7 things to consider when buying a wheel loader

Wheel loaders are incredibly versatile machines that can carry out a massive range of tasks, from waste management to earthmoving, and bale stacking to loading feed into mixers. It is no wonder then that plenty of operations across a range of industries, such as construction, farming, mining and council own and operate at least one of these units.

Whether you are buying your first wheel loader, or adding another machine to your fleet, it is certainly not a decision to be taken lightly. JCB Construction Equipment Australia (CEA) National Product Manager for Wheel Loaders, Deon Cope, offers some tips on what to consider when purchasing your next wheel loader.

1.      Job at hand

What will the loader be used for, and how big does it need to be? These are the most basic questions to ask yourself before you explore the plethora of options on the market.

“The right machine will depend on the task it needs to do,” Cope says.

“Also think about the diversity of work - if it will be constantly switching between tasks, you’ll want a tool carrier that makes light work of changing attachments.

“If it uses a bucket all the time, you may want to consider a Z-bar for optimum breakout force.”

Secondly, consider how often the wheel loader will need to be transported.

“If the wheel loader is being moved by road, transport width of the machine and any attachments need to be considered - choosing an over-width option can create headaches if it’s frequently being used between sites,” Cope explains.

“If you’re doing significant road travel or if the machine is working in different sections of a large site, the powershift transmission may be a better option.”

2.      Support

Consider the reputation of the brand or dealer you’re buying the wheel loader from and ask plenty of questions about after sales support, because there is nothing worse than being left in the dark following a machine breakdown and consequently suffering significant downtime.

“While many councils and waste facilities have their own workshops, an appropriate level of support from your equipment partner is important,” Cope says.

“Look for a supplier who will appoint an experienced person as your key contact.”

Cope says the supplier should be able to provide parts quickly if the dealer does not have them on hand or regularly in stock.

3.      Durability

Understandably, the wheel loader is put through its paces carrying out tough jobs, moving corrosive materials and working in harsh conditions.

So there is nothing more important than choosing a machine that is built to last, and is able to withstand the toughest conditions.

“Choose machines that are designed to protect hydraulic hoses and other components, and consider other protective options like under guards and light shields,” Cope recommends.

“This is especially important if your equipment is used for site preparation work where it will have to move through dense vegetation and constricted spaces.”

Another consideration is matching the machines with the right tyres for the job.

“This might mean choosing a deeper tread, a wider tyre or using a particular type of tyre fill,” he adds.

4.      Bucket list

While the wheel loader is often used with plenty of different attachments like pallet forks or bale grabs –that is what makes it such a versatile unit- there is one attachment that is inarguably the loader’s best friend - the bucket.

Choosing the right bucket is just as important as choosing the actual loader itself.

According to Cope, working out a daily production figure and the weight of materials will help when choosing the right bucket for the job.

“Determine daily production targets and material density. If you work with different materials, spec the bucket based on the heaviest material it will handle.”

5.      Attachments

Once you set your mind on a loader, it is time to assess your attachment needs. Because using a wheel loader and bucket simply to move dirt from point A to B is a bit of a waste.

Amp up the versatility of the loader by investing in some loader-specific attachments - from all-purpose material handling buckets to heavy rock buckets, pallet forks and grapples.

“Note that semi-automatic quick hitches are being phased out in NSW under a ruling from WorkCover NSW with other states likely to follow.”

6.      Breakout force

Breakout force is the maximum force the loader generates lifting or curling the bucket upwards, so generally, the higher the breakout force, the better.

Breakout force has a direct impact on productivity, as productivity increases with faster bucket fill rates, Cope says.

“Wheel loader productivity is frequently measured in machine power (kW or hp) and lift capacity,” he says.

“Optimum hydraulic performance improves cycle times for increased productivity.”

7.      Price and cost

But what about the cost, you may ask, as it is almost always the first thing people consider when buying not just a wheel loader, but anything in life.

Sure, price matters, but think beyond the purchase price and think about the long term investment, what you are getting for what you paid, and the resale value. Never settle for a unit only because it was at a great, low price and come to regret it much later when it comes time to upgrade or sell up.

And nowadays, fuel efficiency is everything because consuming less fuel means more cash in the pocket and being eco conscious at the same time.

“Choosing a fuel-efficient machine, ideally one that can operate a full shift on one tank can mean big savings,” Cope says.

“You should also look for the latest in emissions management technology, to keep emissions down and meet community expectations,” he says.

“And don’t forget about resale value. A bargain buy is not a bargain if you can’t sell it when the time comes. Choosing a reputable brand is the surest way to secure resale value.”