On a Roll

The continued thrust in the roads and highways and the recent initiatives by the government to trigger port expansion plans are expected to boost the demand for wheeled loaders.

The market for wheeled loaders is directly linked to the levels of activities in the construction, mining and port sectors which account for over 80 per cent of demand. After peaking at 2,660 units, the wheeled loader sales declined to 1,685 units in 2013; but recovered by 7 per cent to 1,807 units in 2014. Demand grew 16 per cent to 2,097 units in 2015 and a further five per cent to 2,206 units in 2016. Off-Highway Research forecasts a 13 per cent growth in wheeled loader sales during 2017, which will be followed by a steady but moderate increase in subsequent years. The market is forecast to be 2,500 units in 2017 and grow to 3,400 units by 2021.

Sales of below 80 horsepower wheeled loaders accounted for 3 per cent of total sales in 2016. The 80-150 horsepower class continued to dominate the market with a share of 78 per cent. Over 150 horsepower machines accounted for the balance 19 per cent demand. Roads & Highways sector has been the demand puller and is expected to continue to be the main growth driver. According to Off-Highway Research the demand for wheeled loaders is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 9 per cent.

New Launches
The recently concluded Excon witnessed many a company launching wheeled loaders, which clearly indicates the spurt in growth demand.

SDLG launched two new compact wheel loaders – the 3T L936L and 4T LG946L in India at Excon 2017. “Compact wheel loaders are becoming increasingly popular in India as customers start seeing the efficiency gains that they deliver for specific jobs, such as material handling, truck loading and stockpiling — over utilitarian ones like backhoe loaders,” said Sanu George, Head of SDLG in India. “With the L936, customers now have a second option to the existing LG933L. Plus, our first 4T wheel loader also helps bridge the gap between our 3T and 5T wheel loaders. Both wheel loaders feature Weichai Deutz Tier III engines, which deliver lower lifecycle costs through efficient engine design,” said George.

The L936L is the successor to the LG936L, which SDLG stopped selling in India earlier this year. The L936L has a maximum bucket capacity of 1.8 m3, and a maximum dumping distance of 1.2 m. The compact wheel loader is 2.5 m wide, 3.2 m tall, 7.3 m long, and has an operating weight of 11,340 kg. The LG946L has a maximum bucket capacity of 2.5 m3 and a maximum dumping distance of 1 m. With a maximum operating weight of 13,000 kg, the LG946L is 2.7 m wide, 3.2 m tall and 7.2 m long.

Caterpillar, the global heavy machinery equipment maker, launched Hindustan wheel loader (2021D2) during Excon 2017. “With 3210 kg payload, new Hindustan series wheel loaders 2021D2 also come with improved operator environment and a highly reliable and fuel efficient engine. The 2021D2 wheel loaders provide higher productivity with improved lift height and the lowest operational cost,” said Andy Dhanaraj, Sales Director, Global Construction and Infrastructure, Caterpillar India.

BEML launched launched BL30-1, a 5.4T, 3.1 cum bucket frontend wheel loader which is designed for maximum equipment utilization. The machine, a high performance and rugged horse is designed and developed by BEML R&D. BL30-1 frontend wheel loader is designed for maximum equipment utilization, with best- in- class fuel efficient engine, ergonomically designed cabin added to superior production performance. This wheel loader is suited for various loading applications and provides higher return on investment.

JCB India a leading manufacturer of earthmoving and construction equipment, showcased its super loader, a perfect blend of value, versatility and performance. It is designed as a dedicated loader for loading applications at higher heights. At present, JCB offers two variants in the Indian market, a 3.1m dump height machine and a machine with a 4.0m dump height.

Product Offerings
Volvo CE: Volvo offers 11 wheel loaders for sale in India and are specialized at the larger end of the scale. Its smallest machine is the L60F, which has a static tipping load of 7,150 kg; while the largest machine Volvo offers here is the L350F, with a static tipping load of 34,780 kg. One of the leading features in its range of wheel loaders is the dependable Volvo engine that powers them, delivering high torque at low rpm and class-leading fuel efficiency.

“Our wheel loaders are recognized as some of the most advanced in the world, offering productivity and ROI levels not seen elsewhere. Technology plays an important part, from the load-sensing hydraulics, which are perfectly matched to the fuel efficient engine; to the ergonomic Volvo care cab, with leading levels of comfort and visibility; to the Volvo contronic monitoring system, for closer monitoring of operation and performance. Our electro-hydraulic transmission with smooth-shifting automatic power shift gives our machines both high manoeuvrability and faster cycle times. There’s also a 100% differential lock on the front axle that gives Volvo CE wheel loaders excellent traction, said Dimitrov Krishnan, Vice President and Head, Volvo CE India.

Volvo CE is well-known for bringing the latest technologies and innovations to this industry, allowing customers to get better productivity, reliability and efficiency from their operations. In order to gives customers better insight into the performance of their construction equipment, Volvo developed CareTrack, a telematics system that gives owners access to a wide range of machine monitoring information to help save time and money. The system generates a wide range of reports, delivering data on aspects such as fuel consumption, operational hours, geographical location and more. The reports are available via a web portal or can be received via SMS or email alerts. The system can also be used to manage machine servicing and the replacement of parts. This allows fleet managers to reduce fuel costs, optimize machine and operator performance, as well as proactively manage service and maintenance for maximum uptime.

Volvo has one of the most comprehensive ranges of attachments for wheel loaders. They include attachment brackets, loader buckets, forks, material handling arms, grapples, angled sweepers, pick up sweepers, diagonal snow blades, folding snow plows and log pushers. The bucket capacity ranges from 2.2 m3 to 12.7 m3. Having such a wide range of attachments gives owners unparalleled flexibility and versatility.

Caterpillar India: Caterpillar offers the complete range of wheel loaders in India; right from 3T all the way up to 38T across roads, ports and mining customer segments. Cat® wheel loaders offer key features like load sensing hydraulics, constant net horsepower through the operating range, autodig, payload control system, planetary powershift transmission, performance series buckets and Acert technology with engine idle management system all come together to provide unmatched productivity while maximizing fuel efficiency.

“Safety is embedded in our culture and translates into several features which help the operators reach home safely, every day. They include but not limited to ROPS/FOPS, ladder/secondary egress, integrated braking system, steering and supplemental steering systems, rear vision camera, lock out panel, engine shutoff switch, transmission and steering lockouts, toe kicks, electrical system disconnect, slip resistant surfaces, 3″ seat belts, wide angle mirrors, hand rails and optimized/minimized sound levels in the cab,” says Dhanaraj.

Speaking about the impact of telematics and data driven solutions Dhanaraj says, “Keeping production on track requires efficient processes, short cycle times and accurate loads. Overloading, under loading, reweighs and wait times directly affect your production and profits. Cat® Connect payload technology provide on-the-go load weighing to assist operators with hitting precise load targets every time, helping you reduce load times, optimize loading efficiency and increase jobsite productivity. Operators can track daily productivity from the cab, with quick access to information such as truck target weights, loads and cycle counts, material movement and daily totals. When combined with Link technologies, detailed data can be accessed remotely to manage overall operations and keep production targets on track. Cat Connect offers integrated payload technologies from the factory and dealer-installed options for most machine families in your loading and hauling fleet.”

Caterpillar offers a wide range of purpose-built, high performance buckets, designed to function as an integral part of the wheel loader. The combination of the right bucket with the Cat wheel loader will provide the best possible performance in a particular application. All Cat buckets are designed and built to exacting specifications. High-strength, tempered steel provides additional durability without requiring thicker, heavier plates, resulting in longer life and larger payloads. Choosing the correct bucket can, reduce cycle and loading times, lower operating costs by upto 20 percent and eliminate unnecessary stress and fatigue for the machine, bucket, and operator.

JCB India: JCB currently offers three variants in the wheeled loader category – the 430 ZX, the 432ZX and the 430ZX plus which is the latest addition in the wheeled loader segment. JCB loaders are known for their productivity and efficiency and this new product is no different. They are widely used in the material re-handling segment, ready-made concrete units, mining and quarries. They are also gaining popularity in handling of Solid Waste in waste recycling plants.

Unique features like Livelink, ZF transmission and rugged heavy duty axles give more value to our customers. It also offers unmatched operator comfort and ergonomics to increase the productivity of operators and the equipment. JCB machines are fitted with multi plate oil immersed disc brakes that makes the machine more effective in any kind of working condition.

“Our wheel loaders are known to provide the best in class life cycle cost, ROIs and costs per tonne. They are fitted with fuel efficient engines and ZF transmission. This enables the machines to productively work for long hours. The machines also have robust structures to make them work reliably for years,” says Jasmeet Singh, Head – Corporate Communications and External Relations, JCB India.

Singh adds, “At JCB, our aim is to design and manufacture machines which help our customers grow their business therefore, all our products machines are designed based on the feedback received from the customers. The recently launched – 430ZX Plus has the saving potential of more than 2 lacs in 3 years and is fitted with an advanced telematics technology – the Livelink. Livelink allows our customers to monitor their machines even from remote locations.”

“Our wide range of attachments makes our machines versatile and fit for every application. JCB wheel loaders comes with varied bucket capacities ranging from 1.5 cum (rock bucket), 1.8cum (rock bucket) to 3.1 cum buckets. For example, we have different buckets for handling heavy materials like Iron Ore and bigger buckets for handling lighter materials like Coal et al.We ensure that our customers get the right bucket size for their application as that leads to best return on their investments,” adds Jasmeet.

LiuGong India: LiuGong India offers five models of wheel loader for the Indian market, 818, 835, 836, 856 and 856 H. LiuGong wheel loaders are reliable, best in productivity, low owning and operating cost, versatile and provides best operator comfort with standard AC cabin in all models. Wheel loader 856 H is next generation machine powered with Cummins QSL 9.3 engines specially developed for LiuGong, It has variable hydraulic system, three operating modes- Economy mode/ Neutral mode/ Power mode. The LiuGong wheel loader 856 H is available with customised bucket options as the customer requirement and wide range of attachments for different working conditions, new ZF transmission and wet axles ideally matched to perform the perfect harmony and ensure optimized performance.
LiuGong has recently launched its revolutionary new product – the Vertical Lift Wheel Loader in conexpo 2017 USA. “This truly new technology marks an important milestone for LiuGong and for the Chinese construction equipment industry. In vertical lift loaders we can increase payload by 35% with same engine horse power of parallel arm with 450 mm extra lift height,” says Nischal Mehrotra, Director – Sales, LiuGong India.

SDLG: As one of the world’s leading suppliers of wheel loaders in terms of volume, SDLG offers wheel loaders in two classes in India, the 3T rated LG936L plus the LG933L; and the 5T rated LG958. “SDLG machines are built to stand the test of time. Our robust and reliable equipment delivers greater uptime to customers. This includes using proven technology, such as the Tier III engines, which deliver lower lifecycle costs to customers through efficient engine design,” says George. He adds, “Demand for SDLG wheel loaders is gradually growing in the mining industries. Much of this demand is being generated in the wake of the government’s plan to boost coal production in India for domestic consumption. The applications for SDLG wheel loaders in coal mining include wagon loading duties and truck loading of coal. Ports have always been a very strong sector for SDLG wheel loaders. However, recently the activity levels have been quite low and in particular coal re-handling operations in this sector have been limited, which has a direct effect on demand.

SDLG wheel loaders offer a range of hydraulic optional attachments including grass grapplers, log grapplers; pallet forks and side dump buckets which are tailored for different models for the application. The bucket capacity ranges from 1.8 m3 to 3.1 m3. We are optimistic that the demand for wheel loaders in India will grow as the government carries out its promise to increase infrastructure.

Schwing Stetter India: With product expertise of XCMG, one of the top five world renowned construction equipment manufacturing companies, SSI launched two variants of wheel loaders – the LW300FN- 3T capacity and ZL50GN – 5T capacity. “Both these variants are ARAI certified and come equipped with the best features to suit the Indian operating conditions. These loaders can be used for varied applications such as coal handling, sand and aggregates handling, waste handling in recycling and in many more applications,” says Sakthikumar, Managing Director, Schwing Stetter Sales and Services.

Three element torque convertor ensures maximum utilization of engine power and power shift gear box complies with the international standards. All the load bearing parts are reinforced to withstand the toughest working conditions. They are designed and analyzed with finite element analysis software to eliminate stress concentration and weak spots. Articulation joint provides the minimum turning radius and larger space for easier maintenance. Concentrated pressure taping points and fuse points reduces the time for carrying out maintenance activity.

Buckets are designed with high strength steel and with special reinforcement to give longer wear life and strength. The baffle structure of bucket ensures less spillage of materials. Lubrication points for the bucket hinge pins are uniquely designed to supply adequate lubricant onto the surface. In the design there are no holes drilled for percolating the lubricant on the pin surface, so the strength and life of pins are enhanced. Hydraulic components ensure low pressure loss and high reliability. Italian hydraulic hoses provide high heat and pressure resistance as well as longer service life.

Operator cabin is spacious and air conditioned. Other salient features include, audio players, adjustable steering wheel, two way adjustable operator seat and a new dash board that has feel good features just like a commercial automobile. Mono hydrau lic lever gives accurate control to operate, while requiring comparati­vely lesser effort on the part of the operator.

Liebherr India: Liebherr manufa­ctures three wheel loader models for the Indian market, the L 550, L 566 and the L 580. Liebherr wheel loaders are robust machines with the high performance and the low operating costs for which Liebherr is well-known.
The L 550 which was on display during Excon is powered by a 147 kW / 200 HP diesel engine. Equipped with a 4,5 m³ light material bucket the wheel loader achieves a tipping load of 11,100 kg at an operating weight of 17,700 kg. Its exhaust emissions are below the limits of the Indian certification Bharat Stage III. The optimum weight distribution combined with a wide range of attachments for different applications supports businesses to benefit from increased productivity during daily operation. Thus especially by using larger buckets compared to other type of wheel loaders in the
same class.

Due to Liebherr’s hydrostatic driveline, Liebherr wheel loaders require on average up to 25 per cent less diesel compared with other wheel loaders of the same size. The combination of the hydrostatic travel drive and the special mounting position of the diesel engine enable movement of high load-weights. Hydraulic braking action of the hydrostatic driveline increases safety at work.

Customers benefit from Liebherr’s smooth driveline, as well as from its excellent manoeuvrability. For these purposes, Liebherr manufactures the majority of its components itself, ensuring the best possible match between components. This allows Liebherr wheel loaders to accelerate smoothly in all speed ranges – with no discernible gear shifts and no interruptions to tractive force. This comfortable way of operating facilitates everyday work and construction firms can deploy their wheel loaders in an efficient way, increasing productivity and ultimately profitability. The modern cabin creates a working atmosphere which further enhances the working comfort. The driver can manage all working and travel movements precisely by using the Liebherr joystick.

Future Bright
The future prospects look favourable for the wheel loader industry as the government has taken necessary steps to open sectors like iron ore, coal mining – focussing on core industries. The government has set the mining industry a target of 1 billion tonnes of coal per year by 2020, while the road ministry is hoping to achieve 40 km of new roads constructed each day. The government un­d­er­stands that having the right infrastructure in place will be essential for the future growth and development of India. So long as this commitment continues the industry foresees a solid demand for productive and profitable equipment.

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