When it comes to working quickly and easily in a small space, it’s tough to beat a skid-steer or compact track loader for its ability to turn completely around within its own length. But if you need a compact machine to handle backfilling, lift-and-carry, and loading chores along with a wide range of attachments, and you’re not constrained by space, you might get more done more comfortably in a day with a compact wheel loader.
“Sometimes a full size tractor-loader-backhoe or other equipment may be too large for your work site, a skid-steer or track loader too small to handle the job, and a compact tractor too awkward to work efficiently in the available space,” says Keith Rohrbacker, construction equipment product manager for Kubota Tractor Corp. “Compact, easy-to-maneuver wheel loaders can fill these gaps.”
Some pros and cons
Compact wheel loaders are usually in the 40- to 80-hp range. They are larger and weigh more than a skid-steer or compact track loader with comparable lifting and digging performance. Depending on your truck and trailer, that could be a drawback. But, it also means a larger cab with easier entry and exit, a more comfortable seat with a higher vantage point for the operator, and a 360-degree view of the jobsite.
While top travel speed for skid-steer loaders is about 12 mph, compact wheel loaders typically can travel up to about 18 mph, or faster.
“Just as there is a place for skid-steers and compact track loaders on a jobsite, there is also a place for compact wheel loaders,” says Joel Powell, product specialist group manager of compact equipment for Volvo Construction Equipment. “Like these two compact counterparts mentioned, compact wheel loaders may be present at the onset of a job until its completion. From groundbreaking to ribbon-cutting, from initial lot clearing to final landscaping, these continue to grow as a viable, productive alternative.”
You’ll pay more to buy a compact wheel loader. Depending on brand, model and options, they typically cost $40,000 to $90,000 for models up to 80 hp or so. One manufacturer’s models in the 40- to 50-hp range cost $40,000 to $50,000. That compares to a popular compact track loader in the 60-hp range that costs about $42,000.
Also, a compact wheel loader needs room to make a three-point turn or to change direction in about an 11- to 14-foot radius turn. But, manufacturers say, in the right situation, the added productivity and comfort of a compact wheel loader can outweigh its higher price tag.
More production
Much of the extra productivity stems from the ability of a compact wheel loader to use power more efficiently. Generally, a skid-steer or compact track loader requires a bigger engine to do the same amount of work as a compact wheel loader.
“With a compact wheel loader, performance goes up, while fuel costs go down,” says Brian Rabe, product specialist for Mustang Manufacturing Company Inc. “Higher ground speeds, more bucket capacity, and similar cycle times to skid-steer and compact track loaders lead to significantly more productivity.”
Rohrbacker has compared some of the features and performance of two Kubota compact wheel loader models –— the R420 and R520 —with various skid-steer and compact track loaders in the accompanying tables on the facing page. As these figures show, the compact wheel loaders have the advantage in terms of lifting ability, bucket capacity, digging power, and travel speed. When it comes to reach and dump height for loading, the compact wheel loaders offer similar if not better performance.
Steering choices
The more comfortable ride of compact wheel loaders reflects different steering and a longer wheelbase. They eliminate the vibration caused by the short wheelbase, which contributes to the pitching of skid-steer loaders when traveling.
Many compact wheel loaders have an articulating frame that allows the front or rear unit to swivel horizontally up to about 45 degrees right or left. The front or rear unit of articulated wheel loaders also oscillates vertically as much as about 10 degrees to follow the terrain while keeping all four wheels on the ground. Others have a one-piece frame that uses two steerable axles to angle up to 80 degrees for turning with the rear axle oscillating vertically as much as 11 degrees.
Increased versatility
“Auxiliary hydraulics, hydraulic quick couplers, and the ability to use many skid-steer attachments add to the versatility of compact wheel loaders,” says Powell. For example, Volvo offers more than 60 different attachments for its compact wheel loaders.
Some also can be equipped with high-flow hydraulics, although the flow rate is typically lower than the high-flow hydraulics on skid-steers and compact track loaders. Some tools designed for skid-steer and compact track loaders may not withstand the higher breakout forces produced by compact wheel loaders. For example, buckets designed for compact wheel loaders are usually larger, more heavy duty, and shaped differently than those used with the other machines.
Lower operating costs
Despite the higher purchase price, compact wheel loaders cost much less to operate. “They have a much longer operating life than skid-steer and compact track loaders,” Rabe says. “Because the engines of compact wheel loaders typically run at a lower rpm, there’s less stress on their hydraulic systems. The overall ruggedness and longer wheelbase of compact wheel loaders means longer service intervals. And, they have a better resale value.”
With their articulated or four-wheel steering, compact wheel loaders don’t tear up turf as skid-steer and compact track loaders do when turning. That reduces the need for repairs when working on lawns and other sensitive surfaces. Plus, it results in much longer tire life for compact wheel loaders than skid-steer loaders.
A closer look
Manufacturers offer various features to enhance operation and productivity of their compact wheel loaders.
Kubota compact wheel loaders are equipped with a load-sensing hydrostatic transmission. It shifts from high speed/low torque to low speed/high torque as load conditions vary. A travel speed limiter reduces maximum travel speed with the push of a button, while maintaining full performance of auxiliary hydraulics for working efficiently in tight spaces. Standard front and rear auxiliary hydraulics add to versatility, including the ability to use a backhoe attachment.
The Volvo line of wheel loaders includes four compact models, from the 54-hp L20 with a 6,070 pound-feet of bucket breakout force, to the 75-hp L35B Pro, with 13,600 pound-feet of breakout force. A multi-function lever controls machine direction, hydraulic functions, and the front and rear differential locks, providing optimum traction on difficult terrain. Options include a hand inch valve for maximum working power at reduced travel speed, and optional air conditioning/heating systems.
The all-wheel-steer, rigid-frame design of Mustang’s four compact wheel loader models maintains their center of gravity. This results in no loss of lift capacity and stability while turning. Articulated units can lose up to 20 percent of their lift capacity when going from straight to a full turn, Rabe says. An infinitely variable high-speed gearbox, available on three of the models, provides a top travel speed of 25 mph.
Greg Northcutt is a freelance writer based in Port Orchard, Wash. He can be reached by e-mailing this publication at editor@onsiteinstaller.com.
