Nine Manufacturers Highlight Their Compact Wheel Loaders

Compact wheel loaders are impressive machines that are built to conquer all sorts of applications — whether you’re a landscaper hauling rocks, a contractor moving dirt or a snow removal specialist clearing a parking lot at 5 a.m. They offer operators the power, maneuverability and visibility to get work done safely. Below, we’ve gathered info on nine compact wheel loaders.

John Deere’s 326 P-Tier

The John Deere 326 P-Tier is a powerful, versatile compact wheel loader created for demanding material-handling jobs across a variety of industries. A standout feature is its telescopic lift arm, providing over 16 ft of vertical reach and extended horizontal reach for efficient stacking, loading and lifting. Like all P-Tier loaders from John Deere, the 326 P-Tier features the ArticulationPlus steering system, adding rear-wheel steering for tighter turns and improved stability. The 326 P-Tier also has electrohydraulic (EH) controls and a cutting-edge 9-in. touchscreen display that work together to ensure greater performance and an improved operator experience. The model also features enhanced visibility through extra glass and a roof window and standard LED lighting for safer, more productive workdays.

Bobcat’s L95

The Bobcat L95 is the largest and most powerful compact wheel loader in the Bobcat lineup, delivering top-tier strength and versatility for demanding jobs. With a 1.2-cu-yd bucket, 10.5-ft lift height and travel speeds up to 24 mph, the L95 moves materials faster, without sacrificing maneuverability. Its electronic hydrostatic transmission (E-HST) and horsepower management system provide smooth acceleration and maximum pushing force, while the advanced turbocharged Tier 4 engine delivers high torque and efficiency while achieving emissions compliance. Versatility comes standard with the Power Bob-Tach system. Operators can share select attachments with other Bobcat equipment for even greater versatility, while quickly switching between buckets, grapples, brooms and more. Compact size, tight turning radius and flex drive deliver precision for landscaping, construction, agriculture and rental work. Inside the cab, operators enjoy low noise, automatic ride control and premium comfort features for all-day productivity.

Kubota’s R640

The Kubota R640 wheel loader is built for landscape, residential and construction contractors who need serious performance in a compact machine. Powered by a 64-hp Tier 4 Final engine, it produces 9,869 lbs of breakout force and 8,161 lbs of lifting capacity, while weighing just 11,563 lbs for easy transport and maneuverability on tight jobsites. The panoramic cab offers excellent visibility with an enlarged front window and full-sized right-side window providing 360-degree views around the machine. Delta-shaped loader arms with parallel geometry enhance sightlines when connecting hydraulic attachments from the cab, so you don’t need to dismount to work efficiently. The operator compartment features an intuitive multi-function control lever that puts all major operations at your fingertips, reducing fatigue during long days. Standard LED working lights complete a machine built for productivity and durability.

New Holland Construction’s W100D

The new W100D compact wheel loader marks the next generation of New Holland Construction’s compact wheel loaders. Engineered for landscapers, agricultural operators, snow removal crews and more, the W100D combines reliable power with an intentional design to deliver productivity and performance in a compact class size where there have been few options. The W100D features upgraded controls like a seat-mounted joystick. Because the joystick moves with the operator’s seat, it stays steady and is comfortable to use, providing smoother, more precise control even when working on uneven ground. Powered by a Stage V-certified FPT Industrial engine, it touts fuel-saving features like eco mode and auto idle. Ride control, creep mode and a seven-year telematics subscription come standard with purchase, with the latter ensuring owners, operators and fleet managers can stay connected in-person or remotely to monitor and manage performance insights and diagnostics.

Yanmar Compact Equipment’s V7

Yanmar Compact Equipment’s 47.6-hp V7 compact wheel loader fills the gap between the V4-7 and V8 models, delivering a low operating weight, comfortable cab and high bucket capacity in a compact, easy-to-transport machine. Weighing 9,370 lbs, the V7 combines intuitive controls and fast travel speeds to maximize performance and efficiency across landscaping, rental, municipal, snow removal and other applications. The V7 features a 0.92-cu-yd bucket capacity and is powered by a Tier 4 Final Yanmar engine that provides a lifting capacity of 7,981 pound-force. Operator-focused features include excellent all-around visibility, ergonomic joystick controls, creep mode and automatic ride control with limited slip differential. Available canopy and enclosed cab configurations with heat and AC support operator comfort. The V7 also features parallel kinematics, hydraulic quick-couplers and an 18.6-mph travel speed. It is backed by Yanmar’s three-year/3,000-hour warranty.

Caterpillar’s Next Generation Wheel Loaders

Caterpillar’s Next Generation wheel loaders (the 906, 907 and 908) boast a reengineered operator’s station, leveraging exclusive Cat technologies to improve operator experience and provide larger wheel loader model comfort on a smaller platform. Featuring the Cat C2.8 engine, the upgraded drive and powertrain deliver faster roading speeds and drive train performance. The hydraulics and structures have gone through an overhaul, making these new models an optimal fit for many applications. A sealed and pressurized cab improves the operator’s experience, while keeping previous design functional aspects like raised floor pedals and two doors to make cab cleaning easier. Optimum visibility is achieved with larger standard side mirrors, optional parabolic lens electric and heated mirrors and front and rear camera options. Single-piece front and rear windshields offer 60 percent better wiper coverage. The Next Generation wheel loaders feature a standard pressure compensated valve, allowing operators to simultaneously control implements and operate hydromechanical attachments seamlessly.

Volvo Construction Equipment’s L25

The Volvo L25 delivers outstanding performance in confined spaces with its compact design and tight turning radius. Powered by a 64-hp Volvo diesel engine, this powerful yet nimble 5-ton CWL can travel up to 18.6 mph. Its reach (approx. 5 ft) and dump height (approx. 8 ft) make the L25 a great match for truck loading. The articulated oscillating joint and operator-controlled 100 percent differential lock on both axles ensure minimal tire wear on hard surfaces and maximum traction on soft terrain. Operators love its comfortable ROPS/FOPS cab which features a single ergonomic lever for controlling hydraulic functions and the transmission. For added versatility, an optional Volvo SSL attachment bracket accommodates most skid steer attachments. And for jobs requiring zero emissions or lower noise, an electric Volvo L25 is also available.

Mecalac’s Swing Loaders

The AS750, AS850 and AS1000 models join the AS600, AS900tele, AS1600 and AS210, rounding out Mecalac’s comprehensive series of swing loaders. These models feature a rigid chassis and three steering modes — two-wheel, four-wheel and four-wheel crab — that allow for tighter turns than a standard articulated loader. Combine that with the innovative Mecalac swivel boom, and you have a machine that can perform a complete rotation in a footprint that is 20 percent smaller than a conventional loader. At the same time, the swing loader is designed0 to maintain 100 percent stability regardless of how it is positioned. With a proprietary integrated counterbalance and patented automatic rear axle locking system, the bucket and its contents can be lifted and turned up to 90 degrees on either side without any loss of stability. The pivoting boom makes it possible to position the machine once to complete a loading task, significantly reducing the footprint and saving time.

Case Construction Equipment’s 421G

For teams who need a tough machine for tackling bigger jobs, Case CE’s 112-hp 421G compact wheel loader combines power, maneuverability and versatility to manage demanding tasks with ease. With breakout forces nearing 16,900 lbs, it delivers heavy-duty performance in a manageable size — great for loading in the supply yard, grading large landscapes or snow removal. The hydraulic system of the 421G features flow sharing and load sensing, allowing hydraulic flow control for optimal efficiency, while a high-flow hydraulic option supports specialized attachments. Its hydrostatic drive and versatile attachment compatibility make the 421G an all-in-one machine for various tasks. The cab structure also ensures operators can work safely and more comfortably with features like seat-mounted controls for better all-around visibility. The cab also includes a customizable color display with encoder, an in-display rearview camera and a USB port and phone holder.