Gulf Construction Online - Volvo boosts its ‘G’ force

Loaders

Volvo boosts its ‘G’ force

Volvo Construction Equipment’s new G series loaders – which are poised to roll into the Middle East – offer enhanced fuel efficiency, productivity and operator comfort among a host of benefits.

01 April 2011

THE first shipments of Volvo’s new G Series wheel loaders to the Middle East have been fully sold out ahead of their launch in the region.

The loaders are said to set new standards in terms of fuel efficiency, while also offering a significant increase in lifting force and strength compared to previous models.

“First shipments are on the way to the Gulf and the new loaders will be launched in the UAE this autumn, but we have already pre-sold all the stocks ordered,” says Ilkay Fidan, the Middle East sales director for the Swedish-based Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), adding that the initial response has been “very positive”.

Comprising the L150G, L180G and L220G, the G Series features tailored engines and driveline systems that improve fuel efficiency, productivity, smoothness, serviceability and operator comfort.

The loaders are fitted with engines that are married to drive trains, hydraulics and lifting systems that are all designed and produced by Volvo to work in harmony. This means that fuel efficiency is significantly increased compared to the previous F-Series loaders by up to 15 per cent, says Volvo CE.

Purpose-built ... the engines fitted to the new G Series are said to lead the industry in terms of fuel efficiency and reliability.

The G Series also boasts a 20 per cent increase in lifting force and 10 per cent improvement in breakout force.

“With these new machines, we continue on our path of producing successful machines that boost productivity,” says David Alstrom, manager, product management at Volvo CE. “The machines had their world launches at Samoter in Italy and at Conexpo in Las Vegas and will be available in the Middle East soon. Apart from the high fuel efficiency, the loaders boast enhanced hydraulics and lifting systems, ease of operation and high productivity – key features that will appeal to the market. In addition, the machines have a new layout which makes for ease of serviceability.”

Targeted at the aggregate handling and heavy infrastructural sectors, the L150G, L180G and L220G are all fitted with Volvo’s 13-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged off-highway diesel engine. Producing between 220 and 274 kW (300 and 371 hp), depending on the model, these three units provide high torque at low engine speeds.

“The purpose-built engines fitted to these machines lead the industry in terms of fuel efficiency and reliability. The production of torque and power at low engine speeds, combined with load-sensing hydraulics, removes the need to overrun the engine, which in turn extends engine life as well as lowering fuel usage and dramatically reducing noise,” says a spokesman for Volvo CE.

The improvement in lifting and breakout force ensures smooth, full buckets, resulting in faster cycle times and increased productivity. Two stronger, variable displacement load-bearing axial piston pumps and hoses have been introduced to handle the increased pressures. These provide superior control of the load and attachments, as well as high breakout force, faster lifting and tilt functions, he says.

A new hydraulic cooling system has been designed to reduce the working temperatures by up to 20 deg C over previous models.

Also, the hydraulic oil-return filter has improved from 20 micron to 10 micron to further protect the pumps from potential contamination.

The power train is designed to work in harmony for optimum performance. Engines, transmissions, drivelines, heavy-duty axles, hydraulics – all are optimised to not only match each other, but to ensure maximum performance and reliability, the spokesman points out. Transmissions feature Volvo’s automatic power shift (APS) concept, which ensures the loader always operates in the ideal gear by sensing engine and travel speed, kick-down, engine braking and other factors. Offering operators a choice of four gear shifting programmes, APS results in more efficient work cycles with lower fuel consumption and wear, he says.

Fuel savings in load and carry
Consisting of a new torque converter with lock-up and free wheel stator, Optishift is a new system that integrates Volvo’s patented reverse-by-braking (RBB) function – significantly reducing fuel consumption – by up to 15 per cent – as well as increasing operator comfort and driveline durability.

When changing from forward to reverse (or vice versa), RBB applies the standard service brake instead of the torque converter, bringing the machine to a halt and putting less stress on the converter and transmission.

“OptiShift can significantly reduce fuel consumption in operations such as load and carry as well as in short cycle loading. The driveline lock-up, meanwhile, improves drive response, rimpull and incline performance and fuel efficiency,” he says.

“Volvo’s patented torque parallel (TP) linkage combines the benefits of Z-bar and parallel linkages in one system, delivering good parallel movement and high breakout force, even in the highest lift position. Featuring fewer welds, the TP linkage has a durable design that is designed to withstand the toughest conditions,” the spokesman adds.

CareCab
Operator comfort and safety is another key priority in the design of the machines.

The latest generation Volvo Care Cab fitted to these wheel loaders extends its already legendary status. ROPS/FOPS (roll over and fall over protection systems)-approved, the spacious cabin ensure excellent visibility, to the rear, to the bucket edge – and to the centrally-located instrumentation. With controls that fall easily to hand, operators can breathe easily, thanks to efficient air-management and filtering systems, and get on with the job in hand in a comfortable, clean, low-noise and vibration work environment, says Volvo CE.

The servo controls are mounted on the operator seat, and include settings such as ‘return to dig’. Also, to encourage operators to work smoothly, the accelerator pedal applies an appropriate amount of mechanical back pressure, to encourage low fuel consumption operating techniques.

The G Series comes with advanced electronic monitoring diagnostics that are designed to prolong machine life, enhance uptime and maximise productivity. Contronics monitors function in real time and alerts the operator if problems occur.
Matris, meanwhile, charts and analyses data on machine handling and operation. VCADS Pro is a system that allows a machine to be fine-tuned to specific applications, further improving performance.

Finally, the CareTrack telematics system (only available in certain markets), allows machine location and operating data to be securely viewed via the Internet from anywhere in the world, aiding fast decisions on maintenance and repairs.

Servicing is made easy with daily pre-start items quickly checked and scheduled service items conveniently grouped together. The G Series is fitted with a new engine cover that provides better ventilation of the engine compartment. The cover can be electronically opened backwards – offering good access for fast and easy cleaning or servicing. Centralised, ground-level lubrication banks lower the time spent on scheduled maintenance. And consumables like filters are easy to reach and replace, says Volvo CE.

The G Series comes with a large number of attachments, including high tip and side tipping buckets. A wide range of other attachments are also available, as well as attachment brackets that make changing tools fast and easy.

Fidan says that Volvo CE will offer the new loaders for test and demos so users can see first hand the advantages they offer. Custo-mers can request a demo from dealers whose locations are listed at www.volvoce.com.”

Meanwhile, Volvo CE’s Regional Parts Distribution Center (RPDC) at the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, which is run by more than 40 employees, celebrated its fifth anniversary recently.

“The parts logistics centre has been operational since February 2006 and serves 14 countries in the region,” says Fidan. “Also, our Competence Development Center (CDC) delivers 26 courses each year for mechanics and technicians from our dealers, besides tailor-made training sessions for key customers. This facility shows our commitment to the construction equipment business in Middle East.”