SDLG Compact Wheel Loaders Summarized — 2019 Spec Guide
Reliable, Simple and a Nice Price with Premium Features
SDLG is one of the world’s top sellers of wheel loaders. In 2013, the brand was introduced to North America, already having proven itself in many other international markets. The company has been a subsidiary of Volvo Construction Equipment since 2007. Today, SDLG offers four wheel loader models in North America: the L918F (a compact), L938F, L948F and the L959F, all of which are Tier 4 Final machines. The brand continues to grow, as its North American dealer network has expanded to encompass 29 dealers that account for more than 178 branch locations. SDLG has also invested in its machine and parts distribution facilities to great effect.
SDLG has become known for attracting customers who are looking for new machines that are reliable, simple and have a more competitive price point than premium features-led equipment. The company says its wheel loaders have become popular for a number of tasks in North America, including snow removal, roadwork, auto salvage, landscaping and more.
The L918F features a 1-cu-yd bucket capacity mounted to a skid steer-style coupler, placing it in the compact loader category but with the versatility of skid steer-style attachments. In addition, the unit has an optional 2-cu-yd light material skid steer bucket for applications such as snow removal or mulch yards. There is also an optional boom suspension for smoother ride handling and ISO coupler with a general-purpose type, 84-in. bucket for full load capacity.
The machine is priced competitively with large skid steer loaders, and as it provides similar bucket capacities, the L918F is ideal for skid steer owners looking to upsize into a compact loader that has higher ground speeds and better operator comfort. Like other SDLG loaders, the L918F is ideal for applications that are seasonal or don’t require lots of operating hours. The machine is also perfect for owners who can find value in a reliable, low-cost loader backed by a 12-month, 2,000-hour warranty with extended warranties available. The L918F is an ideal yard machine for landscapers who have retail stone and mulch yards and do snow contract work in the winter.
From moving sand and gravel to salt and snow, the L918F compact wheel loader is suited for all seasons — it’s the economical compact loader option perfect for any small landscaping, bulk and material handling or snow removal jobs. Its skid-steer-style coupler makes it a versatile loader fit for multiple attachments. And whether you need to operate at faster speeds to clear snow or at a slower pace for jobs that aren’t time-sensitive, the L918F loader provides a good balance with ground speeds up to 15 mph.
The L918F has a rated load of 2 tons, a Deutz Tier 4 Final-certified engine and full powered third function hydraulics. The manual powershift transmission provides precise gear selection. A joystick with an integrated directional control switch allows for fingertip shifting and more intuitive loader control, and a separate third-function lever powers attachment hydraulics. Basically, SDLG’s L918F is a compact wheel loader with the versatility of skid steer.
Advice to Buyers
“There are a variety of applications that compact wheel loaders are best suited for, especially when considering seasonal work,” says Babliton Cardoso, commercial sales support director for SDLG North America. “For a machine that is only used seasonally and doesn’t require a great deal of operating time, it makes sense to try to get the most for your money with a value-based machine, particularly one that is backed by a warranty.”
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