Volvo Construction Equipment has unveiled its new flagship wheel loader, the L350H, in the United States at the recent CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 event.
The redesigned heavy wheel loader is the largest in the company’s range, and features a new powertrain, new hydraulics and a new operator’s cab.
The L350H is powered by a 394kW Tier 4 Final Volvo D16J diesel and Volvo has increased the capacity of the bucket to 7.3 cubic metres. The big loader can deliver a breakout force of up to 472kN and has a maximum tipping load of over 34 tonnes.
The new loader has a range of automated features designed to boost productivity. New load-sensing hydraulics work in harmony with the drivetrain, adjusting hydraulic levels to increase cycle times by up to 5 percent. Volvo says the new hydraulic system delivers fuel savings of up to 10 percent over the previous model, the L350F.
Also contributing to fuel savings is the L350H’s eco-pedal, which has a ‘push-back’ mechanism that engages when engine RPM is about to exceed the most economic operating range. When the operator senses the push-back they can reduce the pedal pressure back to economic range or, if full power is needed, override the eco-pedal and increase power.
Volvo says the new cab on the 350H has been designed for the operator, with an increase in visibility and a decrease in noise and vibration levels.
The cab also has an automatic climate control system, and a Human Machine Interface (HMI) display shows vital machine information in real-time.
A number of safety improvements are also found on the updated wheel loader with a remote door-opener, ergonomically spaced steps and sturdy handrails. The cab entry is also illuminated by LED lights and reflective tape that follows the contours of the machine increase visibility.
It’s not known at this stage when the Volvo L350H will make its way to Australia.