SDLG has landed in North America in a big way. You may have seen stories about the company’s wheel loaders in Construction Equipment Guide, checked out the machines at a trade show, or even viewed footage of them on YouTube. But what does this arrival have to do with North Dakota? Will these machines have any value for folks in our part of the world? We spoke with Kristin Parker, vice president of sales and marketing of ASC Construction Equipment, to hear her thoughts on SDLG’s arrival to the Midwest.
CEG: What are your first impressions of SDLG wheel loaders and why have you decided to sell them?
Parker: SDLG brand wheel loaders are actually the best-selling in the world. So while they may be new to the Midwest, SDLG is a global brand with more than 40 years of experience. They have been proven in the field time and time again. My first impression is that these are quality machines and ideal for certain types of customers. That’s also why ASC has chosen to sell SDLG wheel loaders — because we know our customer base will find use in these machines. Folks that don’t need to run machines 24/7,365 [years] don’t want to pay for all the bells and whistles of more expensive wheel loader, or would rather have a brand new machine with a 12-month, 1,500-hour warranty than a used wheel loaders will find that the SDLG wheel loaders are perfect for their needs.
CEG: What types of applications are SDLG wheel loaders being used for in the U.S.?
Parker: So far, we’re hearing from customers using them for agricultural tasks, such as feedlot duties and material handling, snow removal, pipe and sewer projects, landscaping and general construction. We think the government sector will really find great use in these wheel loaders, too — they’re not as expensive as many other brands of wheel loaders and they don’t need to be constantly running to justify their operating costs. With the short farming season in North Dakota, it’s great to have a loader that can be stored a few months out of the year without having to worry about the cost of letting it idle. And of course, those folks can clear snow, or move materials in the off season.
CEG: What type of support will there be for SDLG machines in the U.S.?
Parker: All three wheel loaders that are available in the U.S. come with a 12-month, 1,500 hour warranty. Every dealership where the loaders are sold has trained technicians that can work on the machine from front to back. The most common parts and consumables will be stocked locally at our dealer; the other major components will be available within 24 hours, from a central parts depot in Atlanta, Georgia. We at ASC plan to stand behind every SDLG wheel loader that we sell with excellent technical support, guidance on using the machine, and of course, getting parts quickly delivered and quickly installed when needed.
CEG: What types of features would Midwesterners find useful?
Parker: The SDLG LG938L is a 2.4 [cu. yd.] wheel loader with an operating weight of 23,150 pounds. It has a Tier 4 Deutz engine with 160 horse power and 530 pound foot. It includes a ZF transmission, a hydraulic quick coupler and third function hydraulics, which all come standard. Dry disc brakes and easy access to the engine compartment make cleaning and maintenance a breeze.
The SDLG LG959 is a 4.0 [cu. yd.] wheel loader with an operating weight of 38,250 lobs. It has a Tier 3 Deutz engine with 224 horse power and 777 pound foot. It has a ZF transmission, ZF axles and wet disc brakes. Again, the hydraulic quick coupler and third function hydraulics come standard. It also has very easy access to the engine compartment. The SDLG LG958L has the same basic specs as the LG959, but with dry disc brakes, rather than wet disc brakes, for versatility and easy maintenance.
All three models have a modern fit and finish, high visibility and an operator friendly cab. They have strong breakout forces and high dump clearances, which make them great for the material handling needs of grain, feedlot and dairy operations. Multiple ISO-interfaced attachments, including hay and silage handling attachments, pallet forks and general purpose forks, provide the versatility needed for a wide range of applications.
CEG: Is there anything else we should know about SDLG wheel loaders coming to North America?
Parker: I think that if you’re interested in good value wheel loaders, you should come see the machines for yourself. They really have to be seen in person to understand just how well these wheel loaders are made. We’re happy to set up demonstrations so folks can see these wheel loaders in action. We have locations in North Dakota in Bismarck, Fargo, Minot and Williston.
But again, I say if you’re interested in a wheel loader that doesn’t need to be run all day or year-round, you don’t want to pay for the bells and whistles of more expensive loaders, or, if you were thinking of buying a used wheel loader but would appreciate a solid warranty and top-notch technical support, than SDLG wheel loaders are perfect for your business.
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