Loader TO 18, 18b: technical characteristics, control, device

Purpose

The loader is used for loading and unloading operations, leveling the surface, constructing pits, towing technical devices and for transporting goods over short distances. Areas of application:

• construction;
• public utilities;
• Agriculture;
• mining.

Loader TO 18

Loader Amkodor TO-18: application

The Amkodor TO-18 B front loader was developed for loading and unloading operations. In practice, the machine is used not only for its intended purpose, but also for transporting goods over short distances. The equipment can be used in construction, public utilities and agriculture. A variety of applications is provided by numerous interchangeable working equipment for the TO-18. The loader is adapted for work in open-pit mining of rocks and other deposits of bulk materials.

Specifications

Some technical characteristics of the front loader

Engine

In the process of improving the design, the appearance of the TO-18, the design of the cabin and the arrangement of controls changed somewhat. The main difference from the cars of earlier years of production is the power unit. Today it is diesel D 260.2, developing a power of 123 hp at 2100 rpm. With. The power of this in-line six-cylinder engine is sufficient to ensure the necessary mobility of the loader and the operation of all its systems.

Fuel consumption

The fuel tank holds 215 liters. Fuel consumption is 233 g/kWh.

Transmission

The hydromechanical transmission provides the machine with good smooth running, which is important when performing loading operations; it has four speeds for forward movement and two for reverse. Its characteristics allow the TO-18 to accelerate to a maximum speed of 38 km/h.

Bridges

Both axles are drive axles, ODM series. The loader inherited them from the T-150K tractor produced at the Kharkov Tractor Plant. During the Soviet era, special importance was attached to the unification of equipment, even if it was produced at enterprises located many hundreds of kilometers from each other. Equipped with limited-slip differentials, such axles provide the TO-18 with high cross-country ability.

Brake system

Depending on the year of manufacture, the design of the brake system also changed. Today, the AMKODOR 333V model is equipped with drum-type working brake mechanisms with a pneumatic drive separated by axles. Spring energy accumulators with pneumatic release, installed on the front axle, play the role of a parking and emergency braking system.

Steering

The role of steering is played by an articulated frame on which a hydraulic drive with feedback is installed. For safety, an emergency pump driven by the front wheels is connected to it. This design makes the loader maneuverable, despite its substantial dimensions, and increases the safety of its operation.

Hydraulic system

The hydraulic system is two-pump with a priority valve for steering.

Front-end single-bucket loader TO-18 Amkodor 333V at trench development

Advantages and disadvantages of the Amkodor 333B (TO-18B3) front loader

The cabin of the Amkodor 333V (TO-18B3) front loader is spacious, with large windows giving the operator a good viewing area. Entry into the cabin from any side of the loader is very convenient - the stairs are equipped with handrails, and their lower steps do not require lifting your legs “above your head” during landing. Open doors are secured with a special lock, and in order to close the doors you need to open this lock by pressing the safety handle on the inside panel of the door. Construction sites are not smooth highways, and such a device does not allow open doors to slam like a fan on uneven surfaces. The operator's seat has air suspension and is adjustable in two planes, but the cabin itself is fixed very rigidly and has no shock absorption. All controls are accessible, you don’t need to reach for them, using a lot of physical strength, and be distracted from the “object of labor.” Of course, the Amkodor-333B front loader cannot be compared with similar JCB or Hitachi models, but, nevertheless, the floor of its cabin is covered with artificial felt.

Photo source: amkodor-rb.ru

In general, I would like to note that Amkodor specialists take care of the operator’s workplace. Air conditioning, a stereo radio and a dining table with a cup holder (as in the cars of the mentioned foreign companies), of course, cannot be found in the cabin of a Belarusian front loader, but good heating in winter and excellent ventilation in summer are provided. There is also a hammer for breaking glass in an emergency. The exterior mirrors are electrically heated, but adjusting them is inconvenient: they are located far away from the cabin.

The engine compartment does not contain anything innovative for one simple reason - everything is fine there. The engine and two hydraulic pumps can be accessed from any side of the machine. If on the sides minor or aggregate repairs are carried out through hatches while standing on the ground, then when repairing the engine from above, the wings of the rear wheels serve as support for the mechanic. Very comfortably. The same advantage can be noted in the location of the filler necks of all hydraulic systems.

Amkodor front loaders are mostly equipped with Minsk diesel engines. The 333V is equipped with a D-260.2 engine with a power of 95 kW (130 hp). These power units are a six-cylinder version of the engines from the Belarus tractor, which have long been known at many enterprises with a fleet of construction equipment, have been studied and mastered by their repairmen and are well supplied with spare parts.

In operation, Amkodor-333V is quite reliable. Like most front loaders in its class, it has an articulated frame and hydraulic steering with hydraulic feedback, and for added reliability there is a wheel-driven emergency pump.

The bucket rotation mechanism is Z-shaped. Almost all lifting joints are equipped with grease fittings, and the injection of fresh lubricant must be carried out in strict accordance with maintenance requirements. The double-jaw bucket holds 1.9 m 3 of soil.

In general, whatever you say, it’s ours, a domestic car, although it is produced in the Republic of Belarus. The numerous presence of this equipment in Russian construction organizations indicates the popularity of Amkodors, but does not mean that the machine has no shortcomings. Almost all hoses are not protected by anything. This is dangerous at a construction site: any object that gets, say, between the cabin and the frame of a front-end loader threatens to leave it without hydraulic systems or even steering control. The joints of the lifting mechanism are not protected from dust and dirt. At least some anthers. After all, fine construction dust in the hinge becomes an abrasive.

Device

The loader frame is a structure connected by hinges. The equipment is controlled by a reinforced hydraulic drive. There is also a method of return hydraulic connection. The hydraulic mechanism is divided into two pumps. The greatest pressure goes to control, and the least to control the bucket. The hydraulic drive has an emergency system equipped with a wheel pump. The brake system operates from a hydraulic drive. Disc brakes. Mechanical parking brake.

dimensions

Amkodor TO-18 is considered a loader with optimal design characteristics. It is distinguished by a well-thought-out ratio of weight, power and geometric parameters, which explains its high performance, reliability, maneuverability and ease of maintenance. The loader is adapted to perform any type of work.

The length of the machine is 7100 mm, width - 2500 mm, height to the cabin roof - 3400 mm. The track of the TO-18 B loader is 1930 mm. The minimum turning radius is 5600 mm. With a maximum unloading height of 2800 mm, Amkodor TO-18 has a standard bucket cutting edge width of 2500 mm and a bucket edge reach of 900 mm. The operating weight of the machine is 10,500 kg.

Cabin

The cabin of the Amkodor TO-18 is considered quite comfortable according to modern requirements. It has a large glass area, FOPS protection against feeding objects, and an automatic operator protection system in the event of a ROPS rollover. To ensure comfortable work, a heater and fan are installed inside the cabin. The cabin frame is removable.

Front loader TO-18

The production of front-end loaders TO-18, also known as Amkodor 333, is carried out by the Belarusian company, which has won a leading position in the market of construction, municipal, forestry, special, snow removal, airfield, as well as special machinery and equipment. They have a wealth of experience and have been producing since 1927, which also speaks of well-established traditions in mechanical engineering.

It will be profitable to buy equipment from this manufacturer due to the presence of 72 dealers in the Russian Federation. There are another 30 dealers in the CIS countries. Thanks to an extensive network, you can not only easily purchase machinery, equipment and consumables, but also get the opportunity to provide timely warranty and post-warranty service.

Photo of front loader TO-18

A front-end loader is a universal self-propelled special equipment equipped with a bucket.

Thanks to its power and high performance characteristics, the Amkador TO-18 loader can be used as a bulldozer, grab and transport various materials over a fairly long distance, and also independently engage in digging trenches or leveling sites.

Attachments

• A snow blade is a multifunctional tool with extensive capabilities, designed for removing compacted, dry and wet snow. In general, the blade copes with any snowdrifts, but the option may vary depending on the modification. For example, the version with a mechanical blade allows you to manually adjust the angle of inclination, and to do this you need to get out of the cab. The modification with a hydraulic drive is convenient in that it is adjusted using a lever directly from the cabin.

• Pallet forks are a device with the capabilities of a forklift, designed for loading and moving cargo containers that are easily deformed. This can be any fragile and easily breakable cargo, in particular glass containers. It is customary to place such cargo exclusively on pallets for safety reasons during transportation.
• A telescopic boom is a device with universal capabilities, capable of moving cargo in the air, lifting cargo containers to a certain height, and placing it, for example, on a high rack or shelf. The boom has a crane hook mounted on a hinged support, which allows the hook to rotate in any plane.
• A log grabber with a lifting capacity of 5 tons, designed for working with logs, pipes and poles. Cargo containers like this are captured using a clamp and do not fall out during transportation. The log grabber has unique hydraulic hoses, thanks to which the attachment does not experience any overload even at critically high pressure in the hydraulic system.
• Grab forks are a type of the above equipment, designed for work in enterprises involved in the production, recycling and storage of pipes with a small thickness (up to 400 mm in diameter). This is a convenient and useful option for industry.
• Snow bucket - this device is designed for cleaning, loading and transporting snow and other bulk materials, including construction waste, stones, soil, etc. In fact, this option is an alternative to a conventional frontal bucket. The difference lies in the material of manufacture - for example, a special thick steel is used for the snow removal bucket, which is not subject to corrosion or any damage.
• A bulldozer blade is a convenient device that can replace an expensive specialized bulldozer. This option has a rotary function, which is adjusted automatically using a lever from inside the cabin. The bulldozer blade is designed to reduce the cost of excavation work. From an economic point of view, this option looks more preferable than a special bulldozer.
• A jaw bucket is a device with two “jaws”, which are a double structure that interlocks with each other in order to tightly compress and hold the cargo container during its transportation. We are talking about mainly bulk cargo - sand, snow, garbage, leaves, etc.
• A brush is a utility attachment, the useful properties of which include the effective removal of snow, dust, soil and leaves - from roads, driveways, parking areas, as well as in warehouses, etc. The brush is perhaps the most popular option among representatives of housing and communal services.
• Forks with clamping/grabbing are a convenient device for working with fibrous loads, as well as a maximum density of 800 kg per 1 cubic meter. m. This includes loosened silage, hay, cut grass and other similar materials that are held by a clamp or grip during transportation.
• The cradle is a special lifting structure that can replace a crane. Used for working at heights. The operating principle of the cradle is as follows: the operator enters the “cabin” of the cradle, rises to a certain height and performs various tasks. For example, this could be finishing ceilings and high walls, finishing the facades of buildings and structures. In addition, the cradle is designed to facilitate work related to the installation and laying of high-voltage poles and lighting shades.
• An adapter is a device that you cannot do without when connecting heavy attachments. The adapter improves the reliability of fastening of such options, which have an extremely high load capacity. This could be a snow shovel, a cradle or a bulldozer blade.
• Bucket/blade blade - this device is designed to make working with icy snowdrifts easier. The bucket is installed on the edges of the bucket or blade, after which you can immediately get to work. The device is quickly removed and put on.

Features of the device and operation

• TO-18B is a single-bucket front loader with a number of features that set it apart from its closest competitors. The machine is endowed with excellent maneuverability, controllability, efficiency and efficiency. The loader uses an articulated frame and hydraulically assisted steering. Of course, this only had a positive effect on the maneuverability of the loader. This feature made it possible to operate the device in hard-to-reach areas, in the presence of obstacles, as well as in cases where the vehicle needs to turn around in cramped conditions. When performing sharp maneuvers, rolls and vibrations are eliminated - thanks to the ideal center-to-axle weight distribution and, importantly, a low center of gravity. In addition, let’s also pay attention to the excellent off-road component of the TO-18B loader. We are talking about large wheels made of thick and wide-profile rubber, which is almost impossible to puncture. High ground clearance, wide track and minimal body overhangs also allow you to overcome serious off-road conditions - muddy soil, hills and ruts.

• The factory engine D-442MSI with a power of 130 horsepower is responsible for performance. The more affordable version received a 123-horsepower D-260.2 unit. Both engines have good traction characteristics, due to the slight difference in power. Both engines unleash the full potential of the loader and its attachments. The pre-heating system and liquid cooling contribute to better ventilation of internal combustion engine components, as well as uninterrupted engine operation at any time of the year. Due to this, the motor is well adapted to frost and hot conditions. In addition, the power plant allows you to reach a maximum speed of up to 36 km/h, which is very important when driving in the city. Good dynamics and good fuel efficiency allow you to cover long distances in a fairly short time.
• The hydraulic system design includes two separate pumps. Pressure is supplied to the steering, as well as the hydraulic distributor. The gearbox is hydromechanical with two forward and two reverse gears. High hydraulic power allows you to work with heavy loads, and at the same time you do not have to worry about overloading and overheating of the working body.
• The TO-18B front loader bucket has a nominal capacity of 1.9 cubic meters, and the maximum load capacity reaches 3400 kg. The breaking force is 10500 kg. This great value was achieved thanks to the Z-shaped design of the attachment (bucket).

• The loader under consideration is at the level of more expensive foreign analogues in terms of comfort in the cabin. Thus, the Belarusian-made model has a high level of ergonomics in the arrangement of working parts, switches, buttons and levers. For example, the controls for attachments are located on a separate joystick, located at hand. In general, all controls are as close as possible to the driver. This also applies to control and measuring instruments, which display important information about the condition of the working parts, their load and possible overload. In addition, the developers paid special attention to the organization of the driver’s workplace - due to the ability to adjust the seat and steering column. Also worthy of special attention is the wide glass area, without which there would be problems with visibility. Moreover, the glazing had to be slightly tinted to prevent ultraviolet rays from entering the cabin - this feature of the glass can be appreciated in hot sunny conditions. The loader has a full electrical package, including a heated seat and a full heating system. An air conditioning system can be ordered as an option. The noise insulation of the loader interior is at a high level, as befits models of this class. The cozy atmosphere in the cabin, the presence of pleasant-to-touch plastics, the successful layout of the driver’s seat and other features – all of this together had a positive effect on labor productivity. The driver is less distracted and is able to work longer, which is very important during multi-shift work.
• The TO-18 B front loader is easy to maintain and long-term use. As confirmation of this, we note the high maintainability of the machine, the reasonable cost of components and consumables, as well as the durability of the most expensive components, assemblies and working parts of the machine. Convenient access to the engine compartment, due to the hood cover with gas-filled supports, makes it easy to get the necessary components that need to be replaced. The entire maintenance process does not take much time, especially when replacing consumables.

Advantages and disadvantages

The model is especially valued in the country's domestic market. This is due to the following advantages :

• the cost is significantly lower compared to similar models from European and Japanese manufacturers;
• good performance;
• availability of spare parts;
• reliability;
• ease of maintenance;
• good performance.

There are also some disadvantages of the model :

• weak protection of main modules;
• hoses are located in the public domain.

If the lifting mechanism is frequently exposed to small particles and dust, it may fail due to the formation of an abrasive layer on the parts. But this technique has many advantages, so when purchasing, more attention is paid to them.