Maximize your wheel loader productivity with the right attachments

How often do you switch between wheel loader attachments on a job site? Many jobs require wheel loader operators to change attachments several times a day. Choosing the right attachments for your application needs can help you spend less time making these adjustments and increase your overall ROI. 
 
Couplers: Promoting versatility
Couplers can dramatically improve the efficiency of a wheel loader. With increased attachment flexibility, couplers allow operators to safely switch between two completely different attachments in a matter of seconds without leaving the cab or requiring the assistance of another person. This means more productivity, less downtime and greater job efficiency, which translates into improved profitability.
 
When buying a wheel loader with a coupler, make sure the coupler has the proper interchange to work with your existing attachments. Most companies offer couplers with one of the many common industry interchanges as well as couplers with their own interchanges. Other companies sell couplers that can work with more than one interchange. For example, the JRB Multi Pick-Up Coupler, manufactured by Paladin Construction Group, can pick up JRB 416 Series attachments as well as ISO attachments, making it even easier for operators to switch between attachments.
 
The fit between the coupler and attachment is very important and should be checked regularly. With the coupler locked to the attachment, check the fit by rolling the attachment forward and measuring the gap between the stop block and the rib stop surface. In general, the maximum allowable gap is 0.080 inches (2.032 mm). Check your operator’s manual for exact measurements. A very tight fit on the other hand, may not allow free movement of the plungers. 
 
Buckets: Bringing in the payload
It may seem like a simple attachment, but choosing the right bucket can help you perform specific jobs more efficiently – saving you time and money. Before you buy a bucket for your wheel loader, think about how you will be using it most often and choose the best fit for your application:
•        General Purpose Buckets – Standard bucket appropriate for use in most basic hauling and loading applications.
•        Multi-Purpose Buckets – One bucket, multiple tools. This bucket easily converts to dig, load, spread, grade, grab and doze.
•        Rock Buckets – Equipped with reinforced components, these buckets are built to withstand some of the toughest loading conditions in mining, aggregate and other severe applications. Rock buckets are often available with either a straight edge or a spade nose for better ground penetration.
•        Side Dump Buckets – Use this bucket to easily dump material from the side in confined, hard to maneuver areas.
 
It is important to know the size and hydraulic capabilities of your wheel loader as well as the weight and abrasiveness of the material you will be hauling before purchasing a bucket attachment. Depending on its size, a wheel loader can only handle a certain capacity. For example, you would not want to use a rock bucket with a small wheel loader. Even though the rock bucket is built to work in tough loading conditions and can hold a certain capacity, that doesn’t mean that your wheel loader can support that weight. If you aren’t sure what bucket attachment is best for your machine and application, ask your local dealer what he recommends.
 
“Our dealers are trained to ask specific questions when customers come in to buy a bucket attachment,” commented Jamie Adams, JRB Sales and Product Manager for Paladin Construction Group.” If they can tell their dealer the size of their machine and what kind of conditions they’re up against, he can recommend the right bucket for them.”
 
Grapples: Lending a helping hand
Designed to help you pick up bulky, unusually shaped or long materials, grapple attachments help you contain material that would not stay in an ordinary bucket. Depending on your job requirements, you can minimize time spent switching between attachments by purchasing a grapple/bucket combination attachment. For example, if you are working a land clearing job, you may be required to haul large amounts of dirt, which a bucket can easily handle. But you may also be responsible for clearing away brush and other natural debris. A grapple will help hold this material tightly in place since its bulky shape and size may hinder it from staying in the bucket. 
 
Forks: Pumping up productivity
Available in a wide variety of carriage and tine lengths, fork attachments help extend your wheel loader’s versatility when transporting pallets and other items such as pipes and logs. It is important to always space your fork attachment tines correctly for the load you will be handling. Also, make sure forks are completely under a load before lifting it. Loads can fall off incorrectly spaced forks. Choose from the following fork attachments for your general construction, utility and recycle/scrap applications:
•        Construction Utility Forks – Turn your wheel loaders into a versatile heavy-duty forklift to safely transport large loads of construction-related materials. Drop-forged, fixed tines provide increased sturdiness and reduce material movement while it is being transported over uneven terrain.
•        Pipe Forks – Specifically designed for pipe handling, pipe forks often feature a hydraulic clamp to ensure maximum load control.
•        Car Body Forks – Designed specifically for use in auto salvage yards, car body forks use tapered tines with beveled tips to ensure easy separation of cars from a load. Most are available in two different lengths to handle cars the long way or the wide way.
 
Increase your attachment’s lifespan
Keep your attachments in top condition. Proper storage of attachments for an extended period of time can be your biggest asset in increasing their ROI. Following these steps to keep your attachments running smoother, longer:
1.      Clean the attachment thoroughly, removing all mud, dirt and grease.
2.      Inspect for visible signs of wear, breakage or damage. Order any parts required and make the necessary repairs to avoid delays when starting next season.
3.      Tighten all loose nuts, capscrews and hydraulic connections.
4.      Lubricate all grease fittings.
5.      Coat the exposed portions of the cylinder rods with grease.
6.      Connect the hydraulic couplers together to protect the hydraulic system from contaminates.
7.      Touch up all unpainted and exposed areas with paint to prevent rust.
8.      Replace decals if damaged or unreadable.
9.      Store the attachment in a dry, protected place with a cover, if possible. Leave the attachment outside will materially shorten its life.
 
Take time up front to choose the best attachments for your application needs. This, along with proper storage, can increase the lifespan of your wheel loader and attachments, giving you a greater return on your overall investment.