New Holland launched several new machines at this year's World of Concrete, including the totally redesigned B Series wheel loaders. Three mid-range models, suited to handle 2¼- to 3½-yard buckets, were announced, including the LW130.B that was on display on the show floor in Orlando.
New Holland wheel loaders are built in Fargo, N.D., on a CNH platform, taking advantage of CNH Construction's strategy of using its "family network," according to Bob Bernardi, VP sales and marketing.
Built on the same platform as the Case 621D, New Holland's LW130.B has been redesigned to include the same engine, transmission and coolant package as the Case loader. The differences are in the cab and the body styling, including the fenders, hood and counterweight.
"Our previous machine was built in Italy on a totally different platform," says Eric Winkler, brand marketing manager. The design upgrade has given the B Series increased breakout force for the machines, too, along with higher operating loads and higher dump heights. Return-to-dig and the new return-to-travel feature improve productivity.
Tier 2 engines provide better horsepower. Transmissions and axles are sourced by ZF. Heavy-duty outboard planetary reduction final drives develop torque at the wheel instead of along the axle, reducing axle shaft stress. Outboard wet disc brakes on all four wheels are maintenance-free.
Peak torque for the B Series has increased from 11 to 23 percent, depending on the model, for improved lugging and lifting power. Tier 2 engines provide 119 net horsepower in the LW110.B, 136 for the LW130.B, and 170 in the LW170.B.
New closed-center, load-sensing, pressure-compensating hydraulics use Rexroth variable-displacement, axial piston pumps that provide flow and pressure on demand for loader functions. It matches output to exact load requirements, and a steering priority valve ensures that the flow isn't compromised.
Cooling has been altered in the new Series, with the radiator, coolers and condensers on different sides of the central hydraulic reservoir instead of stacked one in front of the other. A hydraulically driven fan operates independent of engine speed. According to New Holland, this new design "eliminates debris build-up and ensures an ample flow of clean, cool air to all cooling components."
Of course, cab improvements were also included in the redesign. For visibility, the cab has almost 50 square feet of seamless glass with no corner posts.
