What is Used Wheel Loader and Why Do We Use Them?

17, Mar. 2025

 

Everything you need to know about wheel loaders

What is a wheel loader?

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There are many names for wheel loaders like front-end loaders, front loaders, wheeled loaders, bucket loaders, scoop loaders, and skip loaders. Wheel loaders are a piece of heavy equipment usually found in construction projects and building sites. A wheel loader uses an arm to lift and lower its bucket, and a bell crank is used to open and close its bucket. Wheel loaders can lift almost anything such as debris, gravel, soil, dirt, pallets, etc. Since it uses wheels, it has better mobility on roads, and it does not give any damage to asphalt or concrete. Attachments can also be used to make it fit for any type of project you have.

Wheel loaders also come in different sizes, but no project is too big or small for this machine. Even small loaders are more powerful than you think. They are available in various sizes for different kinds of projects.

What can a wheel loader be used for?

Wheel loaders are machines with great power and durability, and most construction sites use them to finish some tasks quickly. It consists of an arm with a bucket to haul, scoop, or carry large-scale materials and transport them around a site. Aside from being used in construction sites, they can also be used for agricultural purposes and landscaping projects.

These machines can dig, haul, carry, and transport. Wheel loaders can also be used in helping build roads, prepare job sites, and assist in cleaning up after a completed project.

Wheel loader applications

There are specific wheel loaders that are designed according to different purposes. When combining the right machine, set of tires, and attachments, Volvo CE's machines are sure to deliver great performance and safety. 

  • Block Handling

Wheel loaders for block handling require heavy lifting and transporting blocks at all times of the day, even on uneven, wet, and steep ground.

Models: L150H, L180H, L220H, and L350H.

  • Log Handling

Log handling applications are made to have a high capacity, flexibility, and a wide range of attachments for cutting, hauling, etc.

Models: L60H, L70H, L90H, L110H, L120H, L150H, L180H, L180H High-Lift, L220H, and L350H.

  • Rock Handling

These loaders have been designed and built to have maximum performance and results. Rock handling loaders have enough strength, stability, traction, and durability that are made to withstand hot, dusty environments.

Models: L260H and L350H

  • Waste Handling

Waste loaders have been specially made to operate on different tasks on waste and recycling applications such as collecting, transporting, and sorting. Often used in landfill sites, these machines can handle any type of waste, big or small.

Models: L30G, L35G, L45H, L60H, L70H, L90H, L110H, L120H, L150H, L180H, and L220H.

  • Slag Handling

Usually found in steel mills. Slag handling loaders are one of the toughest loaders out there. Often used in one of the most dangerous environments for machines and operators, dealing with intense heat, dust, and toxic fumes. These loaders provide heat-proofing and thermal protection to finish these projects.

Models: L150H, L180H, L220H, and L350H.

  • Re handling

Providing maximum productivity, these loaders are designed to transport large amounts of materials to minimize loading cycles. This loader makes it much more convenient and time-saving for projects.

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Models: L110H, L120H, L150H, L180H, L220H, L260H, and L350H.

  • Agriculture

Providing non-stop performance, these loaders can work all day. Agriculture loaders can be used indoors or outdoors and can carry various loads around farms even in the toughest weather and ground conditions.

Models: L45H, L50H, L60H, L70H, L90H, L110H, and L120H.

How can I choose the right size of wheel loader?

One of the important things to remember when choosing a wheel loader is to choose according to the nature of the job, there are a lot of sizes and attachments to choose from but choosing the best out of them will make your project run more efficiently. The first step in choosing any type of heavy equipment is to understand what the equipment needs to do for the project and what the project site looks like.

Most wheel loaders are chosen by the size of the project site, bucket capacity, and how long the arm stretches. It is also good to ask your manufacturer what type and size of equipment make the project the most productive and efficient. 

Wheel loader sizes

These are the basic knowledge you need to know before buying a wheel loader. When buying a wheel loader, you need to consider various manufacturers and models. Most manufacturers produce compact, medium, and large wheel loaders.

The Wheel Loader: Everything You Need To Know - DOZR

Small and compact articulated loaders are popular for landscaping companies and contractors. Choosing a wheel loader with a bucket size of 1 yard is great for these types of jobs, especially since the loader bucket can be replaced with forks, rakes, and stump grinders.

As they are powerful and available in a variety of sizes, they can be better options than other compact earthmoving equipment like compact track loaders, skid steers, and mini excavators, depending on the requirements of the project. These are commonly referred to as compact loaders.

Mid-sized loaders have bucket sizes from 3 to 5 cubic yards and are for moving more materials and heavier material types. Industries that leverage larger wheel loaders with a bucket with a capacity of 6 or yards more include mining, forestry, quarrying, heavy earthmoving, and other heavy-duty projects.

The heaviest Cat wheel loader is the Cat 995 with an operating weight of 540,000 lbs. With a 1,847 hp engine, this machine is used for the heaviest industrial tasks like quarrying and mining. The bucket capacity on this machine is 57 cubic yards.

Komatsu

Now one of the world's leading suppliers and manufacturers of heavy equipment and the second largest producer of machines, Komatsu is anything but little. Komatsu loaders feature innovative hydraulic power with great drive train technology. Making a variety of loaders from mid-sized up to giant mining wheel loader beats.

They offer three models of mid-sized loaders ranging between 125 and 175 hp, the Komatsu WA200, WA270, and WA320. These are often used for smaller commercial projects. They also have larger models like the WA600 and WA900, common on large-scale, heavy-duty industrial projects.

Volvo

Known for their large earthmoving equipment like excavators and wheel loaders, Volvo is a well-respected manufacturer with 16 front loader models available. These machines range from 64 hp to 532 and 0.9 cubic yard buckets to 16.6. They're a great brand choice for contractors looking for efficient, reliable, and powerful machines.

Wacker Neuson

A leading global manufacturing company, Wacker Neuson Group is a parent company that develops, produces, and distributes compaction equipment. Since then the company has grown and now has over 50 affiliates and over 12,000 sales and service partners across the globe.

Wacker Neuson offers a variety of articulated wheel loaders and wheel loader attachment tools. Ranging from 47 to 100 hp, all Wacker Neuson wheel loaders offer all-wheel steering for excellent maneuverability, increased payloads, and unmatched machine stability.

John Deere

Today John Deere is one of the most well-known and globally recognized brands in both agriculture and construction equipment. John Deere manufactures 16 compact, mid-size, and large wheel loaders in a variety of strengths and sizes. These wheel loaders have engines ranging from 61 to 536 hp and bucket capacities ranging from 0.9 to 10 cubic yards.

Potential Hazards & Safety Protocols for Wheel Loaders

The operation of any heavy equipment creates a level of hazard. Equipment operators must receive proper training about safe operation and safety protocols. As wheel loaders are used for lifting extremely heavy loads, there are a number of common safety incidents and hazards associated with them.

Tipping

Lifting heavy loads into a truck adjusts the center of gravity of the loader. The higher the load is lifted the more unstable the machine can become and the danger of tipping increases.

Always transport loads low to the ground for extra stability. When carrying materials down a steep hill, travel in reverse to maintain the equipment's center of gravity. Never go over the max weight set for a piece of equipment and never lift more than the equipment can handle.

For tipping load limits, you can read our wheel loader spec guide.

Rollovers

While loaders are capable of working on uneven terrain, there is an increase in instability when working on hills or more dangerous terrain like loose rocks or gravel. Be aware of the terrain that equipment is being operated on and consider moving only a half load if it feels unsafe. Any instability can be dangerous. Always take time to survey the worksite before beginning operation.

Bystander Injuries

When operating a loader, be aware of those around the equipment and use all safety protocols to keep the equipment visible. If the backup signal isn't functioning, get it fixed immediately. Look for people walking under or near the loader bucket or lifting arms before raising or lowering the attachment.

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