Volvo Construction Equipment has announced the expansion of its range of machine control systems to include a wider range of its wheeled loaders and is also launching productivity and serviceability enhancements on the machines.
Volvo CE’s Load Assist machine control applications will now be available on its wheeled loader range from the L60H to the L350H models., said Eric Yeomans, product manager, wheel loaders, Volvo CE.
“We never settle when it comes to product development. We’re introducing updates to enhance the performance, operation and servicing of our mid-size and large wheeled loaders, and we’re expanding Load Assist capabilities, which will give operators more real-time info and automate certain tasks.”
Volvo’s Load Assist apps are operated through its Co-Pilot 10-inch in-cab touchscreen display and was first introduced in 2016 with the company’s On-Board Weighing app, which offers +/- 1% accuracy on every bucket. Last year, Load Assist was made standard on the L150H to L260H wheeled loaders, and the company introduced the Operator Coaching app to provide real-time guidance to operators.
According to Volvo, the newest updates will extend Load Assist to the L60-L90 range, and further enhance ease of operation, safety and overall site efficiency.
The Co-Pilot touch screen now displays tyre pressure and temperature in real time, with each tyre monitored independently and pressure limits set per axle. If any tyre gets outside the set parameters, the operator will be alerted. The data can also be made available on CareTrack, Volvo’s standard telematics system, so site managers can analyse trends in tire parameters for similar site conditions in the future.
Another Volvo CE work aid, the Map app, uses the loader’s built-in GPS for positioning and telecom connection on the Co-Pilot to communicate between machines. Operators can monitor on-site traffic in real time and proactively adjust their driving according to traffic conditions, especially in areas where multiple machines are operating close to each other. Efficiency is improved, as operators can better anticipate driving decisions by monitoring traffic and workflow cycle.
Three other apps – the Calculator, Notes and Weather apps – are considered Toolbox Applications. The Calculator can be used for quick mathematical calculations and unit conversions. The Notes app allows for digital notetaking in the cab. And the Weather app gives operators current and upcoming weather conditions to inform operation decisions.
Volvo CE has also upgraded some existing Load Assist features, such as the Radar Detect System option, which is now integrated into the Co-Pilot. This gives operators a rear-view camera and load information on a single screen for increased convenience and safety when reversing.
The final update is the addition of two new Task modes on the On-Board Weighing app. Operators can now choose from Trip Meter, Truck Loading, Stockpiling or Processing mode. Each mode will adapt the Co-Pilot screen layout and provide relevant information for increased efficiency in different applications.
Volvo has also made machine updates to the 11 models in its L60H to L350H wheeled loader line-up. A standard feature on all of them now is a rimpull control system, which allows operators to minimise wheel spin and optimise the balance between rimpull and hydraulic functions, helping reduce tyre wear and fuel consumption for more efficient bucket filling.
The oil change interval has been extended to 1,000 hours, and on L150H to L260H wheel loaders, a new quick-fit system enables cleaner, faster oil changes. Also, new handles have been installed on both sides of the counterweight facility, helping make service points more accessible.
