Australian Earthmoving – June 2018

WHAT'S HOT

converter lock-up and reverse-by-braking features –
all designed to deliver better fuel economy.

Meanwhile, a 13-litre D13F-C engine (334hp) powers
the L180G, a mere 39 horsepower less than the
L220H.

In addition to the productivity gains, the Volvo wheel
loaders also have an ROPS/FOPS operator’s cabin
with a fully adjustable suspension seat. The cab is
fully air conditioned, and all critical machine functions
are displayed on an LCD screen located within the
operator’s field of vision.

Operator Scotty Harris cites the rear view camera as
a great asset and safety feature especially with the
addition of the blue light for night work.

He adds that the dash panel clearly displays all the
vital machine information including fuel and oil levels
along with warning messages even in bright sunlight
all at a glance without hindering forward vision.

Volvo’s load-sensing hydraulics are said to be at the
forefront in artificial intelligence, by supplying power to
the hydraulic functions according to demand, further
lowering fuel consumption. The powerful hydraulic
system ensures fast response for shorter cycle times
while delivering smooth operation through superior
control of both the load and the attachment.

Volvo’s unique eco pedal applies mechanical push-
back force when the accelerator is used excessively
and engine RPM is about to exceed the economic
operating range. This encourages the operator to
ease off the throttle, reducing fuel consumption.

“I normally run the loader at 1400 RPM around the
log yard, but increase the revs to 1600 RPM when
going up the ramp with a full grab of logs,” Scotty
explained. “I’ve found this gives good economy while
still achieving maximum productivity.”

For ease of operation, Timberlink specified the
optional, multi-functional joystick, which gives their
operators simultaneous and precise control of the
hydraulic functions. Forward, reverse and kick-down
functions are included on the console.

As you’d expect on a loader working in a log yard,
Volvo’s unique Torque Parallel (TP) linkage is a huge
advantage, delivering high breakout torque and
excellent parallel movement throughout the entire
lifting range.

Timberlink specified the optional Boom Suspension

System (BSS) that enables faster and more

comfortable work cycles to further increase

productivity and safety while at the same time extend

the machine’s life. That’s because Volvo’s unique BSS

absorbs shock and reduces the bouncing that occurs

when operating on rough ground such as a log yard.

Scotty Harris believes that the cabin environment is

one of the best he’s experienced. “It’s certainly one

of the more spacious cabs in this class of loader yet

all the controls are sensibly positioned within easy

reach. It is also very quiet in the cabin and the smooth

ride means I’m not exhausted at the end of the shift.

One thing these Volvo loaders do well is remove the

dust in the air,” Scotty revealed.

Volvo has located the cabin air intake high on the

machine, where air is cleanest. There is an easy to

replace pre-filter that separates coarser dust particles

before the air passes through the main filter and finally

enters the cabin. The design of the Volvo air system

allows 90 per cent of the cabin air to be recirculated

through the main filter for continuous dust removal.

The engine bay features a hydraulically driven

reversible cooling fan that is electronically controlled

to regulate the temperature of the vital components. It

automatically activates only when it’s needed further

reducing fuel consumption and noise. The reversible

functionality which blows air in the opposite direction,

allows for self-cleaning of the cooling units.

Both the front and the rear axle feature an axle oil

circulation feature that allows the axle oil to flow and

cool inside the axle protecting vital components.

“Our two Volvo loaders are enrolled in the CareTrack

program and CJD monintor the machines via

satellite,” Dean Smith explained. “They (CJD) know

how each machine is going at any given time and

when servicing is required which allows us to focus

on what we are good at and that’s sawmilling.”

“Our decision to invest in Volvo Construction

Equipment was essentially based on a productive,

economic and reliability package with on-going back

up support,” Dean concluded. “Those two machines

average 90 hours each per week and in their first 12

months had each clocked up almost 5500 hours.

Consequently, we’re certainly pleased with the

partnership we have with CJD in Launceston which

includes onsite service and maintenance.”

For more information call 1300 139 804

or visit cjd.com.au

AUSTRALIANEARTHMOVING.COM.AU 116