Wheel loaders: professionals in loading and transportation

When it comes to loading and transporting goods over short distances, wheel loaders are the preferred machine for many people. The compact vehicles are characterized by their strong lifting power and, thanks to various attachments, also by their high versatility, which is why they are often used in a wide variety of trades. Wheel loaders are typically used in the construction industry for earthmoving and material transportation. However, wheel loaders are also used as professional loaders in agriculture and in garden and landscape maintenance.

What are the design features of a wheel loader?

Wheel loaders can often be recognized as such from a distance, even by non-experts, thanks to their characteristic features. The lifting frame with attachment is probably the most striking feature. This is often designed with Z-kinematics or parallel kinematics (P-kinematics), but some manufacturers also offer combined solutions. In addition, a wheel loader is often divided into a front and rear carriage, which are connected by an articulated joint. This articulated steering makes wheel loaders particularly maneuverable in confined spaces. However, some wheel loaders also offer all-wheel Ackermann steering, which increases the stability of the machine. Many manufacturers now rely on a hydrostatic transmission for the travel drive, as this offers particular driving comfort when working with the lift arm.

How do wheel loaders differ from front loaders?

In agriculture in particular, the question often arises as to whether it makes sense to invest in a wheel loader or whether a tractor with a front loader would be better suited to the task. At first glance, both methods are suitable for loading and transporting various materials, but there are also major differences: In particular, the size and limited maneuverability of many tractors with front loaders restrict their use on farms - transporting or loading materials in stables and barns in particular can be made very difficult. The tractor's hood also makes it difficult to see to the front and stability is reduced, which may have to be compensated for with additional rear weights. In addition, frequent and heavy lifting with the front loader can cause more wear on the front axle and tires than with the wheel loader. On the other hand, the front loader shows its strength in the open field: Here it is better suited for loading work (e.g. when transporting straw bales), as its large tires are gentler on the ground.

What license do you need to drive a wheel loader?

In Germany the driving license category required to drive a wheel loader on public roads depends heavily on the vehicle model selected. For wheel loaders with a maximum design speed of up to 25 km/h, a category L license is sufficient for driving for agricultural and forestry purposes. Faster wheel loaders up to 40 km/h may be operated with a category T driving license. In addition, holders of a category B driving license may drive a wheel loader as long as it weighs less than 3.5 t - above this, a driver needs a category C driving license. As part of a professional activity or for working with the vehicle on public roads, you must usually have an additional certificate of competence.

Which brands offer wheel loaders?

Wheel loaders are manufactured by a variety of different companies that either specialize completely in the development of various loaders or offer wheel loaders in addition to their range as agricultural or construction machinery. The following companies currently offer wheel loaders in our range: