When configuring a wheel loader for purchase or rental, the first thing to consider is the primary application it will be performing. Will you be utilizing the machine for basic bucket and fork work? If so, how much weight will you be lifting and how high will you need to lift it? In this case, it’s important to take a look at the machine’s full turn static tip load (FTSTL) and lift height. We reached out to our compact wheel loader product team to learn more about how these configurations break down.

• The FTSTL defines the amount of bucket material weight it will take for the machine to tip when the loader arms are level and the machine is fully articulated.
• The rated load for a bucket is 50% of the FTSTL, and can be up to 80% of the FTSTL for a set of forks. It can guide you as to how much the machine can safely lift while in operation. Depending on the ground condition, you may be able to safely operate the machine at a reduced factor; however, using rated load as a guide is a good starting point.
• For example, if you need to be able to lift 6,000 pounds of material in the bucket, you want to select a machine with a 12,000 pound FTSTL and 6,000 pound rated load.
• To properly size the bucket on your wheel loader, a simple rule of thumb is to use the rated load (FTSTL/2) divided by the material density. This will give you your target bucket size.
• If your application requires loading a truck or hopper with a tall height, you may want to consider a machine with a high lift linkage option or purchasing a rollout bucket to help increase dump height.

Something to keep in mind—a machine with higher horsepower doesn’t translate to a higher FTSTL and vice versa. If the loader is properly designed, horsepower will never translate into higher FTSTL.

If your application requires operation of hydromechanical attachments, such as brooms, snow blowers, power box rakes or cold planers, it is important to select a machine with the amount of hydraulic horsepower needed to operate that attachment at maximum performance. Features such as high-flow or four-valve hydraulics may be needed to run specialty tools.

Dimensional requirements are also important factors to consider, especially if you are working on job sites with limited space or if you need to transport the machine to multiple sites. For instance, if the job site has a tight turning area, a larger wheel loader may not be an option since they have a larger turning radius. Will you be using a trailer to transport the machine to each job site? If so, it’s critical to select a wheel loader that fits within the towing capacity of your truck and trailer.