The L350H2 is engineered to withstand the toughest conditions. Image: CJD Equipment
The Volvo L350H2 is a heavy-duty wheel loader designed to excel in demanding applications like quarrying.
Volvo has been developing and refining its range of wheel loaders for almost 40 years. The L350H2 is a result of this evolution, building on the success of its predecessors with a host of upgrades.
Quarry looks at what makes the wheel loader tick and finds out how it’s design features make it ideal for quarrying applications.
Powerful performance upgrades
The L350H2 features an all-new Volvo transmission and axles, forming the core of its performance enhancements. This upgraded drivetrain includes third generation OptiShift technology as standard, boosting fuel efficiency by up to 15 per cent.
It also features a more responsive hydraulic system with new lift and tilt cylinders and increased hydraulic working pressure.
With a static tipping load at a full turn of 34,700 kg, the machine can easily handle substantial loads. Its breakout force is equally impressive at 450 kN, allowing it to tackle tough materials and challenging terrains typical of Australian mining and quarrying operations.
Optimised gear shifting ratios and a new converter deliver up to 22 per cent more tractive force, enhancing overall efficiency.
Built for durability
The L350H2 is engineered to withstand the toughest conditions, featuring a reinforced upper centre hinge bearing, updated frames to accommodate the new axles and transmission, and comes with a lifetime warranty on front and rear frames, articulation joints, and loader arm assembly. When it comes to maintenance, the wheel loader features a 4,000-hour axle oil change interval, made possible by an external axle oil cooler with filtration. This extension results in a 50 per cent reduction in related service time, ensuring the machine stays on-site, working and earning, for longer while reducing oil and philtre requirements.
Image: CJD Equipment
Volvo has designed the L350H2 with ease of maintenance in mind. Daily routine checks are simplified thanks to the engine-side hood panels and easily accessed cooling package. All other essential maintenance points can be safely reached using the surrounding walkway, ensuring efficient and safe servicing procedures.
The L350H2 comes equipped with the CareTrack telematics system to maximise machine uptime and reduce repair costs.
The system offers two options for monitoring – self monitoring or ActiveCare Direct, a 24/7 monitoring system that provides weekly reports and comprehensive machine oversight.
Operator comfort and safety
Volvo’s cab design prioritises operator comfort and safety. The cab offers excellent visibility, thanks to the new rear-view camera and redesigned rear-view mirrors. The optional electrically adjusted heated rear-view mirrors further enhance the operator’s field of vision.
LED work lights and reflective stickers following the machine’s contours increase visibility in low-light conditions to improve safety during night operations.
The placement of orange handrails and steps has made access to the cab easier and safer. A remote door opener, operated via a button on the rear left cab post, allows for convenient entry.
The cab has a new adjustable seat and an upgraded human machine interface, standard across all H-Series Volvo wheel loaders. Operators can choose from various seat options, including the fully adjustable premium seat.
The machine can be customised with three hydraulic modes to suit individual preferences: soft, normal, or active. The comfort drive control system allows operators to steer the machine using a small lever, which is particularly effective for fast-paced truck-loading operations.
The Volvo Cab’s automatic climate control system ensures a consistently comfortable working environment. This feature maintains a constant climate inside the cab, contributing to operator comfort throughout long shifts. The cab also boasts minimal vibration levels, enhancing the operator’s experience.
To accommodate various environmental conditions, the L350H2 offers optional features such as a heavy-duty cab roof, cab air pre-cleaner and a timer for cab heating.
Safety and operator assistance
Safety is a paramount concern in the L350H2’s design. The cab is equipped with a standard secondary steering system, ensuring continued manoeuvrability in the event of primary system failure. The bucket levelling function automatically returns the bucket to level from dump and curl positions, reducing operator fatigue and improving efficiency. The L350H2 can be fitted with a rear-view camera and radar detection system for enhanced situational awareness. These features are fully integrated into the Volvo Co-Pilot system, providing visual and audible alerts to the operator when unseen objects approach.
Conclusion
With its focus on operator comfort, safety, and ease of maintenance, the L350H2 is designed to keep productivity high and downtime low.•
For more information, visit cjd.com.au
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