Opting In

A 2008 non-fiction book called “The Paradox of Choice” asked the question, “Can having too many choices make you unhappy?” Recyclers and contractors who are in the market for a new loader may be able to provide an answer to that question, at least as it pertains to shopping for equipment.

Whether shopping to buy a fleet of machines, to buy one machine or to rent a loader for a specific task, shoppers have access to a wider range of choices on the size of the machine, its platform and any number of options and features that may help boost operator comfort, productivity and suitability to the task.

Provided buyers have the time to consult with manufacturers, equipment dealers or industry allies, they may well find the machine that is perfectly suitable for their needs.

ON TRACK(S)
On most surfaces, a material handling machine on wheels can move more quickly and provide advantages that have made it close to an industry standard.

But many demolition contractors, in particular, work at job sites that go beyond the “most surfaces” definition, meaning a loader on treads or tracks may be needed.

Among the manufacturers who debuted new tracked models at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2011 was New Holland Construction (www.newholland.com), Racine, Wis.

The equipment maker introduced three compact track loaders that are part of its new 200 Series. The new machines “feature best-in-class forward dump height and reach – boosting operator profits and productivity,” the company states in a news release.

“These machines are built to tackle the toughest construction, landscaping and agricultural applications,” says Dave December, marketing manager at New Holland Construction.

A new self-leveling bucket feature on each model is designed to allow attachments to maintain a preset location throughout the lift cycle. “For long load and carry operations, the optional Glide Ride feature on the New Holland C232 and C238 compact track loaders ensures a smooth ride over the roughest job site,” the company says of the ability of the track loaders to navigate rough terrain.

Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill., has added to its line of tracked loaders with the new compact 259B3 model, designed to operate in confined spaces, and has modified other tracked models in its product line.

Caterpillar’s B-Series multi-terrain loaders (MTLs) are billed by the company as “tough, reliable machines that perform a variety of tasks competently, while providing exceptional convenience and control."

According to the company, two new B-Series loaders—the 242B3 and the 257B3—have been designed with larger lift and tilt cylinders to give these two new models “a substantial gain in boom and bucket breakout force, from 13 to 19 percent, depending on model and circuit. Increased breakout forces provide enhanced performance in all basic functions—loading, lifting and digging,” states the company in a news release.

ALL SHAPES AND SIZES
Equipment makers are now designing and making material handling and loading machines that vary in size from compact to way-off-road. (These largest models are most commonly found at mining sites.)

At ConExpo and other industry events in 2011, manufacturers have been introducing machines at both ends of this scale as well as new models that tuck in to the middle of their product range.

Terex Construction Americas, Southaven, Miss., www.terex.com, introduced its TL310 Wheel Loader model at ConExpo. The company says the machine has been designed to be “surprisingly compact and agile” while still being able to perform heavy-duty work.

The TL310 handles bucket capacities of four-to-six cubic yards and features “a spacious operating cab and a powerful cooling system with reversible fan, similar to that on the company’s popular TL210 and TL260 wheel loaders,” according to a Terex news release.

“Traction provided by the load-limit-controlled hydrostatic VarioPower system makes the power loader capable of accelerating to 25 mph quickly,” adds the company. The hydrostatic drive also functions as a wear-free brake when the machine is in forward and reverse drive, says Terex in its news release describing the new TL310 model.

Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment, West Fargo, N.D., is now offering its DL200 wheel loader model in a tool carrier configuration, known as the DL200TC.

“Thanks to its parallel-lift linkage system, the Doosan DL200TC tool carrier is ideally suited to move pallets, pipe and other materials around job sites,” the company says in its promotional material for the new model. The new model also can be equipped with an optional quick coupler designed to make changing work tools easier.

The company says the DL200TC “provides outstanding visibility down the center of the lift arms, which allows the operator to see the ground, truck or work area in front of the machine when placing loads.”

The DL200TC has an operating weight of 25,700 pounds with a standard 2.6-cubic-yard bucket. Dump height is 8 feet 11 inches, and dump reach is 3 feet 1 inch, according to Doosan. “Static tipping load is 18,900 pounds with a straight frame and 16,270 pounds at the maximum steering angle of 40 degrees.

Four forward speed ranges provide maximum speeds of 4.1, 7.5, 14 and 21.7 mph. Three reverse speed ranges offer maximum speeds of 4.5, 8 and 15.5 mph.

Along with the features designed to improve driver visibility, other operator-friendly features touted by Doosan for the DL200TC include “low cabin sound levels, a roomy cabin, powerful heating and air conditioning system, tilting/telescoping steering column, ample storage space and a comfortable seat [to] help reduce operator fatigue.”

In its news release introducing the DL200TC, Doosan also notes that routine maintenance can be performed from ground level.

Caterpillar Inc. is now offering its set of options geared toward more rugged applications (including demolition and scrap recycling) on some smaller wheel loader models.

Caterpillar wheel loader models 924H, 924Hz, 928Hz and 930H are now available with a number of new guarding options, a new cab filtration system, a reversing lighting package and new remote breathers for drive train components, according to the company.

The company’s hitch guard package is designed to protect the articulation area and reduce the probability of material packing. The new heavy-duty rear guard enhances protection of the rear of the machine and is designed to provide access for radiator cleaning and other maintenance by swinging out of the way. In addition to the new rear guard, the company’s windshield guard has been modified to provide additional cover on the lower cab window panels.