Optimize Wheel Loader Performance and Productivity

Custom buckets and options are available for unique applications. For more information, contact your Cat^® dealer.

Bucket Material Recommendations

Use this chart to help select the right bucket type for your application:

• Find the application closest to yours
• Find the recommended bucket type
• Size the bucket to your machine based on material density and machine size
   

Operator Tips to Maximize Productivity and Save Fuel

Essential tips when using a wheel loader to fill a truck to help maximize productivity, while minimizing fuel consumption and reducing component wear;

1. Truck at 45 Degrees The loader operator should ensure that the truck is positioned at an angle of 45 degrees to the face of the material. This is the best possible position of material, truck and loader to ensure minimum loader movement, resulting in faster cycle times and less fuel consumption.
   
   
2. Straight-on Approach The loader should make a straight-on (square) approach to the face of the material. This ensures that both sides of the bucket hit the face at the same time for a full bucket.  A straight-on approach also minimizes side forces on the machine – which can cause wear and tear in the long term.
   
   
3. First Gear The loader approaches the face in first gear, at a steady speed. This low-gear, high torque provides opt
   
   
4. Minimize Ground Contact The cutting edge of the bucket should not touch the ground more than 15 to 40 centimeters before the face of the material. This reduces bucket wear and material contamination. It also reduces fuel consumption since there is no unnecessary friction between bucket and ground.
   
   
5. Keep it Parallel To get a full bucket, the cutting edge should remain parallel to the ground and just before curling the bucket, the operator should raise it a little. This avoids unnecessary bucket-material contact, prolonging bucket life and saving fuel due to less friction.
   
   
6. No Spinning Wheel-spinning wears-out expensive tires. It also burns fuel for nothing. Spinning is prevented when in first gear.
   
   
7. Avoid Chasing Instead of chasing the load up the face, penetrate – lift – curl. This is the most fuel-efficient maneuver.
   
   
8. Keep the Floor Clean This will help ensure the best speed and momentum when approaching the pile. It will also reduce material spillage when reversing with a full bucket. To help keep the floor clean, avoid tire spinning and avoid loosing material with brutal maneuvers. This will also reduce your fuel consumption.
   
   

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