The benchmark of fuel efficiency: the all new G-Series wheel loaders from Volvo

Featuring tailored engines and driveline systems that improve fuel efficiency, productivity, smoothness, serviceability and operator comfort, the G-Series is the latest generation of wheel loaders from Volvo Construction Equipment. These new models are fitted with engines that are married to drive trains, hydraulics and lifting systems that are all designed and produced by Volvo to work in productive harmony. This unity of purpose means that fuel efficiency is significantly increased compared to the previous F-Series loaders – by up to 15%. That’s not all – the G-Series also features a 20% increase in lifting force and 10% improvement in breakout force.

Power, torque & fuel efficiency

The L150G, L180G and L220G are all fitted with Volvo’s 13 litre, six cylinder turbocharged off-highway diesel engine. Producing between 220 and 274 kW (300-371 hp), depending on the model, these three units provide high torque at low engine speeds. The purpose-built engines fitted to these machines lead the industry in terms of fuel efficiency and reliability. The production of torque and power at low engine speeds, combined with load-sensing hydraulics, removes the need to overrun the engine, which in turn extends engine life as well as lowering fuel usage and dramatically reducing noise.

More powerful hydraulics cut cycle times

The new Volvo G-series wheel loaders boast a 20% increase in lifting force and 10% increase in breakout force. The new improvement ensures smooth, full buckets – resulting in faster cycle times and increased productivity. Two stronger, variable displacement load-bearing axial piston pumps and hoses have been introduced to handle the increased pressures. These provide superior control of the load and attachments, as well as high breakout force, faster lifting and tilt functions. A new hydraulic cooling system has been designed to reduce the working temperatures by up to 20^oC over previous models. Also, the hydraulic oil-return filter has improved from 20 micron to 10 micron to further protect the pumps from potential contamination.

All made by Volvo, the powertrain is designed to work in harmony for optimum performance. Engines, transmissions, drivelines, heavy-duty axles, hydraulics – all are optimized to not only match each other, but to ensure maximum performance and reliability. Transmissions feature the company’s exceptional Volvo Automatic Power Shift (APS) concept, which ensures the loader always operates in the ideal gear by sensing engine and travel speed, kick-down, engine braking and other factors. Offering operators a choice of four gear shifting programs, APS results in more efficient work cycles with lower fuel consumption and wear.

Up to 15% fuel savings in load and carry

Consisting of a new torque converter with Lock Up and free wheel stator, Optishift is a new system that integrates the Volvo patented Reverse-by-Braking (RBB) function – significantly reducing fuel consumption – by up to 15% – as well as increasing operator comfort and driveline durability. When changing from forward to reverse (or vice versa), RBB applies the standard service brake instead of the torque converter, bringing the machine to a halt and putting less stress on the converter and transmission. OptiShift can significantly reduce fuel consumption in operations such as load and carry – as well as in short cycle loading. The driveline lock up, meanwhile, improves drive response, rimpull & incline performance and fuel efficiency.

Volvo’s patented Torque Parallel (TP) linkage combines the benefits of Z-bar and parallel linkages in one system, delivering good parallel movement and high breakout force, even in the highest lift position. Featuring fewer welds, the TP linkage has a strong and durable design that is designed to withstand the toughest conditions.

Industry-leading CareCab

The latest generation Volvo Care Cab fitted to these wheel loaders extends its already legendary status. ROPS/FOPS approved, visibility in the spacious new cabin is excellent, to the rear, to the bucket edge – and to the centrally located instrumentation. With controls that fall easily to hand, operators can breathe easily thanks to efficient air-management and filtering systems – and get on with the job in hand in a comfortable, clean, low-noise and vibration work environment. The servo controls are mounted on the operator seat, and include settings such as Return to Dig. Also, to encourage operators to work smoothly, the accelerator pedal applies an appropriate amount of mechanical back pressure, to encourage low fuel consumption operating techniques.

Caring for the machine

The G-Series comes with advanced electronic monitoring diagnostics that are designed to prolong machine life, enhance uptime and maximize productivity. Contronics monitors functions in real time and alerts the operator if problems occur. MATRIS, meanwhile, charts and analyses data on machine handling and operation. VCADS Pro is a system that allows a machine to be fine-tuned to specific applications, further improving performance. Finally, CareTrack, the Volvo Construction Equipment telematics system, allows machine location and operating data to be securely viewed via the internet from anywhere in the world, aiding fast decisions on maintenance and repairs.

Servicing is made easy with the G-Series, with daily pre-start items quickly checked and scheduled service items conveniently grouped together. The G-Series is fitted with a newly designed engine cover that provides better ventilation of the engine compartment. The cover can be electronically opened backwards – giving good access for fast and easy cleaning or servicing duties. Centralized, ground level lubrication banks lower the time spent on scheduled maintenance. And consumables like filters are easy to reach and easy to replace.

The G-Series comes with a large number of Volvo attachments to suit the application, including high tip and side tipping buckets. It’s not just buckets – there is a wide range of other attachments available, as well as attachment brackets that make changing tools fast and easy. All designed and approved by Volvo to work in perfect harmony with the machines’ link-arm geometry, breakout, rim pull and lifting forces.