20 PRO • Volume 21 Number 4 • March 2009 • www.promagazine.com
UCT
PRODUCT
LOADERS
How to Choose the Right Skid Steer
Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) – Use this as a starting point to determine the size
class in which to compare machines. It is very important to understand that rated oper-
ating capacity has nothing to do with a machine’s breakout and lift force capabilities.
The rated operating capacity for skid steer loaders is calculated by taking 50% of the
measured tipping load of the machine. The rated operating capacity for rubber track
loaders can be calculated at 50% or 35% of the tipping load of the machine since there
is no industry standard. Wacker Neuson Offers New Line of Compact
Wheel Loaders
Lift Style and Lift Path – To determine the appropriate machine and lifting arrange- Wacker Neuson has introduced a new line of six compact
ment, one needs to answer the question: What function is the machine primarily per- wheel loaders to the U.S. market. The lineup includes four
forming, i.e. truck loading, grading, material placement? Then, recognize that there are articulated units and two all-wheel-steer models. Model
numbers are: WL 18, WL 25, WL 30, WL 50, 280 and 850.
two types of lifting arrangements available on skid steer loaders and rubber track load- According to Wacker, the new compact wheel loaders can
ers today: radial lift and vertical lift. perform the same tasks as a higher-powered skid loader
but deliver up to 30% in fuel savings. They are also faster
The radial lift loader design, when raised, moves in an arc or radius fashion. Strength on the jobsite and should have higher resale values at
and durability of the linkage as well as reach at mid-lift are benefits of radial lift. trade-in time. A wide range of attachment tools are also
offered. All four compact articulated wheel loaders feature
a side-tilting operator’s platform that provides easy access
Vertical lift linkage maintains a more vertical path from the bottom of the lift cycle to the engine and other components.
to the top. As the loader is raised, the bucket pin will travel in a more vertical path wackergroup.com
upward vs. the path taken by a radial lift machine. The benefit of a vertical lift linkage Indicate [31] on inquiry card or visit promagazine.com/einquiry
is generally higher lifting heights, extended reach at the top of the lift cycle, increased
dump angle and higher rated operating capacity when compared to a similar-sized
radial lift machine. Every manufacturer achieves a vertical lift path in a different man-
ner, making no two vertical lift paths ide