How your operator, machine features and supporting technologies impact results
By Eric Yeomans, Product Manager — Large Wheel Loaders and Chris Connolly, Product Manager — Mid-Size Wheel Loaders at Volvo Construction Equipment
Aggregate producers are under more pressure than ever to maximize productivity. Luckily, there are more features and tools than ever to support this demand — especially on today’s wheel loaders.
Here’s a deep dive on the best practices and technologies that can help you move the most material in the least amount of time. Even if you don’t work in a quarry, keep reading.
Operator training
Remember: There is no substitute for a good training program or onboarding process. Tools and features that support learning and productivity are great, but be sure to invest in training as well. If operators can avoid creating bad habits from the start, your wheel loaders will experience less wear and tear, and your operations will be much more efficient.
Basic behaviours that your operators should always exhibit include conducting a walkaround before getting into the cab; entering and exiting the cab with three points of contact; setting up machine functions logically for the task at hand; using proper acceleration and braking techniques along with appropriate throttle and horsepower; knowing how to set the bucket level when entering a pile; smoothly actuating the lift and tilt functions to maintain momentum pushing into the pile; and using an appropriately sized “Y” pattern for repeated loading.
The right loader and bucket

Another factor to emphasize early is the importance of right-sizing the wheel loader for the job. OEMs are increasingly designing models and features for specific applications to make this easier.
For example, Volvo CE now offers the L180 three-pass rehandler, which is ideal for quarry and aggregate customers who want to optimize cycle times. It has larger tires, a longer boom and a rehandling counterweight, which support traction, the ability to use a larger bucket, better fuel economy, and extra breakout force and dump clearance.
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Bucket choice makes a significant difference in productivity and fuel efficiency as well. It may seem obvious to use whichever bucket fits your loader and has the most volume, but volume alone is not an adequate measure of the loader’s capacity.
A bigger bucket can reduce productivity if it’s more difficult to fill. You must account for the nature of the material being handled, the condition of the wheel loader, the operator’s skill level and the transport distance.
There are several bucket options for aggregates. A general-purpose bucket is a good choice for many applications, but it’s especially effective at handling loose material and aggregate in short-cycle or load-and-carry operations because of its bolt-on edges. On the other hand, a standard rehandling bucket is the best choice for gravel and a flat floor rehandling bucket is best for sand.
Helpful loader features

Machine features and functionalities will support your productivity too. Two good examples include boom kickout and return-to-dig. Boom kickout makes the boom stop at a predetermined point while lifting, which is especially helpful when loading a truck at the same height repeatedly. Similarly, return-to-dig helps lower the bucket to the same position every time with the push of a lever.
Features like auto bucket-levelling and ergonomic steering options support faster-paced work and can help reduce fatigue, while those that allow an operator to adjust the loader’s torque (rimpull) to match worksite conditions can help reduce wear on the tires.
Some Volvo wheel loaders include a function called Reverse By Braking (RBB), which creates a direct drive between the engine and transmission. The engine’s rpms automatically decrease and the service brakes are applied when it senses that the operator is changing directions. This provides a smoother change of direction and can decrease cycle times.
More OEMs are incorporating driveline and hydraulic control intelligence too. Volvo’s version is called Smart Control, and it ensures the correct torque in all situations to improve engine and hydraulic harmony. This helps shorten cycle times by allowing the machine to operate in a smaller area, shortening the Y cycle and conserving fuel.
Assistive software

Speaking of smart technology, most wheel loader owners and operators are aware of assistive programs like machine control — But did you know that some systems also include operator coaching capabilities? Users can get real-time suggestions on how to improve their performance and see the results of their adjusted behaviours right away.
Many OEMs have made some version of this software standard because it also helps workers and site managers see data like tons of material moved, type and density of material, type of vehicle loaded, a customer or project name and more.
You’ll typically get some form of payload management in these programs too. For example, Volvo Load Assist incorporates onboard weighing with the ability to see real-time payload data accurate to within 1 per cent. Systems like this support ROI by reducing labour, fuel and administrative costs.
Don’t fear connectivity
Machine connectivity is a technology that is just starting to catch on. It allows workers to see each other, see what routes are best and see where any bottlenecks may exist. At Volvo CE, it’s called Connected Maps, and it can coordinate between in-cab tablets, phones and computers, so different machines or roles in different locations can all work together to maximize the flow of a jobsite.
Once a site is set up in this kind of system, it can be customized with points of interest like loading zones, dumping zones, one-lane roads, incidents creating problems and even where the nearest restroom is. Operators can use that information to make real-time adjustments to keep things moving, which reduces idle time and fuel consumption. This info can also help a site manager determine whether they have the right sizes and number of machines for optimal productivity.
Remember: Wheel loader technology is not here to steal jobs or spy on employees. It’s here to make our lives easier, safer and more profitable.
Advanced machines and operators who know how to take advantage of their features can drastically improve profitability.