Volvo CE upgrades wheel loader with productivity and fuel efficiency features
The upgraded L350H wheel loader from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is built to further enhance the profitability of customers' operations.
Complete with a host of upgrades, the L350H is ready to tackle a range of applications from mining and quarrying to heavy infrastructure with greater productivity and fuel efficiency, all with lower service costs.
The Volvo L350H comes prepared for heavy-duty applications as standard from the factory thanks to the proven Z-bar lifting arm with double sealing on each of the pins, and strong frame structure, which is joined by a reinforced upper centre hinge and new Volvo axles. Whether it be log loading, rock loading, rehandling, block handling, or slag handling, Volvo CE has the specialized package (of machine features, tires, and attachments) needed to achieve ideal performance.
The upgraded components of the L350H wheel loader
This upgrade is built off the machine's previous iterations – dating back to 1985 – with a few notable improvements. A more responsive hydraulics system, featuring new lift and tilt cylinders, and an increased hydraulic working pressure allows for 10 percent faster work cycles and higher productivity.
Meanwhile, the upgraded driveline features new Volvo axles and an all-new Volvo transmission which enables the third generation OptiShift to be equipped as standard. Already found on Volvo L110H to L260H wheel loaders, this technology integrates the reverse by braking function and the lock up function in transmission to boost fuel efficiency by up to 15 percent. Efficiency is further enhanced by an optimized gear shifting ratio and the new converter, which delivers higher outputs resulting in up to 22 percent more tractive force depending on selected gear and machine speed.
The machine also boasts an even tougher form thanks to an upper center hinge bearing and updated frames to accommodate the new axles and transmission.
Productivity of the new wheel loader
Customers can keep working with the updated L350H for longer and reduce costs thanks to extended service intervals – doubled to 1,000 hours for the engine and to 4,000 hours for an axle oil change, made possible by an axle oil cooler with filtration fitted as standard.
In addition, customers can further minimize machine downtime and increase component life with features including heavy-duty axles with fully floating shafts, planetary hub reduction, and maintenance-free rear axle trunnion bearings.
Telematics connectivity and established features, such as the Load Assist suite of apps accessed from the in-cab Volvo Co-Pilot display, further improve efficiency and uptime.
The On-Board Weighing app provides real-time insight into the load of the bucket and the payload of the load receiver. The Operator Coaching Advanced app will support customers in using the L350H to its full potential. It provides real-time information and guidance to operators, helping them to work in a way which delivers ideal productivity and fuel efficiency, as well as reduced machine wear. Furthermore, a portfolio of complementary Volvo Services – including Productivity Report, EcoOperator training and ActiveCare – also provide valuable insights into ways to lower cost per ton and make impactful changes to the way the machine is run.
Operator comfort of the L350H wheel loader
The L350H provides the same operator experience as previous machines which helps with operator performance. As well as its standard remote-controlled door opening, air-conditioning, and secondary steering system, there is also ideal visibility complemented by the optional electrically adjusted heated rearview mirrors, along with the rearview camera and radar detect system.
Operators can configure the machine according to the job with a choice of three hydraulic modes, customizable lockup engagement, and rimpull control, while the bucket levelling function automatically returns the bucket to level, from both dump and curl positions, helping to reduce operator fatigue.
