May 2011, Vol. 66 No. 5
New Products
New Volvo G-Series Wheel Loaders Re-Set The Standard
Featuring new engines and driveline systems for improved productivity, lower emissions, greater smoothness, serviceability and operator comfort, the new G-Series is the latest generation of wheel loaders from Volvo Construction Equipment.
These new models are fitted with a Tier 4i/Stage IIIB certified engine that is married to drive train, hydraulics and lifting systems that are all designed and produced by Volvo. The G-Series also features a 20 percent increase in lifting force and 10 percent improvement in breakout force.
The L150G, L180G and L220G are all fitted with Volvo’s 13 liter, six-cylinder turbocharged V-ACT (Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology) off-highway diesel engine, which features cooled gas recirculation and a particulate filter with active regeneration. Producing between 295-367 hp, depending on the model, these three units provide high torque at low engine speeds.
Two stronger, variable displacement load-bearing axial piston pumps and hoses have been introduced to handle the increased pressures. These provide superior control of the load and attachments, as well as high breakout force, faster lifting and tilt functions. A new hydraulic cooling system has been designed to reduce the working temperatures by up to 68 degrees F over previous models. Also, the hydraulic oil-return filter has improved from 20 micron to 10 micron to further protect the pumps from potential contamination.
All made by Volvo, the powertrain is designed to work in harmony for optimum performance. Engines, transmissions, drivelines, heavy-duty axles, hydraulics. Transmissions feature the company’s Automatic Power Shift (APS) concept, which ensures the loader always operates in the ideal gear by sensing engine and travel speed, kick-down, engine braking and other factors. Offering operators a choice of four gear-shifting programs, APS results in more efficient work cycles with lower fuel consumption and wear.
Consisting of a new torque converter with Lock Up and free wheel stator, Optishift is a new system that integrates the Volvo patented Reverse-by-Braking (RBB) function – significantly reducing fuel consumption by up to 15 percent as well as increasing operator comfort and driveline durability. When changing from forward to reverse (or vice versa), RBB applies the standard service brake instead of the torque converter, bringing the machine to a halt and putting less stress on the converter and transmission. OptiShift can significantly reduce fuel consumption in operations such as load and carry as well as in short cycle loading. The driveline lock up, meanwhile, improves drive response, rimpull and incline performance and fuel efficiency. www.volvo.com
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