All Dash-5 wheel loaders from the WA150-5 to the WA320-5 have hydrostatic transmissions with one pump driving two drive motors. When lots of torque is needed to dig, climb or change direction, both motors work. As the machine gains speed and torque demand falls off, a clutch removes the low-speed hydraulic motor from the drive system. Variable Shift Control allows the operator to dial in the shifting characteristics to match the amount of load and carry on the job. The hydrostatic WA250-5 in Construction Equipment's Field Test was nearly 14 percent more productive than the Dash-3 machine it replaced, and did the work at more than 50 percent fuel-economy advantage.
100- to 200-hp models: 6
New models: WA150-5, WA200-5, WA200PT-5, WA250-5, WA250PT-5 and WA320-5
Product-line features: The hydraulic fan swings out to reveal the radiator, aftercooler and oil cooler mounted side by side for easy cleaning. The greasing interval for the drive shaft has been stretched to 4,000 hours.
Works Like a Z-Bar and Tool Carrier
Link-Belt's L120, L125 and L130—introduced at Conexpo/Con-Agg 2002—are the company's first wheel loaders. Their Power-Link front-end geometry is a departure from most Z-bar linkages, although Volvo and the small Terex machines have a similar front structure. Link-Belt literature claims, "operators won't become frustrated by a lack of power at the top of the lift range as they would in a typical Z-bar machine." And when the "fork level-lift function" is activated, two sensors automatically regulate the position of the lift and curl cylinders to keep the load level from the ground to full height.
100- to 200-hp models: 3
Product-line features: Cummins engines driving through ZF Ergopower transmissions and limited-slip differentials power these Link-Belt loaders. Sealed bearings make their articulation hinges maintenance free.
Mid-Mount Cooling Improves Maintenance
The mid-mount cooling module in the new D Series changed the look and feel of Case wheel loaders. The module improves cooling by eliminating stacked coolers, and it moved the engine behind the rear axle. An electric motor lifts the one-piece engine hood for access to all daily checkpoints from ground level.
100- to 200-hp models: 4
New models: 721D
Product-line features: Case product managers say pilot-operated hydraulic controls have had the greatest impact on sales of 100- to 200-hp wheel loaders in the past 24 months. Refined controls are linked to load-sensing hydraulics (much like on today's excavators) that supply only as much oil flow as the functions require, and only when the cylinders are in motion. The hydraulic system's controller communicates with the engine computer to temporarily boost horsepower when hydraulics are strained.
Hydrostats Save Fuel and Tires
Liebherr just entered the wheel-loader market last year, bringing hydrostatically driven machines to compete in North America. The "2plus2" drive technology in the L544 and larger models applies two different-sized motors coupled independently into the driveline. At least one of the hydraulic motors is active when accelerating or decelerating, so the loader adapts to the required travel speed and torque in every operational situation without interrupting drawbar pull. Liebherr claims the system consumes only 40 percent of the fuel used by comparable loaders with mechanical transmissions.
100- to 200-hp models: 2
New models: L538 and L544
Product-line features: Liebherr's own engines power the wheel-loader line. The turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel in the L538 reaches peak torque at 1,400 rpm and in the L544, the engine is rated for peak torque at 1,200 rpm.
Clambering for Cab Supremacy
Daewoo claims its latest wheel loaders, the Mega-Series, offer operators the most cab space in their size classes. Hydraulic-suspension seat and tilting steering column are standard. There are two transmission-kickdown switches—one on the hydraulic system's joystick controller and another on the left-hand speed-selector lever. The Boom/Bucket Auto Control system can automatically return the boom to the desired height and the bucket to the desired plane during each loading cycle.
100- to 200-hp models: 5
Product-line features: In the 100- to 200-hp range, Daewoo diesel engines direct power through ZF transmissions that offer either automatic or manual shifting.
Networked Computers Boost Performance
New Holland introduced its three loaders in this size class with emissions-compliant engines and a new electronic transmission that offers on-board diagnostics, programmable shifting and a choice of automatic or manual operation. Controllers on the engine, transmission and hydraulic system communicate to improve performance and efficiency.
100- to 200-hp models: 3
New models: LW110.B, LW130.B, and LW170.B
Product-line features: New Holland says combining electronically controlled engines with the mid-mounted cooling package (like that in their Case counterparts) is the most significant technology of the past 24 months. Avoiding the stacking of coolers and the reversible fan are expected to reduce cooling-system downtime. Other New Holland features mirror those of the Case line, including closed-center hydraulics. The big difference between Case and New Holland models is that each brand uses its own engines.
Solid State Seals Electrical Reliability
Deere redesigned the electrical system in its J-Series loaders with a solid-state electrical distribution system, which replaces the fuses, relays and interconnects with a circuit board, solid-state switches and a vehicle electrical center. The system eliminated the need for multiple wiring harnesses and connectors. With fewer wires and harnesses, Deere claims the system provides up to 50 percent greater electrical-system reliability. The monitor in the cab provides detailed diagnostic messaging.
100- to 200-hp models: 5
New models: 444J, 544J, 624J and 644J
Product-line features: The J-Series Quad-Cool system arranges coolers side by side within a box rather than stacked, allowing easy cleaning access to both sides of each cooler. A variable-speed hydraulic fan offers the option of reversing direction to blow debris back out of the coolers. The cooling package is isolated from the engine in a separate compartment, which minimizes preheating of the incoming air.
Electronic Power-Train Upgrades
When Caterpillar installed its 3056E engine in the 924G, 924Gz, 928G and IT28G for Tier-II emissions compliance, it increased those models' horsepower and torque rise, improved fuel economy, and added an automatic preheat system for cold starts. The engine's electronic controller added an interface for computer diagnostics, one-touch engine speed control, and automatic engine derate to protect against overheating. Electronic transmissions were also improved with Electronic Clutch Pressure Control, which adds what Cat calls Variable Shift Control. The feature offers two auto shift modes.
100- to 200-hp models: 7
New models: 938G Series II, IT38G Series II, 950G Series II
Product-line features: Cat says the hydraulically driven radiator fan has had the greatest impact on sales of 100- to 200-hp loaders because it works only as the cooling system demands, it's more efficient and quiet.
Hydraulics Adjust Output to Demand
Volvo's E Series loaders brought load-sensing hydraulics to the product range. The L60E, L70E and L90E are powered by a new six-liter Volvo diesel. With the E Series, Volvo increased the weight and horsepower of the L70E to boost its breakout force, changing what had been a high-power 2.5-cubic-yard machine into a true 3-cubic-yard loader. The company then added the L60E to the line to fill the 2.5-yard slot. Volvo developed cab displays that allow the operators to view machine conditions in English (or 12 other languages) without having to interpret error codes.
100- to 200-hp models: 4
New models: L50E, L60E, L70E and L90E
Product-line features: Volvo says its TP (torque parallel) linkage gives the owner the power of a Z bar, versatility of parallel lift, and high visibility of a tool carrier.
Transmission Thinks on the Go
Hyundai employs Cummins engines driving through electronically controlled Ergopower automatic transmissions in the Dash 7 wheel loaders. Proportional valves enable very precise control of the clutches, and a gear-change monitoring function adjusts shift pressure in the clutches for smooth shifts with no interruption of traction. A manual transmission is optional. Helical gear pumps reduce hydraulic-system noise compared to Dash 3 machines.
100- to 200-hp models: 5
New models: HL730-7, HL730TM-7 and HL730XTD-7
Product-line features: Air-conditioning capacity in the Dash 7 wheel loaders has been increased 16 percent, and heater capacity is cranked up 56 percent. Hyundai increased steering-pump capacity and reduced the number of steering-wheel turns lock-to-lock. Two doors allow access from either side of the cab.
Bigger Engines, Booms and Buckets
The Isuzu diesel in the 60ZV stepped up 9 percent to 119 horsepower, compared to the 60ZIV-2 that it replaced. Breakout force increased more than 12 percent, and Kawasaki claims the lift-arm structures are 60 percent stronger. Standard bucket sizes have increased throughout the V Series, promising productivity increases in the 5- to 9-percent range.
100- to 200-hp models: 4
New models: 60ZV and 65TMV
Product-line features: Kawasaki made the hydraulic-oil cooler standard equipment to reduce oil temperature and improve the reliability of the gear-pump hydraulic system. The V Series cooling system features a plate-fin-type radiator with access panels on each side of the cowl for cleaning between the hydraulic-oil cooler and aftercooler cores. A panel below the radiator can be opened to remove debris. All 100- to 200-hp loaders are assembled in Newnan, Ga.
Updated Controls Simplify Operation
With an electronically controlled transmission, a single lever mounted to the steering column of Dressta's E-Series wheel loaders replaces two shift levers used in previous models. Dressta also did away with the links and levers in the steering system by mounting the hydraulic steering valve directly on the steering column. A single, pilot-hydraulic joystick controls the loader and bucket.
100- to 200-hp models: 6
New models: 510E, 515E and 520E
Product-line features: In 1999, the Dressta trademark replaced the Dresser name that had been part of Komatsu. The product line had roots with International Harvester, and some of the manufacturing had been licensed to Polish company Huta Stalowa Wola since 1972. The Dressta brand is based on those licensed technologies.
JCB
Isolated Radiator Cools Cleaner
JCB installed a single-face combination radiator/cooler to improve cooling efficiency when it changed to emissions-compliant engines. On models from the 436HT and 436ZX through the 456HT and 456ZX, the JCB cooling system is isolated from the engine in a separate compartment. A hydraulically driven fan improves cooling and reduces noise, and the fan is reversible.
100- to 200-hp models: 8
New models: 446ZX
Product-line features: JCB says the most important technology developed in two years is the low-emissions engine that has consistently delivered more horsepower without increasing fuel consumption. Electronic engine controls interfaced with controls on the ZF powershift transmissions make the machines simpler to operate. JCB's single-lever hydraulic control has extra functions built into it for declutching, first-gear kickdown, forward/reverse, return to dig, float and boom-lift kick out.
Hydrostatic Drive with a Loader-Arm Difference
Terex brings hydrostatic drive to the 100- to 200-hp loader class with the SKL863 and SKL873 SP. Loader linkage on both models is basically a Z-bar configuration, but flips the traditional connections over. The hydraulic cylinder connects to the bottom of the Z bar, and the link to the bucket is attached to the top. It's similar to the Link-Belt and Volvo front ends, and like those other makes, Terex claims the geometry delivers high breakout force and level lifting to full height. Perkins diesels, rated at 110 and 140 horsepower, drive these two Terex models.
100- to 200-hp models: 5
New model: SKL873SP
Product-line features: Terex filled a gap in its product line by signing an agreement with Daewoo to distribute wheel loaders with bucket capacities from 2.0 to 5.3 cubic yards in North America. The Terex offering in the 100- to 200-hp category includes the TXL 160-1 at 104 horsepower, the TXL 200-1 at 138 horsepower, and the TXL 250-1 at 158 horsepower. Their specifications match those of Daewoo models bearing the same number.
Hydostat Offers Tool-Carrier Versatility
The Coyote C28 has a hydrostatic transmission driven by a 101-hp water-cooled Deutz diesel. There's cab access on both sides of the machine. The unit's hydraulic, quick-attach coupler accepts 60 different attachments.
100- to 200-hp models: 1
New models: C28
Product-line features: The C28 is the largest conventional wheel loader in Coyote's line. The company also markets what it calls "swing loaders." The swing loader's boom pivots from its mount on the loader's front frame side to side through a wide arc to allow loading over either side of the machine.
Buying File Feature: Electronic Fuel Injection Redefines Wheel Loaders
