It’s been a minute. Volvo Construction Equipment announced it’s updating its L30 and L35 compact wheel loaders — the first update since 1998. A lot’s happened since then, and Volvo’s taken the opportunity to update a variety of iron and tech on these two units. We suggest you watch our latest episode of The Weekly Iron. Host Miles Cooksy takes a closer look at the redesigned machines and discusses all the changes. We’ve already covered the full launch of the updated L30 and L35. So, instead of running through every little detail, we’ll just hit the highlights here in this post. But watch that video above first!

Volvo L30 and L35 features at a glance

• Auxiliary hydraulics: Adjustable auxiliary flow supports different attachment requirements.
• High-flow hydraulics: Up to 26.4 gpm on the L30 and 29.1 gpm on the L35.
• Service access: Removable split side-mounted counterweights provide technicians with better access.
• Front frame: A larger opening improves access to components and simplifies adding hydraulic or electrical equipment.
• Haul tools and trailers: New mounting points simplify adding rear-mounted equipment, while different trailer couplings can be fitted quickly.
• Cab entrance: Three redesigned steps, handrails, and a wide-opening door improve entry and exit.
• Operator station: A high seating position provides visibility around the machine and attachment.
• Climate control: Heat comes standard, with air conditioning available as an option.
• Machine information: A 5-inch display uses a jog wheel for navigating machine information.
• Telematics: Volvo ActiveCare Direct provides machine monitoring.
• L30 size: The L30 weighs 12,135 pounds and carries a 1.3-cubic-yard standard bucket.
• L35 size: The L35 weighs 13,448 pounds and carries a 1.6-cubic-yard standard bucket.

Production is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with shipments expected shortly afterward.

Attachments are a cool angle

Small wheel loaders are also great tool carriers, but we don’t hear a ton about implements or trailers hooking up to the back. It’s interesting to see Volvo adding mounting points for rear equipment while making trailer couplings easier to install. High-flow auxiliary power to the front attachment is equally impressive at 26.4 gpm on the L30 and 29.1 gpm on the L35. Volvo also notes in this press release that now the “hydraulic and electric connections can be added or retrofitted with less installation work.” Wheel loaders and attachments always get us thinking about snow.

Snow is coming. Is your loader ready?

Compact wheel loaders are excellent winter warriors. Attach a snow bucket, blower, broom, and/or salt spreader, and a small wheel loader can remove snow from parking lots, pedestrian walkways, roads, and beyond. Of course, if you do put your wheel loaders to work in the cold season, make sure to winterize your fleet. The big chill puts extra stress on fluids, batteries, hoses, fuel systems, and hydraulics. Construction Equipment recently asked Volvo CE technical service manager Garland Morrison how fleets should prepare equipment for winter. His advice starts before temperatures consistently fall below freezing. That’s like now. Read everything at that link.