Lewis Construction Equipment - Choosing a Wheel Loader for Australian Conditions

Information Sheet info@lewco-equip.com.au • telephone 08 8268 3428

Buying a Wheel Loader for Australian Conditions If you are looking to purchase a wheel loader that will work both profitably and reliably in a harsh Australian work environment, you will need a machine that is powerful, durable, and economical, but that can also be used with ease and in comfort. Whether you are using a wheel loader for load and carry work, in building and construction, for earth moving, quarrying work or in agriculture anywhere in Australia, it will be vital that your machine is able to work productively for long periods of time.

Therefore, exceptional durability and reliability are essential qualities in a wheel loader. You will most likely need your machine to run all day in a demanding production environment, and so you will want a loader that requires minimal maintenance and is capable of working long hours, day after day. In this case, you should look for a machine that has a worldclass engine and transmission, produced by a major manufacturer known for its reliability. A number of international construction equipment manufacturers have partnerships with established, well-known engine

and transmission makers, and so if you are seeking a machine that you can rely on to run and run, it makes sense to choose one that is powered by the best.

Alongside of this, it is important to have a machine that is easy and straightforward to maintain. Look for a wheel loader that is designed and manufactured to provide easy engine access, and has conveniently placed key components and fluid refill points. In addition, a wet disc braking system and wet disc axles are an extremely good choice in this respect, as they require virtually no maintenance. A reversible cooling fan will also make cleaning easier, and all of this will combine to provide longer service life, meaning that your loader can work uninterrupted for longer periods of time.

There may be, however, times when all does not go according to plan and your machine is not working as effectively as it might. In this situation, you need efficient back-up support and a rapid supply of parts.

Downtime is time when your loader is not working for you, and so you should ensure that you purchase your machine from a supplier who is known to provide outstanding levels of service, support and maintenance, and who can get parts to you straight away, no matter where you are working. Dealers who work in close partnership with the manufacturer are generally the ones who will be able to provide the most effective back-up support and after-sales service, and are usually the most reliable and most efficient suppliers of spare parts.

For increased productivity, lift capability is crucial to a wheel loader’s operational effectiveness. It is important to consider a machine’s height and reach, as well

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as its stability, speed and tipping load. In addition, an automatic boom height kickout control will greatly increase efficiency when performing repetitive loading tasks. A high-performance wheel loader will also have a high breakout force, which means that heavy lifting can be undertaken with consistent force throughout the lift cycle, while a higher dump height will also increase efficiency.

“If you are considering purchasing a wheel loader to use in harsh Australian conditions, you need a machine that is extremely durable, easy to maintain, comfortable to use, and has low operating costs”

A hard-working machine should also be a profitable machine, and a wheel loader’s efficiency and reliability can be crucial to your overall operating profitability.

Therefore, fuel efficiency is very important. A fully automatic power shift transmission will ensure that your wheel loader is operating at maximum efficiency at all times. You need a transmission that responds immediately, even at the lowest engine speeds, has smooth shifting, and automatic lock-up and kickdown. However, you also need an engine and transmission combination that doesn’t sacrifice power for efficiency, and so you need a torque converter that matches the engine efficiently, in order for the engine to deliver full power even at low revs.

As your wheel loader will no doubt put in some long, hard days, operator comfort is at a premium. An

adjustable steering column and seat are vital, as is total all-round visibility from the cab, as it is particularly important for the operator to be able to view the bucket at all times. The cab should be equipped with both FOPS and ROPS, and a rearview camera, so that the operator can work confidently and safely. You should also look for a pressurised, noise reduction cab, and one that has sufficient leg room and storage space, and a powerful air conditioning system, so the machine can be operated in comfort even in extreme weather conditions.

Ease of operation is also crucial. A top-of-the-range machine will be fitted with a multi-functional FNR single joystick that operates both the gear shift and the attachment, meaning the operator can keep one hand on the steering wheel while running the transmission and the bucket with the other. Hydraulic steering will also contribute to ease of operation and overall effectiveness, as will a frame that is capable of resisting high stresses, as this will reduce vibrations and enhance the machine’s stability, particularly when making quick turns.

A wheel loader is a crucial piece of equipment in a wide variety of industries, and so operational effectiveness is vital. In particular, if you are using a loader in an Australian environment, you need to take into account the difficulties provided by both the terrain and the distance to the nearest town or city from where you may be working. Therefore, a throughly reliable, low-maintenance and cost-effective machine is vital for your productivity and profitability, as is efficient and effective back-up support.

Lewis Construction Equipment, based in Adelaide, are Australia’s leading suppliers of construction machinery and equipment from international manufacturer, Liugong. Their range includes the outstanding new Liugong CL862III wheel loader, now available in Australia. For further details about Liugong construction equipment and machinery, contact Dylan Caldwell at Lewis Construction Equipment on (08) 8268 3428 or at sales@lewco-equip. com.au. Visit the Lewis Construction Equipment website at www.lewco-equip. com.au This article was written and distributed by Cadogan and Hall, a freelance writers agency based in Adelaide, South Australia. We specialise in producing online content, websites, blogs, articles and press releases for small- and medium-sized buisnesses.

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