Loaders Essentials

There are a number of different types of loaders with a number of names that often describe the same piece of equipment. For example, front end loaders are sometimes simply called front loaders. Other times they are referred to as a scoop loader, an end loader, a bucket loader or sometimes just a shovel. The term "loader" is also sometimes used in the field of debris removal where it describes the boom on a grapple truck. However a loader is referred to it is really a type of tractor that lifts and moves material using a tilting, square, bucket situated at the end of movable arms.

Examples are Case loaders such as the Case 580, Cat loaders like the 390 and 950F, the T133 Thomas skid loader, and the John Deere loader 544J.

Skid steer loaders, sometimes called steer loaders differ from a front loader because of the position of their lift arms. These are situated alongside the operator with the main pivot points behind his shoulders. This used to make skid loaders more dangerous but nowadays the driver sits in a enclosed cab making his job a lot safer.

The main role of loaders is for clearing rubble, uploading materials into trucks, laying pipes and digging. However, it is not the best machine for excavation as it cannot dig much below the level of its wheels. Unlike a backhoe, for example. This is why loaders are not usually classified as earthmoving machinery, their main purpose being other than moving earth. Although they can commonly store between 3-6 cubic meters of soil and rubble because of their deep buckets. The exact Capacity depends on the specific model but is generally larger than that of backhoe loaders. For example, Bobcat loaders can be fitted with buckets ranging from the 36" Mini Construction/Industrial Bucket with a capacity of 4 cubic ft to the 100" Snow and Light Material Bucket with a 54.2 cubic ft capacity.

On construction sites loaders are also used to move building materials around. Digging tools, bricks, metal bars and pipes can easily be transported over short distances.

A less common use for type of construction equipment is that of snow clearance. Their buckets can be used as a snow basket but generally they use snow plow loader attachments clearing snow from parking lots, highways and streets. In an even more essential role you can spot a Volvo wheel loader in Alaska's Anchorage International Airport. A total of 3 L330E Volvo loaders are used to clear the runways and keep the airport open all winter.

Although some loaders have tools that can't be moved most of them use removable loader attachments such as the one for snow mentioned above. For example, many are able to have forks attached to them to enable them to lift shipping containers or heavy pallets replacing the standard bucket. Tools like a bale grappler can also be employed for moving large bales of straw or hay. Another very popular attachment is the "clamshell" bucket which enables a loader to act as a scraper or light dozer.

Most commonly loaders have wheels as opposed to tracks although there are such a things as track or crawler loaders. The compact track loader is particularly popular and sales have grown by approximately 550% since the start of the decade. At the time of writing (June 2007) there are at least 12 compact track loader suppliers in North America.

Track loaders, as opposed to wheel loaders, are most often used where rubber wheels or tires might be damaged by nails or sharp edged materials such as that found on construction sites. They are also useful in areas where good traction is required since tracks have better grip than wheels. A big drawback to tracked loaders, however, is their lack of mobility and speed. They can also damage soft surfaces such as roads and in such circumstances a wheeled loader is preferable.

As far as steering is concerned many large loaders have articulated steering as opposed to a mechanical steering mechanism such as that found in backhoes or standard tractors which have front buckets. Articulated steering works by means of a hydraulically actuated pivot point set exactly between the front and rear axles. This allows the front axle to be solid which in turn allows the loader to carry more weight. Articulated steering also has greater maneuverability for a comparable wheelbase than have machines with mechanical steering. Since the front wheels and attachments turn on the same axis, an operator is able to steer the load in an arc after positioning the loader, which can be useful in tight spaces. The problem is that when a heavy load is lifted high and the machine is turned, there is a greater risk of the loader tipping over as the weight is shifted from the body of the machine. It is imperative, therefore, that the operator has had a proper training before using any loaders to ensure his safety and that of the other personnel on the site.

Skid Steer Loaders  ¦ Front End Loaders  ¦  Wheel Loaders