With a 20 per cent increase in lifting force, the L150G, L180G and L220G are the foundation for the new G-Series range of wheel loaders from Volvo Construction Equipment. Common to the whole family, they offer higher productivity, improved fuel efficiency and stronger hydraulics.

Featuring new engines and driveline systems for improved productivity, lower emissions, greater smoothness, serviceability and operator comfort, G-Series is the latest generation of wheel loaders from Volvo Construction Equipment. These new models are fitted with a Tier 4i/Stage IIIB compliant engine that suits to drive train, hydraulics and lifting systems that are all designed and produced by Volvo to work in perfect, productive, fuel efficient harmony. The G-Series also features a 20 per cent increase in lifting force and 10 per cent improvement in breakout force.

More = power, torque & fuel efficiency
The G-Series is a complete range of loaders that meet the requirements of the Stage IIIB (in Europe) and Tier 4i (in the US) emissions legislation that came into force on January 1st 2011. The L150G, L180G and L220G are all fitted with Volvo’s 13 litre, six cylinder turbocharged V-ACT (Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology) off-highway diesel engine, which features cooled gas recirculation and a particulate filter with active regeneration. The active-type diesel particulate filter (DPF) temporarily holds the particulate matter and then incinerates it, further reducing emissions. This process is conducted without any loss of performance or operation.

Producing between 220 and 274 kW (300-371 hp), depending on the model, these three units provide high torque at low engine speeds. Meeting the low emissions requirements of the legislation, the D13 engine also leads the industry in terms of fuel efficiency, reliability and noise. The production of torque and power at low engine speeds, combined with load-sensing hydraulics, removes the need to overrun the engine, which in turn extends engine life as well as lowers the fuel usage and dramatically reduces noise.

A variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) has been introduced on the G-Series wheel loaders. The VGT is designed to continually vary the airflow into the engine. A sliding nozzle allows the exhaust gas flowing into the turbine wheel to vary so as to provide rapid boost at low engine speeds – and to achieve and maintain high boost at higher engine speeds. This contributes to good engine response across the entire engine speed range.

More powerful hydraulics cut cycle times
The new Volvo G-series wheel loaders boast a 20 per cent increase in lifting force and 10 per cent increase in breakout force. The new improvement ensures smooth, full buckets – resulting in faster cycle times and increased productivity. Two stronger, variable displacement load-bearing axial piston pumps and hoses have been introduced to handle the increased pressures. These provide superior control of the load and attachments, as well as high breakout force, faster lifting and tilt functions. A new hydraulic cooling system has been designed to reduce the working temperatures by up to 20° C over previous models. Also, the hydraulic oil-return filter has improved from 20 micron to 10 micron to further protect the pumps from potential contamination.

All made by Volvo, the powertrain is designed to work in harmony for optimum performance. Engines, transmissions, drivelines, heavy-duty axles, hydraulics – all are optimised to not only match each other, but to ensure maximum performance and reliability. Transmissions feature the company’s exceptional Volvo Automatic Power Shift (APS) concept, which ensures the loader always operates in the ideal gear by sensing engine and travel speed, kick-down, engine braking and other factors. Offering operators a choice of four gear shifting programs, APS results in more efficient work cycles with lower fuel consumption and wear.

Up to 15 per cent fuel savings
Consisting of a new torque converter with lock up and free wheel stator, Optishift is a new system that integrates the Volvo patented Reverse-by-Braking (RBB) function – significantly reducing fuel consumption – by up to 15 per cent – as well as increasing operator comfort and driveline durability. When changing from forward to reverse (or vice versa), RBB applies the standard service brake instead of the torque converter, bringing the machine to a halt and putting less stress on the converter and transmission. OptiShift can significantly reduce fuel consumption in operations such as load and carry – as well as in short cycle loading. The driveline lock up, meanwhile, improves drive response, rimpull & incline performance and fuel efficiency.

Volvo’s patented Torque Parallel (TP) linkage combines the benefits of Z-bar and parallel linkages in one system, delivering good parallel movement and high breakout force, even in the highest lift position. Featuring fewer welds, the TP linkage has a strong and durable design that is designed to withstand the toughest conditions.

Industry-leading Care Cab
The latest generation Volvo Care Cab fitted to these wheel loaders extends its already legendary status. ROPS/FOPS approved, visibility in the spacious new cabin is excellent, to the rear, to the bucket edge – and to the centrally located instrumentation. With controls that fall easily to hand, operators can breathe easily thanks to efficient air-management and filtering systems – and get on with the job in hand in a comfortable, clean, low-noise and vibration work environment. The servo controls are mounted on the operator seat, and include settings such as Return to Dig. Also, to encourage operators to work smoothly, the accelerator pedal applies an appropriate amount of mechanical back pressure, to encourage low fuel consumption operating techniques.

Caring for the machine
The G-Series comes with advanced electronic monitoring diagnostics that are designed to prolong machine life, enhance up time and maximize productivity.

Contronics monitors functions in real time and alerts the operator if problems occur. MATRIS, meanwhile, charts and analyses data on machine handling and operation. VCADS Pro is a system that allows a machine to be fine-tuned to specific applications, further improving performance. Finally, CareTrack, the Volvo Construction Equipment telematics system, allows machine location and operating data to be securely viewed via the Internet from anywhere in the world, aiding fast decisions on maintenance and repairs