The L150H, L180H and L220H wheel loaders from Volvo Construction Equipment are suitable for a wide range of applications — from rehandling, slag handling, timber handling and block handling to recycling, tunneling and extraction. These wheel loaders are fitted with a choice of specialized Volvo attachments — including forks and grapples, as well as rock and general purpose buckets — to achieve optimum uptime and profitability from each machine. The attachments are planned as an integral part of the wheel loader with functions and properties ideally matched to minimize energy losses and increase productivity. For example, the optimized shape of the Volvo rehandling bucket — featuring a spill guard, side cutters and fewer edges to trap material — facilitates faster and more effective bucket fill. This leads to a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, according to the manufacturer.
The productivity of the buckets, in particular, is further enhanced by the optional boom suspension system (BSS), which absorbs shock and reduces spillage when travelling over rough ground, as well as increasing machine life and operator comfort. Even without the BSS, however, the operator still enjoys a pleasant ride due to a comfortable seat and vibration protection inside the spacious ROPS / FOPS certified cab.
Comfort Is Key
A comfortable operator is a productive operator, which is why the Volvo H-Series wheel loaders have been designed for ultimate operator comfort. Internal noise levels are kept to a minimum, while an industry-leading air filter design ensures a clean and unpolluted cab environment. Fresh air enters the filter system through an intake located high on the machine where the air is cleanest and passes through an easy-to-replace pre-filter, preventing coarse dust particles from clogging the main filter. The system design allows 90 percent of the cab air to be recirculated through the filter for effective continuous dust removal.
All of the controls and information panels have been ergonomically positioned to limit operator fatigue, while the optional multi-function joystick gives the operator simultaneous and precise control of the hydraulic functions. The machine’s vital information — such as fuel and oil levels — is displayed on an easy-to-read screen that is clearly visible from the operator seat even in bright sunlight. Basic configurations and tests can be performed without the operator having to move from the seat.
Efficient and Environmental
Not only are the Volvo H-Series wheel loaders exceptionally productive, they are also remarkably fuel efficient. Featuring Tier IV Final engine technology, the wheel loaders meet strict emissions legislation while delivering high performance and low fuel consumption. The fuel efficiency of the machine’s D13J engine is further enhanced by the perfectly-matched Volvo powertrain and intelligent hydraulics, which supply power only on demand. The load-sensing hydraulics ensure fast response for outstanding control over the load, as well as shorter cycle times.
To further reduce fuel consumption and cycle times, the automatic power shift (APS) and fully automatic power shift (FAPS) functions automatically adjust the machine gears in line with engine speed and travel speed. Another feature, the reverse by braking (RBB) function, automatically applies the service brakes when the operator changes the direction of the machine. This not only conserves fuel, but also reduces stress on the drivetrain, thereby extending component life. The Volvo OptiShift technology combines the RBB function with a lock-up torque converter to create a direct drive between the engine and the transmission, eliminating power losses in the torque convertor and reducing fuel consumption by up to 18 percent. The eco pedal further reduces fuel consumption by mechanical push-back force, which encourages the operator to ease off the throttle when the engine rpm is about to exceed the optimum operating range.
Service Made Simple
The H-Series wheel loaders are built for ultimate fuel efficiency. The machine’s durable and low-maintenance design also reduces the cost of service and replacement parts. The batteries are maintenance-free, as are the rear axle cradles, which are fitted with greased-for-life bushings and bearings. Machine wear is reduced by an optional, automatic lubrication system that can be adjusted according to application. A hydraulically-driven cooling fan maintains the machine’s vital components at optimum operating temperature. The fan activates automatically only when needed to limit fuel consumption and noise — and can be reversed to allow self-cleaning of the cooling units.
Daily service checks can be carried out quickly and simply on grouped service points, helping achieve maximum uptime from the machine. To make access to the vital components even easier, the entire cab can be tilted 35 degrees or 70 degrees via a hydraulic pump, while the wide engine hood opens electronically.
Volvo experts are always on hand to provide specialized support via an extensive network of dealers and technicians. Combining local knowledge with global experience, Volvo is able to supply a whole range of customer solutions — from genuine Volvo parts to advanced machine monitoring technology — for reduced total cost of ownership and increased profitability throughout the entire life of the machine.
For more information, call 717/532-9181 or visit www.volvo.com.
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