Volvo Construction Equipment Announces Updates Across Wheel Loader Lineup to Maximize Efficiency, Safety and Profitability

Driven by feedback from customers in demanding applications like quarrying, mining, construction, utilities, logging and agriculture, these enhancements are designed to maximize machine uptime and jobsite safety while strengthening the long-term profitability of every fleet.

Powering Large-Scale Productivity

Volvo CE’s largest wheel loader, the L350, now runs on a Volvo D17 engine, which delivers more power and up to 5% better fuel efficiency. The D17 engine uses wave piston technology to provide higher torque at lower rpm, enabling smoother low-speed operation and faster boom speeds. Together with Smart Control, a new machine feature that improves the interaction between the hydraulic, driveline and engine function to enhance performance, the D17-powered L350 is positioned to elevate jobsite productivity while lowering total cost of ownership.

“High-production environments are the ultimate test of a machine’s value,” said Eric Yeomans, Product Manager — Wheel Loaders at Volvo CE. “These updates ensure the L350 remains the powerhouse on jobsites while helping customers reduce fuel burn and lower their TCO.”

For specialized material management, the L260 heavy-duty rehandler has been optimized to take productivity to new heights. Built on the proven L260 platform, the rehandler now features a heavier integrated counterweight that dramatically increases loading capacity. Operators can now maximize their cycles using a 10.7 yd³ (8.2 m³) bucket with a standard boom or a 9.5 yd³ (7.3 m³) bucket with a long boom. It also incorporates advanced technologies like Automatic Traction Control to improve safety while reducing tire wear and operator fatigue.

Bringing Big-Machine Efficiency to Mid-Size Models

In the mid-size range, Volvo CE has expanded its exclusive Reverse By Braking (RBB) and OptiShift technologies to the L60, L70, and L90. Previously reserved for larger-class models, these popular features eliminate power losses, reduce driveline wear and increase fuel efficiency by up to 15%.

Furthermore, these three models plus the L110 and L120 can now be factory-fitted with OilQuick, an automatic quick coupler system. This allows operators to connect and disconnect hydraulic attachments from the safety of the cab in just seconds, maximizing uptime and versatility across different tasks.

The 22-ton L120 Electric wheel loader has received significant updates to its operational and safety systems, including rimpull control to optimize traction in slippery conditions. Its responsive braking system is enhanced by a new electric brake valve, allowing full RBB functionality even when the battery's state of charge is high or temperatures are extreme. This system assists deceleration while providing similar behavior as the energy recouperation feature, which is able to recoup up to 15% of energy, extending runtime and reducing brake wear. 

The L120 Electric loader has proven particularly successful in waste and recycling applications, and a dedicated waste handling package is now available, featuring a specialized cab air pre-cleaner and all-around machine guarding.

New-Gen Compact Electric Models Arrive in North America

In the compact lineup, the third generation L20 Electric and L25 Electric compact wheel loaders are now available in North America, after being previously introduced in other regions. The L20 Electric received a 21% increase in standard battery capacity, now matching the L25 Electric. Both machines also now come with expanded attachment options.

Another update is the addition of air conditioning, which was added in direct response to feedback from customers seeking enhanced operator comfort and productivity in any climate.

Expanding Technology and Site Solutions

Recognizing that machine technology and jobsite digitalization are now critical competitive advantages for contractors, Volvo CE is expanding its suite of services that bridge the gap between the operator’s cab and the back office. 

Certifiable on-board weighing is available in Europe for wheel loader models L110 through L260 (excluding the L120 Electric) and will be piloted in North America. This system can be certified for trade by a third party, making it legal for billing. This allows trucks to bypass site scales because the load ticket generated by the loader is accurate and secure enough for direct invoicing, which significantly streamlines site traffic and administrative efficiency.

On-board weighing integrates seamlessly with Load Ticket, a Volvo CE service that wirelessly transmits tickets from the machine to a site office. This eliminates paper tickets and the possibility of them being lost, creates more accurate invoicing and simplifies customer management. 

“This technology digitizes the entire load-out process, from loading to invoicing,” said Jenny Olsen, Product Manager — Productivity Services at Volvo CE. “Combined with the machine updates, we’re providing solutions that offer increased productivity as a loader fills a truck, quick and accurate certified weighing, and a digital load ticket that goes straight to a customer’s ERP software and an invoice to their customer — all in less time than it would have taken for the operator to stop at the scales.” 

Safety and situational awareness are amplified by the optional Volvo Smart View with 360°, now available for the L150 through L260. This system uses four strategically placed cameras to provide a complete bird's-eye view around the machine on the integrated Volvo Co-Pilot display. By eliminating blind spots, it helps operators avoid obstacles, reduces the risk of accidents and decreases operator stress.

“From compact wheel loaders to the massive L350 to our technology services, our goal is simple,” Yeomans said. “We want to ensure the long-term viability and profitability of every fleet by maximizing their uptime, productivity and safety.”

Visit the Volvo CE Booth, F24029, in the Festival Grounds during CONEXPO to see the updated wheel loaders, along with other new machines and solutions from across the company’s portfolio. To learn more about Volvo CE wheel loaders, visit volvoce.com/united-states/en-us/products/wheel-loaders/.