Essential tips for truck loading with a wheel loader - to maximize productivity, minimize fuel consumption and reduce component wear.
Position truck at 45-degree angle
Ensure the truck is positioned at an angle of 45 degrees to the face of the material. This is the optimum position of material, truck and loader to ensure minimum loader movement, faster cycle times and reduced fuel consumption.
Straight-on loader approach
The loader should make a straight-on (square) approach to the material face. 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 over time.
Use first gear
The loader should approach the face in first gear at a steady speed. This low-gear, high torque technique optimizes machine power to maximize material penetration for faster bucket loading.
Avoid wheel spinning
Wheel spinning wears expensive tires and burns fuel. Use first gear to prevent spinning.
Minimize ground contact
The cutting edge of the bucket should not touch the ground more than 15 to 40 cm before the face of the material. This reduces bucket wear and material contamination. It also reduces fuel consumption by eliminating unnecessary friction between bucket and ground.
Avoid chasing
Instead of chasing the load up the face, penetrate—lift—curl. This is the most fuel-efficient loading method.
Keep the working floor clean
A clean floor helps ensure the proper speed and momentum when approaching the pile. It will also reduce material spillage when reversing with a full bucket. To keep floor clean, avoid tire spinning or spilling material with abrupt maneuvers. This will also reduce your fuel consumption.
For more tips on maximizing wheel loader productivity, contact your local Cat® dealer.