Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery (SDLG) has launched four wheel loaders for Middle Eastern and African markets as part of its F series, featuring a host of upgrades on its previous range that deliver better performance, greater reliability and optimised maintenance intervals.
The L953F, L956F, L958F and L968F wheel loaders feature high breakout forces and a bucket design for improved productivity and ease of operation, with volumes ranging from 3.0m3 in the L953F to 3.5m3 in the L968F (or optionally 5.0m3).
All four loaders are powered by a six-cylinder Weichai engine, with outputs from 162 kW to 178 kW, and feature rear drive axles mounted to the swing frame instead of the auxiliary frame (as in the L series), providing better stability and traction and extending their life by up to 50%.
The L953F and L956F are fitted with the SDLG BX50 transmission, with marked improvements in reliability and durability, while the larger L958F and L968F models are fitted with the SDLG VRT200 transmission, which offers an 8% increase in comprehensive efficiency over the older ZF 4WG200.
“Customers are increasingly demanding reliable construction equipment at affordable prices,” said SDLG product manager Henrik Sjöstrand. “This new range has been specially engineered for high productivity and reliability, and will provide customers with an excellent return on investment.”
The F series upgrades also put emphasis on improving driver comfort and visibility inside the vehicle, with a curved front glass screen in the cab that is 15% larger than previous models and has 20% more glazing for improved visibility, safety and efficiency.
In addition to improved air conditioning, the cab is equipped with a digital control panel and a single joystick that provide real time-status updates and allow easy operation of the loader arm and bucket.
The new series has also been designed to simplify the service and maintenance, including in the introduction of the VRT200 transmission, which can be separated from the transfer case and contains an external pump for easy access.
“Easier and more affordable maintenance is something our Middle Eastern and African customers are increasingly demanding, so we’ve optimised the maintenance intervals to provide greater uptime, with parts availability that is much more affordable,” continued Sjöstrand.
And according to Sjöstrand, SDLG has already received a great deal of interest in the new series.