Volvo upgrades engines on 2 midsize wheel loaders

The L110H and L120H midsize wheel loaders have become principal components within the Volvo Construction Equipment lineup over the past 10 years, according to the manufacturer. This is because of their compatibility with a variety of attachments and their productivity.

With recent upgrades, these two midsize wheel loaders have a new focus on increased uptime and convenience for both operators and technicians. 

The highlight of this upgrade is a new Volvo D8M 8-liter engine that offers 256 horsepower on the L110H and 272 horsepower on the L120H. Unlike its predecessor, the D8M engine automatically regenerates while working. 

The engine also features a new electric pump for priming the fuel system, making the process quicker and more convenient than with the former manual pump. When fuel gets to the engine, Volvo assures customers that it is clean with new captive fuel filters. These not only ensure improved water separation but also help to extend engine service intervals to 1,000 hours (about one-and-a-half months). 

“I think every owner and operator will notice and appreciate the upgraded performance and efficiency,” says Chris Connolly, product manager—midsize wheel loaders, Volvo CE. “They are popular models for a reason, and now they’re even better.” 

Upgraded electronics  

The L110H and L120H wheel loaders feature an all-new ignition strategy. Just as in Volvo articulated haulers, the ignition key activates and powers the machine with no need to turn on the ground-level main switch at the start of every shift. This functionality also removes the risk of the battery dying overnight when the main switch is accidentally left on. 

The change in ignition benefits technicians as does the inclusion of lockout tagout, making it easier to lock the battery disconnect switch in the off position and prevent an unwelcome energy release when performing maintenance. 

These models will be the first Volvo medium wheel loaders to include the new-generation Co-Pilot tablet and on-board weighing as a standard feature. The larger, higher-resolution screen will display Load Assist applications such as on-board weighing, operator coaching, tire pressure monitoring and more. The Co-Pilot also can connect with phones for hands-free calling and audio playback, and it includes high-definition camera feeds, warning sounds for safety and radar detection and collision mitigation systems.  

Continued reliability 

The L110H and L120H wheel loaders still include the features and benefits that originally aided popularity such as fuel efficiency, torque parallel linkage and an adjustable engagement strategy for the lockup torque converter. The engagement strategy combined with Volvo’s exclusive Reverse By Braking makes up its OptiShift feature that is standard on both models. They support bucket sizes from 3.2 to 12.4 cubic yards (2.4 to 9.5 cubic meters). 

Volvo’s advanced telematics system also supports operator efficiency and productivity, while the Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty provides security.  

These loaders fit quarry and aggregate operations accordingly and are advantageous in forestry and recycling applications where on-board weighing comes in handy. 

The updated models will continue to be built at Volvo’s North American headquarters in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. They will be available this summer as part of the company’s comprehensive wheel loader lineup that ranges from the 4.5-ton L20 Electric all the way up to the 50-ton L350H.