Design of the TO-18/TO-18B front loader (Amkodor 333)

Amkodor TO-18B is a universal front loader manufactured in Belarus. The advantages of the technology lie in its proven technical solutions, as well as the possibility of modernization and updating by adding various options. Of course, you can choose them at your discretion, based on your needs and field of activity. Amkodor TO-18B is designed for unlimited use, and this can be confirmed by the adaptation of the loader to severe loads and extreme climatic conditions. Good handling and maneuverability, high load capacity and other important characteristics presented in this article are some of the main incentives for purchasing this loader. The material also discusses its cost and operating features.

Purpose

Amkodor TO-18b is designed for work in agricultural conditions, as well as in construction and public utilities. The machine is suitable for road installation work - for example, for patching highways and pedestrian streets, as well as cutting joints after the end of winter. The main purpose of the vehicle is, of course, the transportation of cargo containers; fortunately, the model in question has a good carrying capacity specifically for this purpose. In addition, the model’s capabilities are in demand in earthmoving operations, when working with fibrous materials and fragile loads. The equipment is in high demand in warehouses, retail warehouses, industrial areas, etc. The machine is also in demand in more complex operations performed at height, and in this case it can even replace a crane. All these and many other jobs are possible thanks to the support of a wide range of attachments.

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.

4.2 Controls of the Amkodor 342 (TO-28A) loader

To ensure the movement and operation of the loader, controls are located in the cab. The location and purpose of the control levers and pedals are shown in Figure 4.2. The position of the controls and settings after preparing the product for operation and before turning it on are described below in the section “Using the product in operation.”

Figure 4.2 — Location of control levers and pedals 1 — gear lever;
2 — reverse lever; 3 — steering wheel; 4 — multifunction switch; 5 — bucket control lever; 6 - boom control lever; 7 — reverse-acting brake valve; 8 — brake and neutral pedal; 9 — brake pedal; 10 — gas pedal; 11 — lever for manual control of fuel supply; 12 - range shift lever; 13 — rear axle engagement lever Steering column
Adjusting the tilt of the steering column The tilt of the steering column changes in steps from 25° to 40° with an interval of 5°. To change the tilt of the steering column, pull the handle towards you and tilt the column along with the steering wheel to the desired position. Release the handle and slightly rotate the column to the locked position.

Diesel oil pressure indicator

Monitor the instrument readings while the diesel engine is running. The normal pressure of a heated diesel engine is 0.28 -0.35 MPa (yellow zone), when cold it is 0.6 MPa. ATTENTION! Do not allow the diesel engine to operate if the indicator needle is in the red zone. The red emergency lamp lights up when the oil pressure in the diesel engine is below the required level (0.08 MPa). The light also comes on when the diesel engine is not started and the ignition key is in the “I” position, indicating a lack of pressure. After starting the diesel engine, the light should go out; if this does not happen, it means the pressure is below the required level - stop the diesel engine. ATTENTION! It is allowed for the light to light up at minimum diesel speed.

The indicator scale has three zones: red zone - 0-0.1 MPa, yellow zone - 0.1 -0.5 MPa, green zone - 0.5 MPa and above.

Voltmeter

Shows the battery voltage when the starter switch key is in position 1. When the diesel engine is running, shows the voltage at the generator terminals.

If the arrow is in the green zone (26-30.5 V), the voltage is normal.

ATTENTION! When starting the diesel engine, the instrument needle may be in the red zone. The red warning lamp lights up when the battery is discharged, and the voltmeter needle is in the red zone - 18 - 26 V. Turn off the diesel engine and eliminate the cause.

ATTENTION! The light comes on when the ground switch is turned on. After starting the diesel engine, the light should go out.

The indicator scale has the following zones: red zone -18-26 V, yellow zone - 30.5-32 V, green zone - 26-30.5 V.

Coolant temperature gauge

The normal working zone of 75-95° corresponds to the green sector.

If the diesel engine overheats, eliminate one of the following possible causes:

— low coolant level;

— the fan belt is loose;

— the radiator shutter is closed;

If the forklift is equipped with a single-speed wiper, there is no “slow” position. When the windshield wiper is turned off, the blade automatically returns to the neutral position. G - Switch for front working lights. Press the key switch to turn on the front work lights. D - Flashing light switch. Press the key switch to turn on the flashing light. E - Cabin fan switch. Press the key switch to turn on the fan.

F - Heater switch.

Press the key switch to activate the heater fan. The switch has 3 positions:

- switched off,

- low speed,

- high speed.

When the tap is closed, the heater fan operates like a regular cabin fan.

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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

Of course, the popular model has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include:

• Reliability of the design.
• Ease of maintenance.
• Availability of spare parts.
• Low cost of the loader compared to competing models.
• High performance.

The main disadvantage is the poor security of the units. The working rods of hydraulic cylinders do not have reliable devices that protect them from dirt and dust. Open hoses are also susceptible to damage.

Specifications

• Load capacity/total weight – 3400/11900 kg
• Engine – D442MSI
• ICE parameters: diesel, 130 l. With.
• Transmission – four-speed, manual
• Speed ​​– 40 km/h (maximum)
• Dimensions, mm: Length – 7100, Width – 2500, Height – 3350
• Reach of the edge of the working unit - – 900 mm
• Service brake parameters - multi-disc oil bath brakes
• Parking Brake Options - Single Disc Dry Brakes
• Fuel tank capacity – 215 l
• Hydraulic tank capacity – 110 l
• Unloading height/breakout force – 2800 mm/103 kN
• Tire parameters – 21-24
• Front track – 1930 mm
• Rear track – 1930 mm
• Width of outer turning radius – 5600 mm
• Working body – bucket
• Bucket volume – 1.9 cubic meters. m.
• Bucket cutting edge width – 2500 mm
• Wheeled chassis - yes.