Wheel loaders, also known as front end or bucket loaders, are used primarily for material handling, digging, road building, site preparation and load-and-carry. Starting as small agricultural tractors outfitted with a loader bucket to transport light materials, these machines evolved, first as rigid frame wheel loaders in the late 1930s, then to articulated wheel loaders in the 1940s.
As wheel loaders increased in size, safety concerns arose, particularly concerning the positioning of the loader pivot arm. These concerns ledto the adoption of a front mounted pivot in the late 1950s. Hough was one of the first manufacturers to produce a wheel loader with a safer design, followed quickly by Caterpillar, Case and Allis-Chalmers. Today's wheel loaders are comprised of a pivoted frame with the engine mounted over the rear wheels. A cab or canopy rests over the frame. The machine's pivot arrangement gives the wheel loader the ability to work in small turning circles.
Delivering on its vision for zero accidents, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) launched its collision mitigation system for Volvo wheel loaders — an automatic braking feature that supports operator response and helps reduce the risk or consequences of collision when working in reverse.
Vermont's Mad River Valley is one of the snowiest locations on the East Coast of the United States; crisscrossed by winding dirt roads and dotted with ski resorts.
For the seventh straight year, Volvo Construction Equipment has received Highest Retained Value Awards from EquipmentWatch, one of the construction industry's leading insights provider.
John Deere launched its line-up of large wheel loaders as part of its performance tiering strategy. Now available in the United States and Canada, the 744 P-tier, 824 P-tier, 844 P-tier, and the new 904 P-tier wheel loaders offer advanced productivity features, increased job-site reliability, optimal operator comfort and enhanced serviceability to help improve machine uptime.
After a successful introduction into the Canadian market in 2021, John Deere expands its G-tier wheel loader offerings to the United States with the 644 G-tier wheel loader, continuing the transition to Performance Tiering .
Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas announced July 28 a dealership agreement with HES — Holland Equipment Services, Holland, Mich., under which HES will sell and service Hyundai wheel loaders and excavators in western Michigan.
Volvo Construction Equipment has launched the new L200H High Lift wheel loader in North America, featuring a 27 percent increase in lifting capacity and a 13 percent larger grapple than the L180H model it replaces.
Hills Machinery and Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. (HCMA) recently established a partnership to market the Hitachi excavator and wheel loader equipment lines.
Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas will display its HL930A wheel loader at Booth 1021 at this year's SIMA (Snow & Ice Management Association) tradeshow June 23 and 24 at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee.
Offering long-term durability in a wide range of applications, the new Cat 966 GC wheel loader is designed for reliable, performing and efficient operation.