Wheel loaders have become a significant piece of equipment in successful rental operations. These units are useful in multiple applications and they offer a short return on investment for rental companies. The rental marketplace in the United States and Canada consumes more than 25 percent of the wheel loaders manufactured every year, based on EMI statistics. In 2000, wheel loader sales totaled more than 3,700 machines. Sales consumption by rental companies is mixed between traditional equipment dealer fleets and national and local rental company inventory.
Once the decision is made to add wheel loaders to a rental fleet, it's time to determine which machines to stock. Rental companies often overlook tool carrier wheel loaders when buying inventory, but they deserve serious consideration.
The wheel loader marketplace is crowded with well-built products in an enormous range of sizes. The tool carrier models offered by most manufacturers offer rental companies advantages over traditional Z-bar linkage wheel loaders. For example, attachments broaden the range of use customers can achieve with these machines, operation is relatively simple and return on investment is short. If maximized, these advantages will increase operation, a primary concern with rental inventory.
Limiting customer costs
Often a customer's budget doesn't allow for separate pieces of specialized equipment to remain on site and parked at the ready throughout all stages of the job. Tool carrier wheel loaders are usually equipped with a hydraulically controlled bracket that allows changing of attachments without the use of hand tools, thus only one piece of equipment is necessary to complete a variety of jobs. This feature enables a tool carrier wheel loader to be transported to a jobsite with a trailer full of attachment tools, eliminating the need to bring in a hydrostatic sweeper for one day and a rough terrain forklift for the next. A tool carrier will accomplish these tasks with a sweeper attachment and a set of forks, keeping the job moving and further limiting customer costs.
Ease of operation
Tool carrier machines are designed to improve operator performance no matter what his/her skill level. Several factors contribute to the simple operation of a tool carrier wheel loader. For example, parallel fork handling eliminates the need to adjust heavy or loose loads while operating. The four-cylinder loader linkages provide clear visibility to the attachments, which helps with placing materials accurately and safely. Also, automatic transmissions help the inexperienced operator to keep his/her hands on the steering wheel and the hydraulics control at all times.
Return on investment
The lone disadvantage to a tool carrier wheel loader is a higher initial cost. The four-cylinder loader arm design and the bracket with hydraulic controls contribute to the added cost at the outset. It is important to note, however, that tool carriers feature comparable tipping loads and stability ratings to Z-bar type wheel loaders. The added flexibility that a tool carrier provides will reduce the inventory expense for rental companies and increase equipment operation through the period of ownership.
Strong demand from rental customers has made wheel loaders a significant source of revenue for rental operations. The tool carrier wheel loader models from most manufacturers accommodate various attachments, are easy to operate and maintain performance levels expected by customers when compared to their Z-bar counterparts. The benefits these units provide their users indicate that adding tool carrier wheel loaders with attachments to rental inventories will boost bottom lines all around.
Snedcor is product marketing manager, earthmovers, for JCB Inc., Pooler, Ga.
AGCO
The new AGCO ST compact tractor series from AGCO Corp. includes six four-wheel drive tractors from 24 to 44 horsepower. Features include indirect injection, three-cylinder diesel engines with a pre-combustion chamber and crossflow head design for better fuel economy, reduced stress on engine components, quieter operation and reduced emissions. All ST models are available with R1, R3 or R4 tires to meet a wide range of agricultural, turf and industrial applications.
www.agcocorp.com • 770/813-9200
RS # 150
Michelin
Michelin developed the XLD L3 and Super L3 radial tires for small- to medium-wheel loaders. The new tires have a 65 percent aspect ratio and were engineered to provide improved productivity in abrasive L3 environments. Providing a low-profile tire that fits onto existing wheel rim sizes helps improve grip, traction and stability.
www.michelin.com
RS # 152
TrynEx
To address larger cleanup applications, TrynEx International extended its SweepEx modular broom family to include the Mega 720 broom attachment. Built with a 72-inch long mainframe, the Mega 720 is the largest unit in the Mega Series line. Suitable for a variety of applications including cleanup of dirt, leaves, snow, material spills, standing water, steel shavings and gravel, the attachment is adaptable to most service vehicles.
800/725-8377
RS# 151
Karl Schaeff & Co.
The Schaeff SCL 515 compact wheel loader from Karl Schaeff & Co. weighs 7,400 pounds, making it closer to the operating weights of the 70 to 80 horsepower class of loaders. Other specifications include operating load of 2,260 pounds, tipping load, straight of 5,090 pounds, and a Deutz F4L 1011F, 50 horsepower, four-cylinder diesel engine. The steering operation will appeal both to those operators comfortable with joystick control or a steering wheel because the 515 model is operational from the factory in either mode.
www.karlschaeff.com • 972/446-9313
RS # 153
Caterpillar
Caterpillar offers the D8R Series II track-type tractor, which features a new Cat 3406E engine with an advanced HEUI fuel system for improved efficiency and lower exhaust emissions. The engine powers a single-stage torque converter with an output torque divider. The system provides greater drive train efficiency and higher torque multiplication.
www.cat.com • 309/675-8995
RS # 154
Hammond Air Conditioning
The Case 580 and 590 Super M Tractor Loader Backhoes are now available with an integrated factory-styled after-market air conditioning system. Hammond Air Conditioning redesigned its system, which required a new evaporator coil, condenser and compressor mount to keep the compressor in place with less vibration. The kit is designed for ease of installation and comes with step-by-step installation instructions.
www.hammondac.com • 800/267-2665
RS# 155
Komatsu
The WA500-3 Avance Plus by Komatsu is powered by a 315 horsepower Komatsu SA6D140E-3 engine, which meets TIER II emission regulations. Performance features include a dual-speed hydraulic system and an automatic four-speed power transmission with kick-down switch. The loader has a breakout force of 52,259 pounds, bucket range of 5.6 to 7.2 cubic yards and is equipped with an additional counterweight of 2,820 pounds.
www.komatsuamerica.com • 262/255-0100
RS# 156
Allmand
The 3,115-pound TLB-220 from Allmand features a Robin EH65D air-cooled gasoline engine generating 20.5 horsepower at 3,600 rpm. An optional Kohler 20-horsepoQwer air-cooled engine is also available. The product has a 2,875 pound digging force as well as an 8-foot, 4-inch digging depth. The unit's 1/3 cubic yard loader has a maximum lift capacity of 1,700 pounds and maximum loading height of 90 inches with a 2,600 pound breakout force.
www.allmand.com • 800/562-1373
RS # 157
General Equipment
The 130C CUT-R-TACH from General Equipment Co. was designed for asphalt cutting projects. The 130C clamps to most backhoe dipper sticks or tractor/wheel loader buckets with up to 2 ½ cubic yard capacities. No special tools, modifications or adaptors are required. The patented, twin-screw pivot clamp conforms to differences in bucket shapes and sizes, and can be used in forward and reverse cutting.
www.generalequip.com • 800/533-0524
RS # 158
VISTA Training
Wheel loader operators now have a complete instruction kit for basic or refresher training. VISTA Training offers a tool kit containing two videos created specifically for wheel loader operator training. Also included is an easy-to-follow instructor's packet, a CD-ROM containing a projector-ready presentation and complete sets of learning materials.
www.vista-start-smart.com • 800/942-2886
RS# 159
John Deere
The 5000 Twenty Series by John Deere offers hydraulic and ergonomic refinements, an available quiet cab and low-vibration optional isolated operator's station. New precision valves decrease hydraulic implement leak down, and new mid-mount hydraulic kits allow fast attachment and detachment of high performance 521 and 541 loaders. Right-side transmission controls, low effort PTO engagement, and tilt-and-telescopic steering column improve comfort.
www.johndeere.com • 800/537-8233
RS # 160
Buhler-Weidemann
The model 1030DP wheel loader from Buhler-Weidemann has a compact axle and a rops canopy. Other features include hydraulic tube protection, single-handed control with float position on right side of seat, spotlights, operating time counter and hydrostatic four-wheel drive. Additionally, the loader comes equipped with fully hydraulic rotating center pivot steering, hydraulic quick-change system for tool attachments, front hydraulic connection DN 10 and hydraulic oil cooler.
www.buhler.com • 204/661-8711
RS # 161
Kenco
The Crawler Quick Attach from Kenco is available in both manual and hydraulic models. Existing attachments can easily be converted to work with the system. Users can quickly change between digging buckets, blades, rakes, forks, grapples, booms, 4-in-1 buckets, side dump buckets, etc. The hydraulic version allows for complete attachment change from inside the cab.
724/238-3387
RS # 162
Yanmar
Yanmar's V4-5 wheel loader offers lift capacities of 4,134 pounds and 6,945 pounds with smooth hydraulic performance. Single lever operation features Auto-Leveler, which places the bucket level on the ground. The bucket moves quickly back to the loading position and helps make every operator more efficient. Two-mode control allows the operator to select fully automatic shifting or a fixed speed mode for low travel speed operation in restricted areas. Rear axle oscillation traverses and delivers smooth power over uneven ground while reducing operator fatigue.
www.yanmar.com • 847/541-1900
RS # 163
Liftking
Liftking Industries Inc. introduces the new Liftking LK 8T22/42 tow tractor. Designed to handle loads with longer and higher dimension, the tractor features a maximum lift capacity of 15,000 pounds, a maximum lift height of 45.5 inches and a travel speed of 18 miles per hour. It includes a removable slider mast assembly that combines a 36-lift stroke with a heavy-duty ball hitch that is hydraulically operated from the cab by a single lever.
www.liftking.com • 905/851-3988
RS # 164
