Volvo CE has updated its L180H, creating a new truck-loading variation called the L180 3-Pass Rehandler. They swapped in larger 875/65 R29 tires and a long boom, also adding a rehandling counterweight.
The machine is designed for rehandling applications, with a higher tipping load, better fuel efficiency and longer reach to fill a truck in three passes.
Eric Yeomans, Product Manager — Wheel Loaders at Volvo CE said:
“We’ve had this concept in mind for several years, driven from conversations with our quarry and aggregate customers. The new L180 3-Pass Rehandler will take operators to the next level of loading efficiency. It’s exciting to introduce this game-changer to the market and see the response,”
The larger tires provide lateral traction and flotation, durability and resistance to cuts and impacts, a stable and comfortable ride and good fuel economy. The long boom brings an additional 675 lbf in breakout force and an additional two feet of dump clearance. The longer reach also allows the operator to stay farther from the truck while still dumping material into the center of it.
Mr. Yeomans explained that the worst thing is when the loader sits toward one side of the truck and the operator drives around a corner there is the risk of the material spilling out.
The machine’s configuration also decreases the risk of wheel spin and better protects the tires because operators can stay farther from the pile where the ground is less stable and away from rocks that can damage the tires.
“These tires are what we typically spec for our larger L220 and L260 wheel loaders, so the added traction and rimpull are really noticeable in the L180 size.”
added Yeomans.
The rehandling counterweight allows for a bucket that is approximately 0.25 yd³ (0.19 m3) larger than that on a standard L180H. Customers can choose between four different buckets to find the right fit based on material density: 6.3 yd³, 6.8 yd³, 7.2 yd³ and 7.6 yd³ (4.8 m3, 5.2 m3, 5.5 m3 and 5.8 m3).
Mr. Yeoman concluded by explaining that the goal is to make three full bucket passes to maximize productivity and fuel efficiency, so there is no more wasting time on two full buckets and a partial bucket with a larger machine, or several passes with a smaller one.
Cycle times are also improved by the higher reach because the operator doesn’t have to roll the bucket back to move away from the truck, especially when dumping the last bucket.
Every second shaved off a cycle saves fuel and time. Having a slightly smaller class of machine can save owners on purchase and transport costs, and the optimizations can help operators improve their skills.
The L180 3-Pass Rehandler supports a variety of Volvo services, including Load Assist with On-Board Weighing, Connected Map and ActiveCare Direct advanced telematics. It’s also covered by the company’s Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty.
(Source: Volvo CE)
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