Characteristics of the machine
We continue our series presenting the most important, popular and useful construction machines. This time we will take a closer look at the loader, a machine without which it would be hard to imagine the implementation of construction works.
However, it is worth remembering that we are talking here about universal equipment, the capabilities of which go far beyond the simple loading of bulk materials. For details, we invite you to the guide prepared by the experts of the Wibako company.
Loader: what is worth knowing about it?
The loader is a self-propelled machine equipped with a loading device for transporting and loading bulk materials. It is typically used for earthworks, but also for tasks related to site and construction site cleaning, digging and backfilling trenches, shaping slopes or leveling the ground.
The versatility of the loader is therefore impressive, which is why this equipment is found in various industries, including construction, road, agricultural, mining, transport, forestry and sawmill, recycling.
How do we divide loaders?
The basic division is based on distinguishing the way of loading. So we have single-bucket loaders (working in an intermittent mode), multi-bucket (working in a continuous mode), belt and scoop.
In the Polish (and not only) market, single-bucket loaders are the most popular, which can be further divided according to:
- Construction - here we distinguish crawler loaders (used in particularly difficult terrain, e.g. in metallurgy or quarries) and wheel loaders (the most popular), equipped with two axles and four wheels. Wheel loaders are further divided into non-articulated, which have a compact, one-piece chassis
and two steering wheels and articulated, in which the front and rear parts of the chassis are connected by a joint. - Method of work – here we have front loaders, rotary and with a bucket tilting to the side. In the case of a rotary loader, it is worth emphasizing the relatively large mobility of the rotary part (usually about 180 degrees), which allows to reduce unnecessary movements to a minimum.
Depending on the manufacturer, loaders are also classified based on various criteria, such as bucket capacity, operating weight or engine power.
Working equipment
In loaders, both loading equipment and additional equipment can be used. Of course, the bucket is most often used. In addition to the classic bucket with teeth, there are also sieving buckets, for scarifying, for bulk materials and for stones.
It is worth noting that bucket loaders are also used for other activities, such as soil extraction or transport of construction materials.
In the loader, you can also use other loading equipment, including pallet forks, snow plow or wood grab. Remember that the possibility of using additional equipment is strictly defined by the manufacturer and these guidelines must be strictly followed.
One of the basic recommendations for using equipment is that during driving the bucket should be raised about 0.5 m above the surface - very importantly, in the closed position.
A useful solution used in modern loaders is the automatic control function, which allows programming the work of the bucket, making it more efficient.
It is also worth explaining the difference between a bucket loader and a bucket excavator. It mainly comes down to the fact that in the case of a loader, the bucket is filled with a significant use of the driving mechanism.
Backhoe loaders
These are popular machines combining the features of a excavator and loader - thanks to this they can be used both for digging and for loading the spoil. An additional advantage is a wide range of possible loading equipment to be mounted.
Backhoe loaders are equipped with a loader and excavator hydraulic system - they form the basis for mounting equipment. On the loader side, you can mount e.g. pallet forks or a snow plow blade, and on the excavator side, for example, a bucket or hydraulic hammer.
As a result, backhoe loaders can easily be used for such tasks as stacking, milling, snow removal or sweeping.
Good to know
Usually, a backhoe loader is based on the construction of a wheeled tractor.
Finally, let's also mention another popular equipment, namely the telescopic loader. Due to the considerable lifting range, it is a universal machine, characterized by extraordinary functionality, eagerly used in the construction or agricultural industry.
