Why You Should Try Auto Bucket Fill for Volvo Wheel Loaders

What is Auto Bucket Fill?

At its core, Auto Bucket Fill is a wheel loader feature that provides a solution for automatic bucket filling, which increases driving comfort and improves load consistency. You can think of it as an intelligent partner for one of the most repetitive and demanding tasks of your workday: loading material from a pile. This feature is particularly useful for jobs like rehandling applications, where it performs a very specific, repetitive task.

Here’s how it works: Once you’ve successfully enabled and activated the function, your wheel loader will drive itself into the material you want to collect while controlling the throttle function, boom lift and bucket curl/roll back to fill your bucket. Once the material is in the bucket, the function terminates, leaving your loader standing still so you can take back control for the next step of your cycle. It’s a smooth, seamless process that simplifies one of the most critical parts of the loading process.

It’s not about loader automation. It’s about optimization.

I know some of you might be thinking, “Why would I need my loader to autofill for me?” That’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t about replacing your position as an operator — it’s about empowering you. The true value of Auto Bucket Fill lies in its ability to deliver consistent, repeatable and optimal results, which is what you want day to day.

From my perspective, here’s how Volvo Auto Bucket Fill makes a difference:

• Higher consistency: The system is designed to perform similarly to a “median operator” regarding Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This means it aims for the sweet spot between a full bucket and a fast cycle, while also considering factors like fuel efficiency and tire wear. A manual fill can vary from one wheel loader operator to the next, or even from one minute to the next. Auto Bucket Fill helps ensure you’re getting a great fill factor every single time, which adds up to more material moved at the end of the day.
• Boosted wheel loader productivity and reduced operator fatigue: The loading and filling process is a repetitive task that requires constant attention and micro-adjustments. By automating this, Auto Bucket Fill reduces the time and cost in the bucket fill procedure. More importantly, it helps reduce your physical and mental strain to increase your comfort. When you’re less fatigued, you’re a more focused, productive and safer operator throughout your entire shift.
• Protection for your loaders: Every time you drive into a pile, there’s an opportunity for excessive stress on your wheel loader’s powertrain and hydraulic systems. The intelligent control of the Auto Bucket Fill feature helps minimize this by operating the machine smoothly and efficiently. This can reduce unnecessary wear and tear, contributing to lower operating costs and a longer life for your equipment.

Ultimately, Auto Bucket Fill is more than just a clever feature — it’s a tool designed to help you be more effective. It frees you up to focus on the bigger picture and the overall workflow, all while ensuring the most critical part of your cycle is handled with precision.

Auto Bucket Fill is currently available on our next generation of Volvo wheel loaders. If you’re attending CONEXPO 2026 this March, visit us in the Festival Grounds, Booth F24029, and talk to our experts about how it works — plus check out all the additional new tech on our machines. In the meantime, if you’d like a quick tour via video, this Volvo L260 wheel loader walkaround shows you this feature and more up close.

Eric Yeomans
Product Manager – Large Wheel Loaders

Eric has spent several decades with Volvo and Volvo dealerships in a variety of roles including customer support management, telematics management and product management positions. Today, he represents regional wheel loader requests by providing product training, support and design input.