble. They're not skid steers, to be sure, but they're not motor graders, either. So how do you decide which loader is right for you? Meier says that if your applications emphasize hydraulic power, small machine dimensions or maneuverability, a skid steer or compact track loader is the right choice. But if the emphasis is on travel speed, cab access, reach and lift, fuel efficiency, tire wear or surface disruption, then a compact wheel loader is what you want. John Comrie, product manager of compact equipment at Volvo CE, says compact wheel loaders traditionally WORK MACHINE The 64-horsepower Volvo L20H has 38 degrees of articulation and 10 degrees of oscillation. The fully automatic two-speed hydrostatic drive delivers a top speed of 18.6 mph. Peak hydraulic output is 7.93 gallons per minute and 3,046 pounds per square inch.