Along with the excavator, the wheel loader is the definitive construction equipment. Ask a lay person to imagine heavy equipment and the wheel loader will be prominent in their minds. They may not know what exactly it is called, but they will still be able to picture it – so popular and ubiquitous is the machine.
With the wheel loader being a machine segment of fundamentally importance, the various manufacturers that manufacture it have made the machine further indispensable with their innovations, refinement and features.
Take Cat, for example. The leading brand in the construction equipment sector is well known for its wheel loaders. It is well represented by Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar across the region.
Speaking to PMV Middle East about the Cat wheel loader range in the region, Samer Ismail, Product Manager, Earthmoving and Excavation, at Al-Bahar says: “The top wheel loader models in the Cat range that are most in demand here include the 920 and 930 small wheel loaders; the 950, 966 and 980 medium wheel loaders; and the large 988, 990 and 992 models.”
The most popular and best-selling model among Cat wheel loaders in the Middle East is the 966, Ismail reveals. According to Cat, the “966 wheel loader brings premium performance with simple-to-use technologies as a standard offering, boosting operator efficiencies and delivering increased productivity. Moreover, extended service intervals lower maintenance costs. Improved performance, reliability, durability, and versatility result in a machine that is better built to meet (customer) needs”.
The manufacturer adds that the 966 has up to 15% lower maintenance costs. “With extended and more synchronised maintenance intervals, this wheel loader is built to be rebuilt and to get more done at a lower cost compared to previous Cat models.” Cat claims a 10% increase in productivity for the machine and adds that it enables more work to get done, with “consistent high bucket fill factors resulting in increased productivity”.
The Cat 966 sports a Cat C9.3B engine that offers high power density, putting out 239kW at a low 1,600rpm. Its operating weight is 23,196kg and the buckets range from 3.0-8.0m³.
When it comes to telematics, the Cat Vision Link presents clear insights to the machine owner, through which they can maximise performance, Ismail explains.
Effectively running a machine also depends on the dealer support, and this is where Al-Bahar has few equals. Ismail adds: “With the purchase of a wheel loader, buyers can avail of our Customer Value Agreement (CVA), including Parts & Service and Equipment Protection Plan. Our CPM system also support customers to improve uptime and reduce costs.”\
Wheel loader important in Komatsu line-up
Over at Japanese heavyweight, Komatsu, the wheel loader is one of the most important machines in its line-up. The second largest construction equipment company globally on the Yellow Table and reportedly with the highest market share in the UAE, Komatsu is represented by Galadari Trucks and Heavy Equipment (GTHE) in the country, which offers five main wheel loaders from the brand.
Yousef Elmasre, Sales Manager, GTHE, details these models and their uses as the WA380-6R for construction, readymix and waste handling; the WA470-6R for construction, readymix, quarrying, land development, truck loading, cut & fill applications and waste handling; the WA500-6R for quarrying, cement factories and truck loading; the large WA600-6R for high production use, mainly in quarries, marine works, barge loading and large land development projects; and finally, the WA900-8R very large wheel loader used for very high production in mining.
“The WA470-6R is our best-selling wheel loader model in the market because of its size, which can fit most applications. A versatile machine with high productivity and excellent fuel efficiency, it finds use in a large variety of applications,” Elmasre explains.
All Komatsu wheel loader models are fitted with the KOMTRAX™ system, which enables the monitoring of all the essential information about the unit directly on computers, smartphones or tablets of owners and fleet managers. When the system is activated on a machine, the information collected by KOMTRAX is transmitted on a regular basis and is also accessible on the KOMTRAX website.
“KOMTRAX gives you the knowledge that empowers you to make fact-based, strategic business decisions regarding your machines and their operations. This pays off in increased productivity and availability, proactive support, smarter management, and much more,” explains Elmasre. “Best of all, KOMTRAX is 100% free to use. There is no subscription charge to access your equipment’s data or to use the KOMTRAX website for the entire life of your machine.”
Last year saw Komatsu launch the WA900-8R in the Middle East. The model’s optimum power and loss reduction eliminates useless fuel consumption and improves fuel efficiency while generating 672kW gross power and 3124Nm net torque.
Elaborating on how GTHE looks after Komatsu customers, Elmasre says: “While Komatsu provides unmatched product quality with the best fuel efficiency, GTHE has state-of-the-art facilities, a dedicated team, excellent after-sales support and parts availability. The GTHE team works as consultants, advising customers about the most suitable models according to their applications and needs, whether it’s construction, quarrying, readymix, rental, or other uses. The entire GTHE team is always available 24/7 to serve customers.”
Hitachi ups productivity with ZW wheel loaders
When discussing the wheel loader segment in the Middle East region, a brand that cannot be missed is Hitachi. One of the largest and most popular names for equipment the world over, Hitachi is among the market leaders in the Middle East as well, where it offers customers a range of four versatile models – from the 14.8 ton ZW180-5A to the 32.5 ton ZW370-5A.
Piet Van Bakergem, General Manager, Hitachi Construction Machinery Middle East Corporation FZE, says that Hitachi wheel loaders are much sought after in the earthmoving, infrastructure, and mining and quarrying segments in the region.
“The Hitachi ZW wheel loaders we offer in the Middle East and Africa region are very productive machines, easily adaptable for different tasks, especially when used with a variety of attachments,” Van Bakergem says. “Our wheel loaders offer substantial loading capacities, powerful digging forces and impressive travel speeds. They are also fuel-efficient and easy to maintain, thereby reducing running costs.”
He says the ZW310-5A is a productive, high-performance machine that offers advanced technology and operator comfort, and can be profitably used in applications such as quarrying. The model’s performance comes from a 290hp (216kW) engine which supports a bucket capacity of 3.4-4.5m3. For enhanced durability and reliability, the centre pin sports a new design that leads to better stress distribution, especially in tough digging operations.
“The ZW310-5A has feature such as the Active Engine Control, which enhance its productivity and minimise operation costs. These are strategically positioned sensors that detect movements throughout the machine and adjust engine speeds accordingly to eliminate energy losses.
“For situations like heavy loading and uphill climbing, where extra power is required at short notice, the ZW310-5A is equipped with the Quick Power Switch (QPS), which provides an instantaneous power boost at the push of a button conveniently located on the operational lever. Yet another intelligent feature is the auto shift mode, which automatically chooses the optimum gear to maximise fuel economy.”
Seven versatile wheel loaders in CASE‘s range
Meanwhile, another important market player, CASE, has been among customer favourites for a long time. Describing the brand’s market presence, Dragan Krznaric, Business Director, Middle East and Africa at CNH Industrial, and General Manager, Dubai Branch, says: “CASE has been present in the wheel loader segment for years, and is focusing on maintaining its position with its established customer base that appreciates the excellent value-for-money proposition that CASE machines offer in terms of operating and maintenance cost, durability and productivity.
“We see the segment undergoing a transformation, with a more visible polarisation of the customer base between low-cost focused customers, to which Chinese suppliers are increasingly attending to, and the traditional customer base still more focused on total cost of ownership, productivity and reliability of their machine.”
Explaining CASE’s offerings in the segment, Zane Barnard, Product Specialist, CNHI Industrial, says: “We have seven models in our line-up. The range kicks off with our smallest, the 621XS, with a bucket capacity of 1.9-2.3m³. The 621F has a bucket capacity of 2.2-2.4m³ and the 721F offers bucket capacities of 2.4-2.7m³. Both machines are capable of working in any application or job-site, from farming to construction.
Barnard adds that the 821F, with bucket capacities of 3.0-3.4m³ offers versatility across infrastructure, construction, road building, recycling and quarrying applications. The 921F, with bucket capacities of 3.6-4.0m³ is also suitable for versatile applications, while the 1021F and 1121F, with bucket capacities of 4.2–4.4m³ and 4.5–5.0m³ respectively, are suitable for heavy quarrying, mining and bulk material handling.
When it comes to adapting its machines to the Middle East’s difficult conditions, CASE is at the forefront of cooling innovation.
“All our wheel loaders are equipped with our advanced cooling cube radiator system. This design allows all our radiator coolers to face and receive fresh cool ambient air. The cooling cube design gets rid of stacking radiators in front of each other and recycling already hot air through the system. CASE works smarter here, not harder, by reducing the engine power draw needed to cool the system while putting that power on the ground while digging and loading,” explains Barnard. “Also, we have axle oil cooler options, perfect for high production job-sites such as batching plants, where short cycle times and heavy breaking conditions are normal.”
Reliability and track record Volvo‘s calling card
Meanwhile, as a global powerhouse for construction equipment, Volvo CE is a heavyweight in the Middle East equipment market. Partnered in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with Al Futtaim Auto and Machinery Co. LLC (FAMCO), the Volvo CE global brand is complemented by an equally illustrious regional brand.
Ramez Hamdan, MD, Industrial Equipment, FAMCO, emphasizes that Volvo remains one of the most reliable and in-demand brands in the wheel loader segment, with a strong market presence and a proven track record of many years with a competitive market share.
Describing Volvo’s range, Hamdan adds that Volvo has a wheel loader solution for every size and segment, along with its vast range of attachments and ‘Special Application Solution’ possibilities. For the compact wheel loader range, Volvo has already transitioned to offering the industry leading Stage V engine-powered solutions, which are now being offered in the UAE as well, along with the battery-powered electrical solution that remains on course for launch in the short-term.
“The Volvo L120 wheel loader remains a leading choice of all customers, with the Volvo L220/L260 a dominant player in the quarrying and large-platform machine sector,” Hamdan says.
“The electric L120 Volvo remains under testing in the UAE, with FAMCO leading the activity in collaboration with selected key accounts that share the same values of sustainable product solutions. If proven successful, the products are expected to be launched sometime in the latter half of 2024, along with other compact machines,” he reveals.
When it comes to telematics and machine control, Volvo wheel loaders are offered with Volvo’s industry-leading Care Track telematics system, Hamdan points out, with its capabilities packaged with additional assist systems, such as Load Assist, enabling customers to monitor their fleets remotely with visibility across parameters such as location, fuel efficiency, productivity, diagnostics, and machine health.
Recent wheel loader successes at DEVELON
Last but not least, DEVELON, the Korean powerhouse formerly called Doosan, is a powerhouse in the Middle East’s wheel loader segment. The company claims that its market share stood at a whopping 32% in the region’s wheel loader business towards the end of 2023, double its 15% share earlier.
Saudi Arabia provided the bulk of this growth, JH Kim, in charge of Saudi market sales at DEVELON’s parent company HD Hyundai Infracore, told PMV Middle East.
“We had several fleet deals in 2023 in Saudi Arabia, and the most memorable one was machines for the NEOM project. We sold 50 DL420A-7M wheel loaders in August, beating strong competition for the order. Our customers are showing strong trust in our new brand, DEVELON. We always try our best to meet customer expectations with our products, service and people. And this reality always works,” says Kim.
In general, the Middle East market showed growth of around 8% compared to the 2022 market size, he added, with the wheel loader market growing 16% compared to 2022. “We expect that growth will continue for at least another 3-5 years as it’s driven by the Saudi and UAE markets’ infrastructure and project developments. Hence, we are keen to strengthen our presence in the market and increase our market share to become a market leader in most of the Middle East countries.”
DEVELON is target the market leader position with a range of wheel loaders from 2m3 to 5.5m3 bucket capacities, which can be supplied with different specs and bucket options suitable for various applications.
DEVELON’s wheel loaders are divided into two categories. The five DL models are premium ones built to last, with trusted major components and new technology that can offer operators more comfort, safety and enhanced fuel efficiency. All models are manufactured in Korea.
The six SD models are considered to be ‘Economy’ ones, suitable for light-duty work and low workload applications. They are manufactured in China and designed with less options than the DL models. They provide an alternative solution for some customers or rental companies within the region, Kim explained.
He added that the best-selling DEVELON model in the region is the DL420A-7M, which is in high demand due to its exceptional quality. “This wheel loader ensures robust performance in demanding operational environments. The DL420A-7M stands out as a preferred choice for many industries, thanks to its exceptional quality, exceptional fuel efficiency, impressive productivity facilitated by the 4.5m³ bucket, and cost-effective maintenance,” Kim explains.
“The DL420A-7M is designed to enhance overall productivity in various applications like construction and mining because of its excellent design and components. Additionally, its design prioritises low maintenance, ensuring minimal downtime and further contributing to cost savings. This wheel loader strikes a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness, offering a reliable solution for industries seeking a fuel-efficient, high-productivity, and low-maintenance heavy machinery option. The DL420A-7M stands out as a solution that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of industries worldwide.”
Exceeding the expectation of Middle East customers is another kettle of fish, however, owing to the harsh job-site conditions peculiar to the region – but DEVELON has that base covered. Kim explains: “Due to the extreme conditions of Middle East job-sites, our products are designed and supplied with the highest levels of durability. The STD specifications are customised to meet the general conditions of the regional market, thus guaranteeing machine quality and performance to operate effectively in such harsh conditions. We also provide additional options as a solution for some exceptional working conditions.”
DEVELON has recently introduced the SD380 model and is aiming to expand its SD range for the region. In the premium DL range, it is introducing new 7M series models with Tier 3 emission regulation, such as the new DL320-7M & DL420-7M models. Kim explains that the new series is equipped with the latest technology for more fuel savings without compromising on performance or productivity, which helps to maximise customers’ profits.
And not only fuel savings and productivity, DEVELON is also at the forefront of sustainable and autonomous equipment solutions.
“We clearly showed our direction by conducting a demo of our Concept-X technology which includes complete autonomous operations for excavators, wheel loaders, dump trucks and dozers. DEVELON’s future direction is centred on innovation. We’ve also developed the electric mini-excavators, which we have now made available in the Middle East, and we expect electric technology to be applied to other models such as wheel loaders. So we look forward to providing more innovative and differentiated products in the near future,” Kim says.