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Innovation and Versatility Define New Wheel Loaders

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4/24/2020

Hitachi Wheel LoaderFrom industrial to mining to forestry, equipment users in more and more industries are looking to wheel loaders to meet their needs. The expansion of industrial sectors in developing countries, combined with growing infrastructure investment in those same markets, will drive wheel loader adoption in those countries, leading to an overall increase in global sales.

According to Absolute Markets Insights, the global wheel loaders market (which includes other loader categories) is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6 percent over the forecast period and reach US$ 8,065.9 million by the year 2027. The research firm also discovered, the public infrastructure segment is projected to hold the largest market size and that mining is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Known for their robust design, fuel efficiency, high-performance engines, and easy maintenance, wheel loaders now are optimized for specific applications and offer improved safety and fuel efficiency, as well as performance-enhancing innovations.

A Wheel Loader for Every Occasion

John Deere showed nine wheel loader models at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020, including the new 644 G-Tier Utility Wheel Loader -- a simple loader that delivers the ruggedness, fuel economy and reliability that many of the company’s customers require, says Grant Van Tine, product marketing manager, wheel loaders.

“John Deere brought an application focus to CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 by displaying machines in segment groupings. Wheel loaders were featured with other products and technology commonly used in site development, underground, and quarry and aggregate applications,” says Van Tine.

Other models exhibited at the show:

  • 324L and 344L High Lift Compact Wheel Loaders
  • 524L Tool Carrier, 624L, 644 G-tier, and 724L Utility Wheel Loaders
  • 824L, 844L Aggregate Handler, and 944K Production Class Wheel Loaders

“The new EH controls of L-Series utility and production class wheel loaders (444L through 844L) enhance comfort, ease of operation and performance. With these controls, the 444L through 844L models now include in-cab programmable return to dig and monitor settings like soft stops, aggressiveness, precision mode, and storable attachment configurations.  Hydraulic controls include two multifunction buttons that can be programmed to control any of ten different functions,” says Van Tine.

The 744L, 824L and 844L models offer a factory installed Payload Weighing System option.  Onboard dynamic weighing facilitates more accurate loading and allows material movements to be tracked.  It is fully integrated with JDLink telematics enabling customers to track and visualize payload data in the JDLink portal and JDLink Mobile.

Improved Performance with the Latest Technologies

Hitachi Construction Machinery Loaders America Inc’s (HCMA) new Dash-6 models deliver performance, operational and technological advancements. Debuted for the first time at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020, these operator-friendly and efficient models feature Tier 4 Final engines equipped with clean SCR systems and no DPF.

The new line features an enclosed cab that offers 360-degree visibility, ride control, and an automatic transmission with a load-sensing system. Coupled with the work mode selector, this feature helps deliver the optimum power for the application and environment, thereby increasing torque or traction.

Hitachi exhibited their ZW220-6 (200 hp, 4.3 cu. yd.) and ZW370-6 (389 hp, 6.3 cu. yd.) models. Hitachi’s smaller loaders, including the ZW220-6, feature a single, pilot-assisted control lever for ease of operation — allowing the operator to focus on the task. All models larger than the ZW180-6 loader feature a standard rear-view camera and an LCD color monitor that displays important operational information.

Owners of ZW120-6 and up loaders enjoy a lifetime subscription to Hitachi’s Global e-Service remote monitoring solution, which allows for remote monitoring of the equipment and access to ConSite — a suite of asset management tools that helps owners extract the data required to improve machine deployment and maintenance, identify cost savings and equipment operator training opportunities, and better manage projects.

Designed for Versatility

Doosan showcased the DL580-5 wheel loader, which is designed for a variety of applications. This 3- to 4-cubic-yard, 172-hp loader provides operators with enhanced performance and comfort as well as optimized performance due to application-specific options.

The machine’s Z-bar lift-arm linkage boosts performance in scooping, loading, carrying and general construction tasks. For loading of trucks and hoppers, a high-lift Z-bar configuration provides an additional 18 inches of dump height is available — a great benefit in construction, mining and agriculture markets.

Optional heavy-duty axles allow for the use of solid tires in applications where pneumatic tires are at a higher risk of puncture, such as scrap and recycling industries. An optional wide fin radiator provides better cooling and dust/debris filtration with larger fin spacing. An optional guarding package to protect critical components when working in harsh conditions, such as scrap processing, waste transfer stations, recycling and demolition – to help minimize machine downtime.

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