Wheel Loaders: Versatility Just Keeps on Growing
Wheel loaders continue to prove their value in multiple applications. For example, Hyundai now makes a wide range of wheel loader models designed to tackle everything from snow removal and clearing land to feedlot and similar operations, laying pipe, and of course traditional loading of aggregate or other materials into trucks for transport.
At the same time, owners are using wheel loaders for ever-more purposes, manufacturers are working on multiple fronts to make wheel loaders even more valuable when it comes to productivity, efficiency, and operator comfort. Technology plays a big role in that, but so do ergonomics.
Hyundai offers onboard weighing on all wheel loaders
Hyundai’s proprietary weighing system comes standard on all HL900 Series, LiuGong 856H, JCB 437, and SDLG wheel loaders. The company’s marketing manager, Corey Rogers, says this includes Tool Master loaders as well as all Z-Bar and XT models, although he acknowledges many owners use their Tool Master wheel loaders for carrying rather than production loading.
Operators can monitor individual as well as cumulative bucket weight loads, using either manual or automatic settings. Weights displayed are accurate to within +/- 1%. The technology measures hydraulic system pressure when the bucket is empty and then full, using rotary position sensors. Accuracy is aided by Hyundai’s specialized bucket design, which ensures greater load retention.
Not all OEMs are on board with onboard weighing
While Hyundai is all-in with onboard weighing systems, not all manufacturers are there yet. Some offer the systems only on certain wheel loader models. And a few have chosen not to deliberately sidestep the advanced weighing technology, to accommodate customers who don’t need it and don’t want to be forced to pay for it.
There are also some concerns about compatibility – as of now, not all information systems used by customers can communicate with weight systems technologies potentially used by OEMs. As systems come into compliance with AEMP telematics standard ISO 15143-3, this issue is expected to resolve itself, making onboard weighing more attractive to customers who have been hesitant up till now.
Technology also boosts visibility on Hyundai wheel loaders
The company now offers its proprietary All-Around View Monitoring (AAVM) system on all wheel loader models in the HL900 series. Till now, this technology was available only as an option for Hyundai HX Series excavators. The AAVM system uses four cameras to provide operators with 360o virtual job site visibility. In addition, the Intelligent Moving Object Detection (IMOD) component notifies the operator if there are any objects within a preset perimeter around the wheel loader.
Wheel loaders are easier, safer, and more comfortable than ever
Hyundai and other manufacturers have also stressed operator ease as they continue to enhance wheel loader versatility. Structural changes, component re-positioning, touch-screen technology, Bluetooth connectivity, bigger windshields and windows, and more comfortable seating all enable operators to work more efficiently without undue reaching and other movements that strain muscles and contribute to fatigue.
Even service is easier and more efficient, with ground level access to fluids and filters and grouping of components that require regular maintenance.
As technology and design improvements continue to boost performance and efficiency, wheel loaders will continue to prove their versatility.