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The mini loader, or skid steer loader, is the most compact and maneuverable machine in the compact class. And the most popular. The success of this machine is ensured not only by its small dimensions and the ability to turn around on the spot, but also by its versatility. For mini-loaders, there is a huge selection of replaceable working equipment - mechanical and hydromechanical, earthmoving, lifting, harvesting, for concrete work, for agriculture, etc.
There are many players operating on the Russian market, while the clear leader with a share of about 35% is only one model – MKSM-800. Mini loaders are included in the mandatory program of all major engineering companies (with the exception of Liebherr) and for the most part are similar, like twins. “Younger” models with a simple radial bucket lifting scheme are especially similar and differ only in details - coloring, engine and hydraulic equipment models (although in this regard there are many complete analogues), the design of the final drive and the mechanism for quick change of working equipment. For “older” models with a vertical bucket lifting scheme, the differences are more significant, primarily in the design of the boom lifting mechanism. The most original loader design is from the British company JCB - with a single-beam boom and the entrance is not from the front, but from the left side.
The “old-timer” in the production of mini-equipment is the Gehl company. It has existed for more than 150 years and has successfully proven itself in European markets, and since 2008 also in Russian, which confirms the unfading interest of buyers in the products of this brand, largely explained by the rich experience and traditions of the advanced American industry.
The model range includes mini loaders with a lifting capacity from 750 to 1800 kg. Models with high-speed High-Flow hydraulics are also available, allowing the use of attachments that require a hydraulic flow of at least 115 l/min. Gehl equipment is distinguished by increased convenience, reliability, and durability thanks to the innovative solutions used in its production.
To increase the maneuverability of wheel loaders on soft soils, tracks are offered. This theme was developed in mini-loaders on rubber tracks, which were included in the model ranges of Bobcat, Caterpillar, Komatsu, JCB, New Holland, Case, Takeuchi, Terex. In our country, tracked mini-loaders are still underestimated, although they provide greater traction force necessary to move soil. Potential users may be put off by such unpleasant features as the rollers clogging with dirt and stones and the tendency of the tracks to slip off the rollers, although the manufacturers of these machines, for example, the same Bobcat company, do not stand still and offer design solutions that prevent these phenomena.
LiuGong CLG 365B. Engine to choose from
Photo source: liugongrussia.ru
Operating weight: 2,950 kg Power : 37.5 / 48 kW
The LiuGong 365B skid steer loader is one of the most popular models in the Chinese brand's lineup. The machine belongs to a new series of equipment, the design of which was developed in collaboration with British specialists. The load capacity of the mini loader is 795 kg, the unloading height is 2,220 mm.
The model is supplied to our country in two versions: with a Perkins 404D-22 or Xinchai 4D35G-007 engine. These internal combustion engines differ in power (37.5 and 48 kW, respectively), environmental class (Tier III / Tier II) and volume (2.2 / 3.2 l). In both cases, a fuel system with a mechanical injection pump is offered. The radiator is single-layer, large in area, with an increased distance between the fins and the ability to rotate, which facilitates the process of cleaning it.
All vehicles are supplied with a fuel filter/water separator with an electronic warning light. An electronic signal is provided in case of a clogged air filter, as well as a function for duplicating warnings on the instrument panel. Filtration of the air entering the internal combustion engine is carried out using coarse and fine filters.
Photo source: liugongrussia.ru
LiuGong 365B has compact dimensions: its height is 1,940 mm, width is 1,630 mm, wheelbase is 1,087 mm, turning radius is 1,800 mm. At the same time, the model has a powerful breaking force (up to 20.4 kN) and traction force (27.5 kN). The hydraulic system is configured to automatically keep the bucket level during lifting to ensure the bucket or pallet forks hold the load safely. We also note that the standard equipment of the machine includes a bucket with a volume of 0.4 cubic meters. Full cycle time - 7.9 s.
In the production of equipment, components from world famous brands such as Bosch-Rexroth, Poclain, Kawasaki, etc. are used.
Types and purpose
Not a single construction site, not a single utility enterprise, not a single warehouse or production site can function fully without special loading equipment. With its help, loading and unloading of goods, warehousing, and movement of raw materials or goods for further use are carried out.
Loaders are used to move a wide variety of cargo, with different dimensions, weight and type. In this regard, loading equipment is usually divided into two types:
Types of forklifts
- front loaders;
- forklifts.
A type of loader, which is called “front-end”, has an additional working element, most often a bucket. This technique is used for transporting bulk cargo - gravel, sand, snow, crushed stone.
Front loaders are most in demand among utility companies, construction and road construction companies, mining and agriculture. There are models with high load capacity, capable of moving objects weighing about 16 tons. Depending on where exactly the equipment will be used, it is equipped with a tracked or wheeled base.
In production workshops or warehouses, forklifts are in greater demand. This type of equipment received a fork-shaped working element. The loader is used for loading and unloading packaged and palletized goods, moving these goods within a warehouse or industrial complex.
The main places where forklifts are used are train stations, ports, supermarkets, airports and similar facilities. A subtype of this front-end equipment is a mini-loader, a compact self-propelled unit.
Front loader device
Bobcat S530. With maintenance free transmission
Photo source: bobcatrussia.ru
Operating weight: 2,815 kg Power: 49.5 hp (36.4 kW)
The Bobcat S530, which replaced the popular S175 model, accounts for about 40% of the brand's mini loader sales in our country. This demand is due to the optimal load capacity and lifting height for Russian buyers: these indicators are 869 kg and 3,023 mm, respectively. In addition, customers often prefer a vertical boom lifting system.
The machines are equipped with Japanese Kubota 2203 engines (eco-class - Euro-3), most other components are produced in the USA and the Czech Republic. Among the Bobcat specialists' own developments, it is especially worth noting the transverse engine arrangement and maintenance-free transmission (both solutions are patented).
Photo source: bobcatrussia.ru
The Bobcat S530 skid steer operator's cab features a Deluxe design with foam interior lining, side, top and rear windows, accessory cabling, overhead lighting, power socket, front and rear work lights. The heating system, sprung seat, storage compartment and cup holder make the working conditions even more comfortable. And the ROPS/FOPS systems, as well as the seat belt and seat frame, help protect the operator from injury.
Standard equipment includes Bob-Tach™ frame, parking brake, automatic glow plug heater, muffler with spark arrestor, BICS, and emergency engine/hydraulic shutdown. Tires - 10x16.5, 10-ply, designed for severe operating conditions.
To connect attachments, front auxiliary hydraulics with electrical proportional control are provided. The accuracy of operations is ensured by a bucket positioning system (complete with a switch) and standard instrumentation.
The S530 mini loader is capable of moving at speeds of up to 18 km/h. The overall dimensions of the machine are 3,378x1,727x1,972 mm, the volume of a standard bucket is 0.4 cubic meters.
Bawoo
The Korean company Bawoo is diligently gaining its share of the mini loader market. The manufacturer's line includes tracked and pneumatic-wheeled vehicles with a lifting capacity of 650 to 1200 kg. The company supplies models with conventional and vertical lifting of the bucket, as well as with a telescopic boom.
The most popular model in the class of machines with a rated working load of up to 1 ton is the Bawoo J57 mini skid steer loader with a lifting capacity of 850 kg. It is worth noting that the same loader in the VJ modification - with a vertical bucket lift - has a load capacity of 950 kg.
The power unit on Bawoo mini loaders is a Hyundai diesel engine. If desired, you can order the J57 (VJ57) model with a Kubota engine of the same power of 53 hp. Joystick control, electronic instrument panel and interior heating create a comfortable working atmosphere. Bucket leveling, hydraulic safety shut-off, overload warning, and cab rollover and falling object protection enhance operating efficiency and safety.
As standard, the hydraulic system is equipped with Sauer-Danfoss pumps with a capacity of 63.5 l/min. But the Hi Flow system is available as an option, increasing the productivity of the hydraulic pumps to 110 l/min.
Main Features of Bawoo J57 (VJ57) Skid Steer Loader:
- nominal working load capacity – 850 (950) kg;
- operating weight – 2,780 (2,830) kg;
- tipping load – 1,680 (1,974) kg;
- standard bucket volume – 0.40 m3;
- unloading height (at the hinge) – 2,970 (2,955) mm;
- hydraulic system performance – 64-110 l/min;
- maximum speed – 10.5 (10.8) km/h.
JCB 190. Hydraulic line capacity - up to 100 l/min
Photo source: jcb.com
Operating weight: 3,104 kg Power: 60.8 hp (44.7 kW)
The JCB 190 mini loader, with a rated load capacity of 862 kg, is the most popular in the British manufacturer's range. The operating weight of the machine is 3,104 kg, the loading height on top of the sides is 2.84 m.
In the production of the model, components from such brands as Rexroth, Sauer Danfoss, Turolla and Camso are used. In addition, the mini loader is equipped with a Perkins engine, while older models are equipped with proprietary JCB Dieselmax power plants. Diesel model - 404D-22T. Fuel equipment is mechanical.
The basic equipment of the machine also includes a two-speed transmission, which allows you to reach a maximum speed of up to 18.5 km/h, and pneumatic tires 10x16.5 8PR HD.
Photo source: jcb.com
The JCB 190 has a monobeam boom with vertical lift geometry. This solution is ideal for loading dump trucks due to the larger reach and rotation angle of the bucket. It should also be noted that the performance of the hydraulic line for driving attachments is 70 or 100 l/min (the second option is an additional option). Standard attachments include a 0.44 cubic meter general purpose bucket (1,829mm wide) and 1,200mm long pallet forks.
Another advantage of this model is the spacious cabin with a full, safe side entrance. It has large 270º viewing angles, low noise levels, and rollover protection (ROPS) and falling object protection (FOPS). The machine is also equipped with multifunctional electric joysticks with the ability to adjust their sensitivity to suit the operator’s working style. In cold weather, the heater provides comfortable working conditions. And for even greater safety, road lighting and a flashing light are provided.
The mini loader is quite easy to maintain and repair. The main control units that require regular inspection are grouped and easily accessible. The hydraulic system has reliable mechanical seals. At the same time, the warranty on the machine is 12 months, and on the metal structure of the boom - 10 years or 5,000 engine hours.
Areas of use
Avant special equipment is used:
- In construction and landscape design: digging pits and trenches, leveling the soil, loading and unloading building materials.
- In warehouses. Including in cramped conditions. Loading pallets with cargo, transporting goods in a warehouse.
- Utilities. In winter - clearing snow using mounted plows and buckets; in spring, summer and autumn - removing debris, mowing grass and other tasks.
- Agriculture. Special attachments allow you to move and load hay, straw, silage and other agricultural products.
Loaders are universal, suitable for use in all areas of management.
CASE SV185B. Made in Russia
Photo source: casece.com
Operating weight: 2,980 kg Power: 60 hp (45 kW)
Among CASE wheeled and tracked mini-loaders, the most popular model is the SV185B with vertical boom lift. Its nominal load capacity is 840 kg, its width is just over 1.6 m, its length is 3.6 m (with a bucket), and the machine weighs less than 3 tons. The mini loader is equipped with a powerful 60-horsepower Perkins engine with a torque of 171 Nm. The 2.2 liter powerplant provides high hydraulic flow (109 l/min), making the machine suitable for use with a variety of attachments.
Among the design features of this model, it is worth noting the longitudinal arrangement of the engine and the direct power take-off of the hydraulic pump from the engine, which allows for greater efficiency. The drive chains of the hydraulic motors were also separated, which, in turn, creates additional comfort for the operator due to the absence of a tunnel on the cabin floor. In addition, the loader is equipped with damping pads located on the frame, which absorb part of the load from the boom when cutting into the material. And the classic vertical placement of cooling radiators avoids contamination of the honeycombs, which has a beneficial effect on heat dissipation.
Photo source: casece.com
The CASE SV185B mini loader is manufactured in Naberezhnye Chelny, and the build quality fully complies with CNH Industrial standards. In the basic version, the model is equipped with a single-speed hydraulic motor and manual control with mechanical levers, and an engine heater is installed for operation in cold climates. For movement on public roads, the equipment is equipped with special road lighting.
In addition, the standard equipment includes a quick-change mechanism for attachments, a seat with air suspension, air conditioning, as well as auxiliary functions such as stabilizing the bucket when driving over uneven surfaces (Ride control) and maintaining a horizontal position when lifting. Thanks to the narrow pillars of the cab, the car provides a 360-degree all-round visibility.
CHETRA MKSM 1000
The MKSM 1000A-1 mini loader is produced at the CHETRA plant in Saransk. It is designed to work in regions with temperate climates. The model is equipped with a Kubota V3300 engine with a power of 75 hp, and the gearboxes are replaced by chain final drives, driven by hydraulic motors.
The company offers more than 40 types of replacement work equipment. In addition, the loader can be equipped with a special adapter plate for installing imported attachments.
Main characteristics of the CHETRA MKSM-1000A-1 skid steer loader:
- nominal working load capacity – 1,000 kg;
- operating weight – 3,370 kg;
- tipping load – 2,000 kgf;
- standard bucket volume – 0.6 m3;
- unloading height (at the hinge) – 3 meters;
- hydraulic system performance – 80 l/min;
- maximum speed – 14 km/h.
