Showcase: Large Wheel Loaders for Quarries and Aggregates (Part 1)
Large wheel loaders need to be high-production performers for quarries and aggregate work but they're more than brute force — they feature technologies to bring efficiency and cost savings to that power.
In this edition of our Showcase, we highlight some of the drives and components that combine for performance. In Part 2, we'll take a look at offerings from John Deere, Case, and Komatsu, sage buying advice, and pro service tips.
Two types of drives
The Liebherr L586Z XPower is the largest of Liebherr’s XPower wheel loader portfolio offered for the US market.
Its XPower travel drive combines the best features of two types of drives — Hydrostatic and Mechanical — into a unique machine design.
Liebherr says the results are faster work cycles, high tipping loads, and increased machine uptime for increased handling capacity.
The ergonomically designed operator’s cab enables comfortable and productive work and can be individually adjusted. Intelligent installation of components and quick and easy access to the engine compartment aid effective maintenance work.
Electric drive
The Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader stands out by combining electric drive efficiency with advanced technology for superior performance in loading applications.
Its innovative electric drive system reduces powertrain losses, resulting in more efficient truck loading and optimal productivity. The loader features an optional counterweight for enhanced stability and faster maneuvering.
Caterpillar engineers have also addressed maintainability.
Powertrain oil and filter service intervals are extended to 2,000 hours, and fewer moving parts mean a component rebuild interval of 20,000 hours. The single generator, motor, and inverter design requires no high-power cable service until 35,000 hours, reducing downtime.
Operator comfort and control are prioritized with a Go-Pedal offering three dynamic braking levels and new Operator Assist features. Optional Operator Coaching further improves cycle times and bucket fill factors. Compared to the 988K, the 988 XE delivers greater efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and reduced maintenance.
Big production, low noise
When aggregates or quarry operations require continuous cycles with maximum payloads, the Hyundai HL985A wheel loader delivers, with 420 net horsepower and a 9.2-cubic-yard bucket standard.
Visibility from the cab is excellent, and at 68 dB, sound levels are among the quietest in the industry, making the operator is more comfortable, safer, and more productive.
OEMs boost tech offerings on large wheel loaders
Electro-hydraulic controls contribute to increased productivity with less operator fatigue, while Smart Power model reduces fuel consumption by adjusting the engine speed in heavy-duty applications. This also balances traction and breakout forces for even greater productivity. Components include Cummins engine and premium-quality ZF axles.
As with other Hyundai machines, the HL985A wheel loader comes with an industry-leading three-year/3,000-hour standard warranty, plus a five-year/10,000-hour structural warranty, with the option to extend the warranty.
Additionally, Hyundai provides use of Hyundai Connect, its proprietary GPS-based remote-management system free for five years.
Robust components
Though JCB is not well known for large loaders in the U.S., the 457 may surprise.
Built for demanding aggregate and quarry applications, the 457 wheel loader is powered by a 282-horsepower Cummins engine.
It has a payload capacity of 15,150 pounds, so operators can efficiently move high volumes of aggregate, stone, and bulk materials throughout the workday. A heavy-duty frame, reinforced articulation joint, and ZF drivetrain are engineered to withstand harsh quarry conditions while maximizing uptime.
The JCB CommandPlus cab enhances operator comfort with intuitive controls, excellent visibility. and reduced noise levels for long shifts on the jobsite.
Ground-level service access and simplified daily maintenance help operators and fleet managers reduce downtime and improve productivity.
