Wheel loaders are the workhorses in many quarries. Here’s a selection of the available thoroughbreds.

By Kerry Clines, Senior Editor

From loading to fuel usage, efficiency is the name of the game for these wheel loaders.

Caterpillar

Caterpillar’s 992K wheel loader is designed to efficiently load 70- and 100-ton capacity quarry trucks. Features include the C32 ACERT engine, U.S. EPA Tier 2 emissions compliance, 801 net horsepower, positive flow control hydraulics for enhanced responsiveness, and ease of maintenance.

Terex

The Terex TL260 compact wheel loader incorporates transverse-mounted engines for stability to lift and transport high payloads, while consuming less fuel. An oscillating rear axle provides comfort and easy handling. The 175-horsepower wheel loader offers bucket capacities between 3.3 and 6.0 cubic yards and a breakout force of 26,995 pounds.

Komatsu

Komatsu’s WA470-6 wheel loader features 272 net horsepower; an operating weight of 51,850 pounds; a 10-foot, 5-inch dump clearance when equipped with a 5.5-cubic yard bucket; and a large-capacity torque converter. Komtrax technology monitors operating information such as daily fuel consumption and efficiency, working hours, and maintenance alerts.

Case

Case Construction Equipment says its 921E wheel loader features superior stability, traction, push power, and lift capacity, as well as operator comfort, easy maintainability and serviceability, and superior fuel economy. The 297 net horsepower machine is equipped with a 5.8-cubic yard bucket. Case Ride Control enables better material maintenance and machine control.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki says its 92ZV-2 wheel loader’s dual Z-Linkage and new chassis design make the machine strong and well-balanced. The wheel loader’s outboard-mounted sealed wet disc brakes, adjustable declutch, dual-boom kickout control, idle management system, ELS (efficient loading system), and dual-mode engine switch provide safe and efficient work.

Volvo

Volvo Construction Equipment says its F-Series wheel loaders are the toughest, most fuel-efficient loaders on the market. Features include OptiShift with Reverse By Braking, which automatically assists deceleration; a T-linkage lift-arm system for greater breakout force; and the company’s CareTrack telematics system to manage productivity and maintenance.