A wheel loader is a great machine to have in your fleet because it can be used for many different jobs, from forestry to recycling. Numerous front-end attachments, from buckets to grapples to blades, makes virtually any task doable.
There are many makes and models to choose from with the smallest weighing about a ton used by landscapers and homeowners. The largest wheel loader in the world weighs an astounding 260 tons.
Before you invest in any wheel loader, big or small, you need to research the machine to be sure it will get the job done.
When it comes to a wheel loader, you need to be aware of what you will be using it for. Make a list of jobs it will perform. What type of work will you be expecting the wheel loader to do the most? The answer to this question will indicate how much horsepower you'll need, the weight of the machine, and configuration.
If you need a ton of material loaded up into a dump truck all day long, you'll want to get a bigger wheel loader. If you need numerous tasks performed around a job site, you may want to get a smaller more versatile wheel loader.
You need to know how much hydraulic flow you will require to perform your machine's most strenuous of tasks. Flow is measured in gallons per minute. Many manufacturers offer standard and optional high-flow hydraulic systems. A standard flow system is about 20 GPM and will operate buckets and grapples. High-flow systems around 35 GPM with higher pounds-per-square-inch ratings are needed to run more demanding attachments like snow blowers.
You need to know your machine's capacity to know what bucket attachments you can use. The type of bucket attachments you need is determined by what you expect your wheel loader to scoop up and load. This is measured in cubic yards. Bucket size is determined by engine output, hydraulic flow capacity and machine weight.
It doesn't matter how much material your wheel loader can scoop up if you can't unload it. You need to know how much lift height you need so make sure your wheel loader can lift its arms high enough to perform your desired tasks.
There are generally two types of attachment linkages for wheel loaders, Z-bar and parallel-lift. The Z-bar enhances the breakout digging force of a machine. The parallel-lift system gives operators greater visibility during a lift. A parallel-lift loader is best used for fork and grapple work such as handling pallets.
Wheel loaders also can be fixed-frame or flexible. An articulated loader has a pivot joint in the middle allowing it to bend, thus reducing the turning radius compared to a rigid-framed machine. Some loaders also have all wheel-steering.
Because wheel loaders usually handle material, buckets and forks are the primary attachments. There are many other attachments including sweepers, booms, compactors, saws, and augers.
When it comes to buckets, one size does not fit all. There are many configurations, including all-purpose, 4-in-1, mulch, boxer bucket and gravel scoop.
There are many different kinds of forks to lift everything from pallets to junk cars.
Grapples are ideal for lifting tricky objects like boulders. There are different types of grapples ranging from ones for logs to grapples for piping.
When it comes to serious dozing a bulldozer is the machine you need. But wheel loaders can do a good job pushing dirt with the right attachment. Popular models include hydraulic reversal models, one-way plows, high-speed, snow, extendable and V-shaped.
If you use a lot of attachments, a quick-couple will save you a ton of time. Aftermarket manufacturers have universal couplers as well as specialty couplers to match a loader with an existing inventory of attachments.
John Deere, Caterpillar, Volvo, Case, and Komatsu all lead the industry with quality wheel loader models. The decision on which maker to trust usually comes down to personal preference. Whoever you go with, you will be making a large investment, so make the right decision.
If you decide the price is too high to buy a wheel loader outright, you can always rent one when needed. Renting is a great option as don't have to worry about long term storage and maintenance and you can get the wheel loader needed for a specific type of job.
As with buying a wheel loader, do your homework before renting. Be sure to rent from a reputable company with a good track record.
Another option is investing in a used wheel loader. You will need to be especially careful to investigate the machine before you spend any money. There are a lot of variables to consider when it comes to going with a used machine.