Battery powered compact wheel loader Volvo L20e

[oceanobob]

Was in contact with the Volvo HEquipment dealer who introduced me to the battery powered compact wheel loader. Specs on this machine are pretty impressive. This technology is reflected in the purchase price. Quote for new machine has the skid steer mounting plate with a one yard 4:1 bucket and a set of 48" forks.

Any particular reason why the compact wheel loader isnt preferred say over a CTL?

From the standpoint of operation, seems so much better to be seated above than inside the frame and cage of the CTL.

The highway department often seen with a loader with a 4:1.
A bridge contractor typically will have a wheel loader with forks; sometimes they swap it for bucket.

Thanks

 

[PeterG]

That's a big question! What do you really want to use the machine for? What type of jobs? What type of job site?

 

[oceanobob]

Moving materials such as gravel, road base, back filling; unloading and loading lumber and rebar, fabrication steel & steel building, and pipes. On a as needed basis or those occasions where material deliveries require.
Machine may enter warehouses with pallets or the bucket to manipulate concrete demo etc.
Given the skid steer mounting plate and the possible attachments, other uses could be found.

This application has typically been relegated to the reach lift which is not that good for the tight spots. But this machine is paid for, and for those occasional chore uses isnt billed.

This newer machine due to smaller size will be easier to move from project to project but will command a healthy cost to purchase. It is notable that it can handle a one yard bucket similar to the TLB.

 

[oceanobob]

error

 

[PeterG]

So the wheel loader is very good for all that (moving materials). The CTL can also do that. However, it tends to make a mess on every turn with the rubber tracks) and goes over curbs and things poorly. If you need to go do dirt work and site prep, or go up and down steep job sites, then forget the wheel loader. The CTL can grade the work site and spread gravel and topsoil better. The CTL can use a digging bucket with teeth and other attachments such as a concrete breaker.

If you hire out your excavating and site prep, then get the wheel loader.
Regarding the wheel loader, make sure it has a quick attach for bucket and forks etc.

Regarding the one yard bucket, what is the lift capacity and weight of the machine? Would be nice to easily lift 4000 lb up high. Nice to have chain hook on bucket to lift heavy catch basin, beams etc.

 

[oceanobob]

The machine weight is a bit over 10k. Lifting cap is around 3500 IIRC, but quick look at specs cites only the tipping load.

Subject here (wheel loader or CTL) has promoted a bit of discussion: have rented a pretty new CTL from CAT ..... now thinking will "stay the course" and look at adding the CTL machine .... maybe putting the compact wheel loader off in the future.

 

[JLarson]

I could see the utility of a small electric wheel loader as like a yard machine, occasioal load of material, fork stuff off delivery trailers, load tools and attachments into a truck. Maybe when the tech matures a bit and prices come down to compeat with the typical beater auction or marketplace yard loader