Choosing a domestically produced backhoe loader

Today, almost all of the world's major manufacturers of earthmoving equipment consider it mandatory to have a line of backhoe loaders in their product range. These universal machines are confidently occupying more and more space in the ranks of road construction and municipal equipment in Europe, America and Asia. Of course, in Russia too. Foreign manufacturers hold strong positions in the domestic backhoe loader market, and it should be noted that their position is only strengthening over time.

PM-TEREX TLB 825 – American backhoe loader made in Russia

Just a few years ago, Tverskoy Excavator CJSC was not one of the manufacturers of backhoe loaders, but close work with the world's largest concern Terex made it possible to begin serial production of the domestic model in 2015. TLB 825. Apart from, perhaps, only Lipetsk Tractor OJSC and Kovrov Electromechanical Plant OJSC today actually produce Russian backhoe loaders.

The American concern TEREX has extensive experience in the production of backhoe loaders. At its factories, the concern assembles both light machines with an operating weight of 3.9–7 tons, belonging to the “mini” class, and industrial models weighing from 9.2 to 17.6 tons.

The “Tver” model weighing 7.6 tons uses all the latest developments of TEREX specialists, transferred to the domestic conveyor. A Perkins engine with a power of 67.5 kW was used as the main drive. The vehicle’s transmission allows it to be operated in both rear-wheel drive 2WD and all-wheel drive 4WD modes. Combined with the excellent handling of the mod. The TLB 825 demonstrates impressive maneuverability. Due to the possibility of braking on one side, the already ultra-small turning radius of the machines is reduced by even more than 1 m. And thanks to the high ground clearance and off-road tires, the use of a front axle balancer suspension with a large swing angle, the machine acquires increased stability, good contact with the supporting surface and , as a result, excellent maneuverability.

In the basic configuration, the machine is equipped with a standard handle, which allows you to work with a bucket with a shifting digging axis at a depth of up to 4.7 m. But the design also involves the use of a telescopic handle, which increases the excavation depth to 5.8 m. For the buyer, in addition to the standard loading equipment - jaw a universal “7-in-1” bucket and an excavator bucket of 0.18 m3, an additional device for quickly changing working tools is offered, as well as attachments specially designed for the TLB 825 - a hydraulic hammer, a fork for the bucket, an earth drill with an “offset support”, with drill diameter from 150 to 900 mm.

Case Construction insists on excellence

CNH Corporation today unites 12 brands. Two of them, Case Construction Equipment and New Holland Construction, produce backhoe loaders, which are in demand in many countries, not excluding Russia.

Case has been producing earthmoving equipment for more than 170 years, and company experts claim that it was Case that produced the world's first backhoe loader 60 years ago. Since then, the company has been constantly working on new machine models and improving existing models.

Several years ago, Case updated its line of M Series backhoe loaders, introduced in 2000. Models in this series had revolutionary improvements, including the Pro Control System or a unique hydraulic backhoe hitch, an improved visibility cab and increased lift.

In 2010, the T series appeared on the market, in which the most popular models were the Case 580T, a classic universal backhoe loader with different size wheels, and the Case 695ST, the most powerful universal machine in the line with an automatic Powershift transmission and all wheels of the same diameter. This year, the company presented the T series of six models at the Samoter 2022 exhibition. The models were presented with new engines with power from 63 to 81 kW, meeting Tier 4 Final econorms. The cars have improved external and internal design, and noticeable changes have been made to various design systems.

But today the company is already offering cars of the new N series. This is a mod. Case 580N, 580 Super N, 580 Super N Wide Track (with wide track) and 590 Super N. The N series models, according to Case executives, should replace their predecessors from the M Series 3 on the market. The main highlight of the new series, perhaps, can be called the fact that all models are equipped with the Power Lift function, which allows the operator, by pressing a key, to direct all the power of the main drive to drive the main hydraulic pump at the right time. This, in turn, makes it possible to increase the lifting capacity by 39% of the nominal when operating a backhoe. Of course, increasing the load capacity also entails the need to strengthen the boom structure in comparison with the booms of machines of a similar class. In addition, in N series machines, the buyer can choose for any model an option with an increased boom length, which expands the capabilities of the machines when excavating, loading, and performing other operations.

Case designers used several types of transmissions in the new series. In particular, three types of gearboxes are involved: Powershift S-Type, Powershift H-Type or Powershuttle. Moreover, the Powershuttle type gearbox provides movement with four forward gears and three reverse gears, and the Powershuttle type gearbox allows you to move both forward with four and backward with four speeds. In the new series, the operator’s work becomes even safer. To achieve this, all the walls of the cabin, including the back one, are transparent, and powerful side lighting allows the operator to have excellent orientation on the site while working. A comfortable, customizable operator's seat, as well as air conditioning, sealed doors, ergonomically positioned instruments and controls, and excellent sound insulation that cuts out sounds above 72 dB all also contribute to increased productivity when operating N series machines.

Like other global leaders in the backhoe loader industry, Case offers customers a large selection of attachments that enable the machine to handle a variety of applications in highway, civil and industrial construction, agriculture, utilities and other applications. other sectors of the economy.

New Holland, although it does not claim primacy in the production of the first backhoe loader, claims that all the technical experience acquired since the company was founded in 1895 was used in the development of machines, the serial production of which began NH in 1966 For more than 20 years, NH has been successfully supplying its products to Russia, including mod. В90.В, В100.В, В110.В and В115.В. The series is characterized by high maneuverability, as well as efficiency: fuel consumption is reduced by at least 10% compared to analogues thanks to the use of a special Danfoss fuel pump, which automatically and very accurately regulates the fuel supply level depending on the load and operating mode of the machine.

The reliability of the B series models is due to the use of Common Rail systems that increase engine life, wear-resistant brake systems with oil cooling Power Brake, the use of Corraro rear axles, a proven gearbox with four forward and three rear speeds, installation of a rear axle locking mechanism, installation of critical components, supplied by the world's leading manufacturers. To increase stability and maneuverability, NH backhoe loaders are optionally equipped with 20-inch front tires. This increases ground clearance and significantly improves traction performance.

To improve productivity, all NH machines feature a Glide Ride system, or a system for horizontally leveling the bucket when driving with a load. Even when driving on uneven terrain, Glide Ride smoothes out the vibrations of the bucket and prevents its contents from spilling. To increase output, even visibility was thought out: the hood “acquired” an inclined shape so as not to interfere with the view in front of the engine compartment. And the lighting system provides the operator with good visibility even in the complete absence of daylight. The basic equipment includes a multi-purpose loader bucket and, of course, excavator equipment. There is a dedicated hydraulic line for powering attachments and an adapter panel for quickly changing attachments. With its help, in a few minutes you can exchange a standard bucket for a hydraulic hammer, forks, or a bucket of a different type and volume.

Scope of application

The main advantages of the backhoe loader: maneuverability and versatility. That is why they are widely used in public utilities and construction. Compact and maneuverable - used in small areas, in public utilities. More powerful ones are in the construction and agricultural sectors. Tracked backhoe loaders are used in wetlands and forestry.

Standard backhoe loader attachments allow them to be used as wheeled excavators, front-end loaders and bulldozers. Digging trenches for laying pipelines, excavating soil in construction and agriculture, landscape design, loading and unloading operations, clearing the area of ​​debris - this is only a small part of the machine’s capabilities.

The variety of tasks has led to the development of interchangeable attachments. Widespread:

1. Hydraulic hammer. Used to destroy walls and road surfaces.
2. Folding forks. They are installed directly on the bucket and are designed for loading and unloading pallets.
3. Leveling bucket. For landscaping, roadside planning, snow removal.
4. Brushes. Cleaning streets and highways.
5. Vibrating plate. Designed for compaction of various soils and asphalt surfaces.
6. Boer. Well drilling, incl. for installation of support pillars and piles.

The list of equipment goes on; even buckets are offered in several options, depending on the purpose of using the equipment. Loaders with brush equipment have taken root in the public utilities sector. To speed up work with replaceable equipment, a special device has been developed for quickly replacing the working element without leaving the cab.

Caterpillar: the F series has just received recognition, but the F2 series is already being introduced

Caterpillar assembled its first backhoe loader at a plant in the UK more than 30 years ago. And at all stages, from the creation of the first A-series of such machines to the most recent F2 series, consisting of six models, the company's engineering staff did everything to make Cat machines easy to use, reliable, and economical.

The design allows the operator to select ECO mode to reduce fuel consumption, and the machine will continue to operate with high efficiency and precision, but the engine speed will be reduced to a level that provides maximum fuel economy. Depending on the model, the series uses motors with power from 53 to 71 kW. New mods. The 428F2, 432F2, 434F2 and 444F2 are equipped with ACERT™ Cat C4.4 engines with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust systems, depending on model. The SCR purification system is a proven, reliable and widely used technology for reducing nitrogen (NOx) emissions. And in addition, during the catalytic reduction process, the DEF reagent fluid for the diesel engine exhaust system comes into play. DEF is a 32.5% ammonia and water solution used to reduce harmful emissions. Cat diesel engines are equipped with small reservoirs that hold several liters of DEF, and when the engine is running, a small amount of DEF is sprayed into the exhaust stream. The liquid reacts with the catalyst and exhaust gases. The chemical reaction that occurs converts harmful substances into less destructive ones, and the operator does not need to interfere with the operation of the system; it is enough to regularly replenish the DEF level in the tank.

The last one developed for the series was a mod. Cat 427F2. The main drive in it was a Cat C3.4B engine with a power of 55 kW. This engine did not need to be equipped with an SCR system, since to meet the requirements of the Stage IIIB standard in the exhaust system, it is enough to use only a particulate filter. The model is optionally equipped with a 6F/3R Autoshift automatic transmission with torque converter locking, which allows the vehicle to move at high speed. In addition, the 427F2 has very low fuel consumption, approximately 10% lower than what is burned when operating the mod. Cat 428F2. Such efficiency often decides the issue in favor of buyers purchasing this particular model or renting it.

The cabin in the F2 series cars has excellent visibility, high-quality lighting, a comfortable seat with air suspension and heating, a good radio receiver, etc., as well as a control system that involves a well-thought-out design, functionality and location of joysticks, which have become even more convenient in comparison with previous episodes. The performance of the hydraulic system has been significantly increased. If in previously produced backhoe loaders, the flow in the hydraulic system reached 132 l/min, then in the F2 series machines this parameter is 163 l/min, which, of course, allows the working bodies to move faster and more accurately carry out the operator’s commands. The digging depth provided by the excavator installation of the F2 series machines ranges from 4.28 to 6.16 m, and the maximum loading capacity of the loading bucket with a capacity of 1.03–1.15 m3 is in the range from 2.82 to 4.66 tons.

Forklifts

Among Russian-made forklifts, the leading equipment is from Nevyansk Machine-Building Plant and PJSC Machine-Building Plant named after M.I. Kalinina".

GEKA D50

Diesel forklift with manual transmission. It has established itself as a reliable and economical machine with increased maneuverability. This model is in demand among owners of medium and large warehouses. The load capacity of the GEKA D50 is 5 tons, while the operating weight is 6300 kg. The manufacturer offers two configurations of this model:

1. The basic one, which includes a heated glass cabin, pneumatic tires, electric windshield wipers, tilt-adjustable steering column, pneumatic braking system, side rear-view mirrors, running and working lighting system.
2. “Severnaya”, which provides for preliminary filling with working fluids according to customer specifications, a liquid engine pre-heating system, high-capacity batteries, the presence of an electrically heated fuel filter-separator, an engine oil heating system in the intake area, electric heated seats, an autonomous cabin air heater, double cabin glazing.

In terms of technical characteristics, the GEKA D50 model is one of the best domestic diesel forklifts. Its maximum lifting height is 3300 mm, and its turning radius is the same. Ground clearance – 200 mm. The total length of the machine is 4990 mm.

GEKA E30

Electric forklift from the Nevyansk Machine Plant. The carrying capacity of this model is 3 tons. Used in warehouses. The maximum lifting height is 3 meters, free movement height is 110 mm. Of the entire line of this brand, the E30 model shows a speed of 12/13 km/h (unloaded and loaded, respectively).

In terms of turning radius, this is a fairly compact technique (2350 mm), so it is popular when working between racks. Dimensions – 3850/1240/2110-4260 (L/W/H (lowered-raised)). Curb weight – 4940 kg. The loader is equipped with a JXQ-16.6 traction motor, which is considered the maximum for electric models, and an XQD-13 lifting motor. Battery voltage/capacity 80/500 V/Ah.

VP FD50

Equipment of the Volzhsky plant. Suitable for handling heavy oversized cargo with a total weight of 5000 kg. Used in warehouses of large enterprises and ports. The VP FD50 model is equipped with a four-cylinder engine made in England by Perkins, which operates with reduced noise levels and is fuel efficient even at maximum torque. A high-quality oil and fuel filtration system reduces maintenance costs. Rated engine power is 64 kW. Rated speed – 2400 rpm.

In terms of technical characteristics, this loader is standard. The fork lifting height is 3000 mm, with the mast folded the height is 2350 mm, and with the mast extended it is 4620 mm. The length of the loader to the back of the forks is 3310 mm, width is 1465 mm. With fairly compact overall dimensions, the outer turning radius is 3050 mm.

Electric forklift MP20

A new generation of loaders produced by MZIK PJSC. This model is designed for moving and stowing cargo in open areas or in closed warehouses. The equipment is suitable for use in ports and railway stations. The loader is equipped with an asynchronous drive with a 4.5 kW AC motor. Develops operating speed up to 18 km/h. The energy recovery system and the use of oil bath brakes reduce energy costs for servicing this equipment.

The maneuverability of the loader is ensured by an electric drive on each front wheel. The machine control system provides three operating modes: economical, normal, shuttle. The low location of the battery made it possible to increase the stability of the car when cornering.

The advantage of this loader is the side-mounted battery loading and unloading system, which significantly reduces the time spent servicing the equipment. Operators also note the high level of ergonomics of the MP20: low footrest, rubberized handrail, seat with seat belts, several steering positions, visibility, and the ability to adjust the seat.

Turkish cars successfully compete with European ones

Road construction equipment under the Tarsus brand is today supplied by the Turkish company Cukurova Makina Imalat ve Ticaret AS to more than 20 countries around the world. The company has gone through a difficult path, starting with the production of castings and manufacturing spare parts for construction and mining equipment and ending with the creation of its own production of various types of special equipment. In 2001, the company began to design its own backhoe loader, and already in 2003 prototypes were manufactured, and in 2004, serial production of the mod was launched at the Cukurova plant. 883. In subsequent years, the model range increased to four models: 880, 883, 885 and 888. In Russia, Cukurova backhoe loaders are sold under the Tarsus Elaz brand.

The most compact mod. Tarsus-880, using a 0.24 m3 excavator bucket, can excavate soil from a depth of up to 4.8 m with the telescopic handle extended. The loader bucket in the machine is designed for a lifting capacity of up to 4.8 tons.

The most powerful model in the series is Tarsus-888. This is a recent development of the company, and many advanced design techniques are embodied in it. First of all, this is the ability to control all wheels using electro-hydraulic switching 2WD/4WD, as well as the “crab drive” function, a telescopic handle installed at the request of the buyer, control of excavator and front-end equipment using joysticks, high traction force, including thanks to the inter-axle locking wheels, the use of power gear shifting in the Powershift transmission from Carraro, as well as the use of units from the world's leading manufacturers: Perkins, ZF, Hemma, hydraulic systems from Liebherr. Tarsus-888 is equipped with internal liquid-cooled multi-disc brakes. When you press two pedals, all wheels are locked. The load capacity at the maximum reach of the loader bucket, which is 3.45 m, is 3.73 tons. The digging depth with an excavator bucket reaches 5.8 m.

The other two models in the series, 883 and 885, also proved to be reliable and efficient in operation. Mod. The 883 is driven by levers, has a hydromechanical transmission and ZF axles, and the 74.5kW Perkins engine features a heavy-duty alternator and starter for extended life in cold climates. The engine allows the car to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h when moving forward and up to 30 km/h in reverse.

Maud. 885 is assembled from European components, its performance characteristics largely coincide with the capabilities of the mod. 883, the main difference between the models is that mod. 885 is equipped with “joystick” control.

It should be noted that to expand the functionality, more than 25 types of attachments were created specifically for Tarsus backhoe loaders.

Another Turkish company, Hidromek, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2022. The company has come a long way, and today its products operate throughout Europe, with a lot of Hidromek equipment also in Russia. And in 2022, Нidromek opened a representative office in Japan, which in itself says a lot.

The company imports three models of backhoe loaders into our country. This is a mod. NMK 102V weighing 9.1 tons with a Perkins turbodiesel engine with a power of 73.5 kW, with a 4x4 wheel arrangement and convenient joystick control. The excavator carriage is movable, and a bucket with a volume of 0.18 m3 excavates soil from a depth of up to 5.7 m! The machine is equipped with a system for automatically returning the front bucket to the loading position, a telescopic handle, separate hydraulic lines for attachments, and an immobilizer.

Maud. NMK102S weighing 9.55 tons has characteristics similar to the NMK 102V model, but differs in that all the wheels of the backhoe loader are steerable and have the “crab run” and “track to trail” functions. Both models can be equipped with buckets of various types and volumes, grips, drills and hydraulic hammers. The manufacturer offers the installation of a quick-release device that facilitates the installation of mounted units.

Along with its own engineering developments, HIDROMEK uses in the production of its machines components and assemblies from companies that have earned worldwide fame due to the reliability of their products. These are brands such as Turner, Husco International Ltd, Bosch Rexroth, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Carraro, Parker Hydraulics, Danfoss, Europower, Alta SpA, Internormen Filter, MP Filtri, Busak and ShambanSA, etc. This solution allows you to increase the overall coefficient reliability of manufactured equipment.

The company's latest development in the production of backhoe loaders is the mini-class model HMK 62SS. The weight of the model is 3.6 tons, while an excavator bucket with a capacity of 0.06 m3 can work with soil at a depth of up to 2.75 m. A loader bucket with a capacity of 0.35 m3 can be replaced with forks, a hydraulic hammer, a drill, a ripper and other additional tools . For more efficient operation of mounted units there is a separate hydraulic line. The HMK 62SS is controlled using multifunction joysticks, and the high cabin allows the operator to visually monitor all processes occurring on the construction site.

Volvo CE taking a break?

The first backhoe loader under the BM-Volvo brand was demonstrated in 1965. In Russia, Volvo CE has been selling its products for almost 20 years, and until recently, two models of backhoe loaders were sold quite successfully. This is a mod. BL61B with operating weight 9.12 t and mod. BL71B weighing up to 9.8 tons. The machines were created jointly by engineers and technicians from four countries; they are truly reliable, durable and unpretentious equipment. The main difference between the models is that the BL61B uses traditional lever control, while the BL71B model can be controlled with one hand, the multifunction joystick makes this possible. Moreover, in addition to controlling the movements of the working parts, using the joystick you can change the direction of movement of the machine, automatically downgrade gears and perform a number of other operations. Otherwise, these are maneuverable vehicles, with a small turning radius due to the ability to turn the front wheels by 55°. In the excavator part of the machine, it is possible to install a separate single-acting hydraulic line to connect a hydraulic hammer, vibratory rammer and similar equipment instead of a bucket, and when installing a double-acting hydraulic line on Volvo machines, it becomes possible to use a powerful hydraulic drill and leveling bucket.

But since 2014, the company’s management decided to optimize the production program and reorganize assets, which resulted in a refusal, possibly temporary, from further production of graders and backhoe loaders. However, be that as it may, Volvo CE specialists will fully provide service and spare parts for the BL series model for at least another 10 years.

A tool for real professionals

Due to the wide versatility of the EP product, it is constantly in demand for various construction works. Especially when performing local tasks. Before 2014, most people opened a private business using an electronic signature. So more than 50% rented it out to some construction companies. But recently this balance has been disrupted, and most enterprises prefer to own their own equipment. Despite this, a large percentage of private owners have maintained their positions and continue to rent out this tool to organizations providing construction and repair work.

Oddly enough, due to the popularity of this device, the profession of backhoe loader operator began to be in great demand.