Manufacturers have worked hard to make compact wheel loaders better at their traditional applications, but they’ve also expanded features to meet the demands of customers who want more versatility.
Robbie Southerland, Caterpillar compact wheel loader product specialist for North America, says compact wheel loaders have distinct advantages over other compact equipment.
“They are versatile, easily configurable, upgradable and have a long service life, often having three or four owners over the life of the machine.”
For loading applications, compact wheel loaders stand out with their higher efficiency and greater ground speed. These traits also support other applications when customers want to use their CWLs instead of other compact machines.
So is a CWL always the right choice?
No. Southerland offers three tips to help customers choose the right machine:
- First, as always, is the application. Do you need zero-turn? Are you working in tight spaces? Do your attachments require more hydraulic power than a CWL can provide? If so, consider another machine. But if you’re doing a lot of loading, or if you’re doing other work on a site with room to maneuver, the greater lift, carry and travel speed numbers favor a compact wheel loader.
- Second, what are your operator qualifications? A wheel loader comes with some familiarity because it has a steering wheel and pedals for brake and accelerator. In addition, the Cat 906, 907 and 908 have operator assist modes. These features make it easier for less-experienced operators.
- Third, consider value. What is your business? What utilization rate can you expect, or what rate do you need? CWLs have higher initial cost but also lower owning and operating costs, longer service life and greater residual value than other compact machines.
Gehl
The Gehl 650 has a Yanmar engine rated at 64.4 horsepower and a hydrostatic transmission with two speeds forward and reverse. Maximum speed is 19 mph. Flow is 18 or 26 gpm for standard and optional high flow. Operating weight with cab and forks is 9,500 pounds.GehlThe Gehl AL650 and AL750 feature a Z-bar linkage for mechanical self-leveling in both the up and down directions and provide bucket dump angles in the mid- and upper ranges of the lift path. The Z-bar design also delivers greater forward reach.
The Power-A-Tach mounting system simplifies attachment changes, while an optional three-way auxiliary circuit directs hydraulic flow to the front and rear and includes high-flow. An oscillating articulation joint provides 45-degree turn angles right and left and 10 degrees of oscillation in both directions. A multifunction joystick offers low-effort control.
Options for the AL650 and AL750 include an air suspension seat, LED work lights, Hydraglide ride control and a three-speed transmission with speeds up to 19 mph.
Hitachi
The 44-gross-horsepower Hitachi ZW50-5B loader has a 9,350-pound operating weight, 0.8-cubic-yard standard bucket capacity, 5,530 pound-feet of breakout force, and limited-slip differentials. The HST control system allows smooth startups on slopes,