Five Things to Consider When Buying a Compact Wheel Loader

Compact wheel loaders are built to move all types of materials, from dirt to trees, and are sought after by operators working in a variety of applications. Whether you’re in landscaping, general construction, site development or snow removal, these powerful machines can help you work in tight spaces while providing excellent visibility and high transport speeds.

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“Their maneuverability, weight, horsepower and lifting performance make compact wheel loaders a versatile machine,” says Darren Ashton, product manager — compact equipment, Volvo Construction Equipment. “Their size and all-around visibility also make them a great option for safely working in tight spaces. Another big factor in their versatility is the number of attachments they support. Sometimes when contractors picture a compact wheel loader, they only picture it utilizing buckets or forks, but they can also be designed to handle more robust attachments.”

If you’re in the market for a compact wheel loader, check out five things to consider during the purchase process.

1. Find the Right Size and Speed. Compact wheel loaders are the perfect size for operators who need to work safely in tight spaces but need more power and higher reach than a skid steer or track loader can provide. These hard-working machines can move a lot of material quickly while minimizing damage thanks to their articulation. Their large tires can navigate over many different types of terrain and offer high travel speeds to move across jobsites quickly.

“Compact wheel loaders traditionally have a much higher rated operating capacity than skid steers,” says Ashton. “This, plus their comfortable ride at higher travel speeds, makes them better suited for bigger jobs on expansive jobsites. The higher ground clearance helps where jobsites are rough. When off-loading a trailer, the higher seating position gives the operator a better site line to the fork attachment. Typically, a wheel loader also has a longer service life.”

Speaking of speed, wheel loaders have the ability to travel across jobsites a lot faster than a traditional skid steer or track loader. For example, three of Yanmar’s models — the V8, V10 and V12 — all have speeds up to 22 mph. In , Volvo introduced the option of a high-speed driveline for its L45H and L50H models. This option more than doubles top speeds from 12 to 31 mph, allowing the machines to travel more quickly between jobsites and reducing cycle times.

Speed aside, size is perhaps the most important consideration when purchasing a compact wheel loader. Buyers need to select a machine that’s sized appropriately for the type of work they’re performing, as well as the jobsite.

The compact wheel loader team at Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. says a buyer should ask these questions when sizing up a new unit: “Can the loader fit into the operational areas where work is being performed? Do its rated operating capacities exceed the weight of the material being lifted day-in and day-out? Does the unit’s dump height meet a contractor’s specific needs? If a contractor is going to be using hydraulic-powered attachments, does the wheel loader’s auxiliary hydraulic capacities match the flow requirements of the attachment?”

2. Customize Your Cab. One of the biggest advantages of a compact wheel loader is the 360-degree visibility operators have when using the machine. This excellent visibility allows operators to see all around the wheel loader, jobsite and the attachment — leading to safer, more efficient work. Wheel loaders can also boast a more comfortable ride than a skid steer or track loader so buyers should focus on selecting a unit with extra creature comforts. We all know a comfy operator is a productive one.

“Models with a standard ROPS/FOPS may cost less to buy but can limit when and where a wheel loader can be used,” says the Hitachi team. “So, if a contractor may be doing any kind of work in cold conditions or on hot summer days, a climate-controlled cab is likely worth the extra investment. It will also likely net them more on trade-in and resell value years down the road.”

When spec’ing out a cab, consider one that minimizes noise and vibration, as well as offers a comfortable seat that provides lumbar support and an adjustable steering column. Having frequently used controls in easy-to-reach places is ideal in reducing operator fatigue. Work lights and heated, electrically adjustable rearview mirrors aid in a wheel loader’s already impressive visibility.

“Lights can expand when and where a wheel loader can be used,” says the Hitachi team. “Applications like snow removal don’t always happen during the day, so lights are a must. Choosing the appropriate options and accessories will make wheel loaders more essential to a contractor’s overall operation.”

3. Expand Operations Through Attachments. The versatility of compact wheel loaders shines through their ability to take different attachments. Buckets and pallet forks are typically the most used attachments and should be purchased along with the machine. Other popular attachments are 4-in-1 multipurpose buckets and grapple buckets. Buyers should consider auxiliary hydraulics on the machine to expand their attachment-taking capabilities.

“If you are primarily moving bulk material, consider a larger bucket capacity,” says Frank Gangi, product manager — compact wheel loaders, Yanmar Compact Equipment North America. “If you plan to move lots of pallets, consider a compact wheel loader with parallel kinematics or the option to keep the forks level during lifting. If you plan to do many different jobs with your compact wheel loader, consider a hydraulic skid steer-style coupler for quick change over and auxiliary hydraulics to power attachments. Things like hydraulic quick-couplers that work with skid steer attachments will continue to grow in popularity along with auxiliary hydraulics to operate attachments such as snowblowers, blades, grapples, brooms and rakes.”

Thanks to their size, comfort, maneuverability and safety, compact wheel loaders are perfect in snow removal applications. The machine’s added height of the cab and increased speed options allow for quicker, easier work when tackling tasks such as sweeping streets or moving snow. Therefore, snow removal contractors should look at snow pushers, snowblowers, sweepers and/or snow buckets, depending on the application.

4. Examine Efficiency. When buying a wheel loader, scout out features that up the efficiency of the machine and your operations. One way to do that is through telematics. Hitachi says that having a machine equipped with telematics can help an operator keep track of maintenance needs and maximize uptime by simplifying the diagnosis process when there is an issue with the machine.

“Buyers need to ensure that the wheel loader being considered adheres to area emissions requirements and should evaluate how easy each unit is to perform routine maintenance,” the company says. “They should also estimate their potential total cost of ownership and assess how well a manufacturer will be able to provide service, parts and support after the sale.”

Another perk of compact wheel loaders is that they’re designed to save on fuel expenses. Buyers should look at fuel efficiency functions, like the eco mode on the Yanmar V4-7, which effectively reduces the motor speed to allow for very low fuel consumption. Tier 4 engines are great for fuel efficiency by using less fuel to achieve higher horsepower levels and are now found on all new machines including those from Yanmar, Volvo, Hitachi, Takeuchi and Kubota.

Volvo’s Ashton says that one emerging trend in compact wheel loader efficiency (and construction equipment as a whole) is sustainability — pushing machines toward being efficient while using less fuel and minimizing emissions. The company is exploring this with the development of electric machines, which includes the battery powered L25 Electric compact wheel loader.

“Outside of the push for electric, we’ve seen a lot of progress in lowering emissions in general with the wheel loader market,” says Ashton. “For example, our L20H and L25H were added to the lineup a few years ago, and they are designed to meet emissions regulations while providing improved performance. They offer 5 percent greater fuel efficiency and 8 percent more horsepower than their predecessor models. With the increase in clean air regulations and growing pressure from project owners and the public to be more sustainable, our customers need solutions for working on tomorrow’s jobsites.”

5. Consider Dealer Support and Warranties. When buying a new piece of equipment, a dealer is your partner throughout the purchase and after. Therefore, be sure to select one that can support you while buying a compact wheel loader and is responsive and helpful throughout the life of the machine. This includes providing guidance on any maintenance or repairs, as well as supplying parts if needed.

Warranties are also important in protecting your investment. Buyers should look for a warranty program that covers all the most common parts compact wheel loader operators may encounter issues with. Yanmar offers a 3-year/3,000-hour warranty on all of its compact wheel loaders and Volvo’s Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty covers the frame, articulation joint and loader arm. Manufacturer warranties typically range between 1 to 3 years, but buyers can look into extended warranties.

“Depending on the type of work a contractor may be doing, they may also want to consider investing in an extended warranty,” says Hitachi. “These types of warranties can vary greatly and include everything from extending the time and hours associated with a standard warranty to covering the costs of some preventative maintenance expenses. Many contractors choose to add an extended warranty package when financing to help reduce potential out-of-pocket maintenance expenses in the future.”

Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.

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Want a Wheel Loader? Take a Look at These Options

Hitachi’s ZW100-6 Wheel Loader
The Hitachi ZW100-6 wheel loader is developed for use in landscaping, heavy construction, excavation, water, sewer and pipeline construction, highway and road construction and agricultural applications. The ZW100-6 is easy to maneuver and intuitive to the operator, thanks to its hydrostatic transmission control system, requiring minimal operator override for smooth operation. An oscillating rear axle gives this model more stability and traction, and its traction control system helps avoid tire slippage when working in sensitive ground conditions. The 360-degree panoramic visibility from the ZW100-6’s cab creates a productive working environment, and an optional rearview camera also contributes to excellent all-round visibility.

Yanmar’s Wheel Loader Lineup
Yanmar Compact Equipment’s compact wheel loaders are designed and built with the features of a thoroughbred and the capability of a workhorse. The overall lineup consists of the V4-7, V8, V10 and V12. All four models come standard with a 3-year/3,000-hour warranty, showcasing that legendary Yanmar reliability. Fully automatic accelerator mode, fixed travel speed mode and auxiliary hydraulics with proportional control improve ease of use. Yanmar compact wheel loaders are designed for ease of serviceability and operator comfort. Plus, Yanmar’s SmartAssist Remote telematics on the V4-7 provides operators more control over their machines and is free for the first five years of ownership.

Volvo’s L25 Electric Compact Wheel Loader
Volvo Construction Equipment’s L25 Electric compact wheel loader offers significantly lower noise levels, reduced energy costs, improved efficiency and fewer maintenance requirements compared with its conventional counterparts. It uses lithium-ion batteries, which allow for four to six hours of operation in regular applications, including light infrastructure work, landscaping and agriculture. The L25 Electric also incorporates two dedicated electric motors — one for the drivetrain and one for the hydraulics. Prebooking of the L25 Electric compact wheel loader for North American customers is open for those who want to be among the first to own the machines when delivery begins in mid-.

Why You Should Consider Buying an Electric Compact Wheel Loader

By now, anyone who uses compact equipment has probably caught wind of the push toward electric machines. If you’re unsure whether it’s right for your operation, you may be looking for some advice.

When it comes to compact wheel loaders (CWLs), there are three main reasons to consider going electric: operational benefits, environmental benefits and financial benefits. Let’s take a look at each.

Operational

Some people think an electric machine won’t have as much power as a diesel machine, but that’s just not true. There are brands whose electric model specifications match up with their diesel equivalents. More importantly, early users of electric compact wheel loaders have reported that they’ve experienced no drop in performance compared with a diesel machine.

There are even some ways electric machines outperform diesel models. One of those is the instant torque of electric. When the operator moves the joystick, the response is instantaneous rather than the slight delay that’s common with a diesel machine.

One of the best things about a CWL is its versatility due to its compatibility with multiple attachments, and electric versions are no different. We’ve also heard from operators that the reduced noise and vibration of electric machines makes jobsite communication easier and lessens fatigue.

Runtime is a common question about electric machines, but charging is not as complicated as you might think. Basically, the more power you can put into the machine, the faster it will charge — like filling your vehicle with a fuel pump versus a gas can.

For optimal charging time, it’s best to have a 240-volt, 32-amp Level 2 AC-charging setup that utilizes an SAE J charging adapter or J plug. Before you get worried about the jargon, this is the same setup recommended for electric cars, and 240 volts is what many household appliances run on.

A regular 120-volt outlet should also work depending on the brand of the machine you have, but it will take longer. There are also options like off-board fast chargers and solar-powered chargers. And of course, research and development will provide a wider range of charging options in the coming months and years.

Runtime will vary based on the manufacturer, but the electric compact wheel loaders I’m most familiar with get several hours from a full battery in their most common applications. Another thing to consider is that an electric machine turns off when it’s not in use. So think about how much your diesel compact wheel loaders idle in an average shift versus doing actual work. That electric machine may have more than enough battery to get the job done in a single charge.

Another tip is to not run at full throttle all the time because you usually don’t need excessive power. Run in an appropriate rpm range and you’ll be just fine.

Environmental

Even if sustainability is not a top priority for you, it is to many others. Governments are increasingly enacting clean air regulations, and more project owners are putting sustainability targets into their RFPs. A machine with zero emissions could help you win more bids.

An electric machine could also open up new types of work for you. Just think about all the new and different ways electric CWLs can be used thanks to their zero emissions and significantly lower noise. They can work indoors, in congested areas, near animals and potentially at hours when noise restrictions are in place.

The ability to bid on emission- and noise-restricted jobs is part of a solid long-term business strategy and will help you qualify for applications where conventional machines aren’t welcome. Plus, it’s simply the right thing to do for our environment.

Financial

If you’re concerned about the cost of switching to electric, don’t forget to calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) and not just the purchase price. Electric machines offer fuel savings, less maintenance and extended component life — and that’s on top of the additional work you may be able to win.

Maintenance is much simpler on an electric machine because there’s no engine to maintain. DEF and other filters also are not needed. Essentially, the only supplies required are grease and hydraulic oil. This is much different than a conventional machine that requires fluid, filter and component checks as often as every day.

Overall, the lifetime of battery-electric components should be equal to or better than that of the diesel engine on a conventional machine. My team conservatively estimates that users will see 35% savings in maintenance cost and time over the life of the electric machines we offer.

I mentioned earlier that many electric machines shut off when not in use. This means they can significantly reduce the accumulation of machine hours compared with diesel machines, which rack up hours while idling. This reduces operating costs — and it can also improve the resale value of the machine.

Summing It Up

Improvements on electric CWLs and charging infrastructure will continue, of course. But they are viable right now, too. Why wait to take advantage of their operational, environmental and financial benefits when you could get started today?

Talk to your dealer or OEM and determine whether an electric compact wheel loader might be a good addition to your lineup.

Lars Arnold is an electromobility product manager for Volvo Construction Equipment. Learn more here!

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