The Compact Wheel Loader Industry Inventory
When a forklift is too awkward, a skid steer is too small and a compact tractor is too cumbersome, what’s a contractor to do? Choose a compact wheel loader. Known for their ruggedness and maneuverability, compact wheel loaders are quickly becoming the new catchall machines for contractors who want it all from one unit.
What makes these units so desirable on the 21st century jobsite is the combination of lift capacity and maneuverability. Most compact equipment purchasers are in search of one machine that is powerful, yet nimble enough to maneuver jobsite obstacles. They want to achieve this level of performance and do it comfortably. Compact wheel loaders provide these benefits.
Operators also appreciate the added durability of the units, particularly when it comes to tire wear. Because skid steers tend to wear out tires quickly on hard surfaces, such as blacktop or concrete, and tear up sensitive ground, such a turf or grass, the compact wheel loader is a favorite among contractors who work in both hard- and soft- surface applications.
The typical applications for compact wheel loaders closely mirror those for skid steers. Contractors working in landscaping, demolition/recycling, road construction, residential/commercial construction and agriculture can find many uses for these machines. With special adapters, compact wheel loaders can be equipped with some of the same attachments as skid steers, which make them even more versatile. And because many models have hitches, owners can even use their compact wheel loaders to transport other equipment from worksite to worksite.
Visibility is much improved in a compact wheel loader vs. a skid steer, giving it an extra boost in popularity among contractors working amid jobsite obstructions. So if you’re considering adding a wheel loader to your fleet, how should you prepare? Well first, you must know your products, and that’s why Compact Equipment is preparing the ultimate product comparison on compact wheel loaders (only to found on www.ceunbound.com). Be sure to keep checking back, as we compile each manufacturer in the North American market. – Keith Gribbins
Gehl Articulated Wheel Loaders
Gehl is one of America’s premier providers of compact equipment. The company started 150 years ago in a small blacksmith shop in West Bend, Wis. From these humble beginnings, Gehl Co. has grown to be a major force in the compact equipment industry worldwide, manufacturing everything from skid steers to mini excavators to compact wheel loaders (the big emphasis of this blog).
Gehl introduced compact, articulated wheel loaders in 2008 into the European market. These Gehl designed and manufactured AL Series loaders in the Yankton, S.D., are specially sized loaders for the small to mid-sized applications. In early 2010, Gehl introduced these loaders into the North American market as to meet the contractor, landscaper, agriculturist and municipal needs as compact wheel loaders. The models include the AL 140, AL 340 and AL 540.
The Caterpillar 906H, 907H and 908H
Caterpillar is the world’s largest manufacturer of earth moving equipment. They have just about every size and category of equipment in their product line, including compact wheel loaders. Cat has three models — the 906H, 907H and 908H — and all three are designed to deliver high performance in compact packages. Each of the three loaders features a Cat C3.4 turbocharged engine, hydraulically actuated skid-steer-loader-type coupler, two-speed hydrostatic drive, differential lock in both axles and parallel-lift Z-bar loader linkage for powerful and productive performance. Articulated steering allows smooth and precise maneuvering, and axle oscillation maintains traction in rough terrain.
