Volvo’s Chinese manufacturing subsidiary SDLG says its new F-Series wheel loaders for the Middle East and Africa offer greater uptime than previous models.
SDLG has launched four wheel loaders for both markets as part of its new F-series: the L953F, L956F, L958F and L968F wheel loaders.
The manufacturer says that it has made a number of technical improvements to improve productivity, reliability and uptime.
Customers are increasingly demanding reliable construction equipment at affordable prices, said SDLG product manager Henrik Sjöstrand. This is SDLGs specialty. This new range has been specially engineered for high productivity and reliability, and will provide customers with an excellent return on investment.
SDLG hopes the wheel loaders can help it capitalise on large-scale infrastructure projects, as well as quarrying, which continue to operate at strong levels in both the Middle East and Africa.
The most noticeable difference is the design of the new machines, said Sjöstrand. The larger cab design adds 20% more glazing for improved visibility, safety and efficiency. Superior air conditioning has also been added for greater operator comfort, while the single joystick guarantees precise, easy and comfortable operation of the loader arm and bucket, reducing operator fatigue.
A high breakout force and a new bucket design provide improved productivity and ease of operation. The machines bucket volumes range from 3m3 in the L953F to 3.5m3 in the L968F. In addition, a wide range of attachments are available to ensure versatility.
The machines also feature an improved axle design for added support. Where the rear drive axle on the L-series is mounted to the auxiliary frame, the F-series rear drive axles are mounted to the swing frame, providing larger oscillation and better stability and traction.
The F-series uses the powerful and efficient 6-cylinder Weichai engine which is mated to a new SDLG transmission, which delivers maximum torque from the engine to the wheels. The smaller F-series models (L953F and L956F) have been fitted with the SDLG BX50 transmission, which, SDLG claims, has marked improvements in reliability and durability.
The larger models (L958F and L968F) have been fitted with the new SDLG VRT200 transmission, which offers an 8% increase in comprehensive efficiency over the older ZF 4WG200. Maintenance is also more convenient for the VRT200 compared to the 4WG200; not only can the transmission and transfer case be separated on the SDLG model, it also contains an external pump for easy access.
The new series has been designed to ensure that service and maintenance can be handled easily, with excellent accessibility throughout the machine, added Sjöstrand. Easier and more affordable maintenance is something our Middle Eastern and African customers are increasingly demanding. So, weve optimized the maintenance intervals to provide greater uptime, with parts availability that is much more affordable. This is backed up by SDLGs superb dealer network, which is ready to support its customers maintenance and repair needs when required.
He concluded: We have already received a great deal of interest in the new series. We expect its specifications to exceed the demands of our customers. Those looking for high-performing, reliable, easily operable and cost-effective wheel loader need look no further than SDLG.