Wheel loaders are essential core equipment on construction sites, mines, farms, and ports. They carry out heavy loading, moving, and cleaning work day after day. However, like any hard-working machine, loaders will inevitably encounter various problems.   Identifying and solving these problems on time will not only minimize costly downtime but also ensure safe operation and extend the life of the equipment. This article will take a deep look at the 5 most common loader problems and provide clear, feasible solutions to help you keep your equipment at its best performance.     Problem 1: Sluggish Transmission Response or Slippage (Transmission Problems)​ The transmission is the core of the loader's power system, and its health directly affects the equipment's travel and operation capabilities. ​   Common Symptoms​: Common symptoms include difficult shifting, strong impact, gear slippage or power interruption during driving, abnormal humming or creaking noises from the transmission, and high transmission oil temperature and dashboard alarms.   Root causes​: Root causes include oil problems, such as low transmission oil level, oil contamination or the use of the wrong type of oil; filter blockage, that is, the transmission filter has not been replaced for a long time, resulting in a blocked oil circuit; internal wear, such as wear of internal components such as clutch plates, friction plates or gears; and electronic control failure, that is, failure of the control valve or solenoid valve, resulting in the inability to correctly execute the shift command.     Solution​: Regularly check the oil: Check the transmission oil level daily and replace the transmission oil and filter element strictly according to the manufacturer's recommended cycle. This is the most basic and most important preventive measure. ​ Use the right oil: Make sure to always use a dedicated transmission oil that meets the equipment specifications. ​ Pay attention to cleaning: Keep the transmission and radiator clean to ensure good heat dissipation performance. ​ Professional diagnosis: If the problem persists, especially involving internal noise or severe slippage, stop the operation immediately and contact a professional technician for inspection to avoid the expansion of the fault.   Problem 2: Hydraulic System Failures​ The hydraulic system is the "muscle" of the loader, responsible for all key actions such as lifting the boom and flipping the bucket. ​   Common symptoms​: The speed of lifting the boom or flipping the bucket slows down significantly. Even if the engine speed is high, the lifting force feels insufficient. The hydraulic pump makes a sharp whistling sound. There are obvious signs of oil leakage at the hydraulic oil pipe joints or cylinders, and the hydraulic oil temperature is too high.   Root cause​: Oil contamination is the number one killer of hydraulic system failures. Dust, moisture or metal particles entering the oil will quickly wear out the pump, valve and cylinder; filter element blockage, that is, the hydraulic oil filter element (including oil suction and return oil filter elements) is blocked, resulting in insufficient oil supply; the oil level is too low, that is, the oil level in the hydraulic oil tank is lower than the standard, causing the system to inhale air. Core components are worn, such as wear of the hydraulic pump, main control valve, or internal seals of the cylinder, resulting in internal leakage and the inability to build pressure. ​   Solution​: Keep the oil clean: Regularly replace the hydraulic oil and all filter elements. When adding or replacing hydraulic oil, ensure the surrounding environment and tools are kept clean. ​ Daily inspection: Check the hydraulic oil level before starting work every day, inspect all hydraulic pipes and joints, and deal with leaks in time. ​ Avoid overloading: Long-term overload operation will accelerate the wear of hydraulic pumps and valves. ​ Professional pressure test: If there is a weakness in movement, ask technicians to use a professional pressure gauge to test the system pressure to accurately locate the fault point.   Problem 3: Difficulty starting the engine or black smoke (Engine Problems)​ The engine is the heart of the loader, and any problem with it may cause the equipment to stop completely. ​   Common symptoms​: Common symptoms include difficulty starting when the engine is cold or hot, requiring multiple attempts, insufficient power when working, feeling "weak", abnormal color smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe (black smoke: incomplete combustion; blue smoke: burning oil; white smoke: fuel contains water or coolant enters the cylinder), and the engine water temperature is too high, or there is an abnormal knocking sound when running.   Root causes​: The root causes include the fuel system, such as clogged diesel filter, poor atomization of the injector or poor fuel quality; in the intake system, the air filter is severely clogged, resulting in insufficient air intake; in the cooling system, the radiator is clogged, the thermostat is faulty or the coolant is insufficient, resulting in engine overheating; there are also problems with the lubrication system, that is, low oil pressure or insufficient oil.   Solutions​: Strictly implement maintenance: According to the maintenance manual, replace the "three filters" (engine filter, diesel filter, air filter) and engine oil on time. ​ Ensure fuel quality: Add clean and qualified diesel from regular channels. ​ Keep the radiator clean: Regularly use compressed air to blow away dust and debris on the surface of the radiator. ​ Pay attention to the dashboard: Always pay attention to key indicators such as the water temperature gauge and oil pressure gauge, and stop the machine immediately for inspection if any abnormality is found. For problems such as black smoke, usually start by checking the air filter and diesel filter.   Problem 4: Excessive wear or damage of tires (Tire/Wheel Problems)​ The tire is the only part of the loader that contacts the ground, and its condition directly affects the traction, stability, and even operational safety of the equipment.     Common symptoms​: Uneven wear of the tread pattern, such as excessive wear in the middle, sides or parts, cracks and bulges on the sidewall of the tire, or puncture of the tread by sharp objects, abnormal bumps or body shaking during driving, frequent drop in tire pressure, frequent need for air replenishment, loose wheel hub bolts or deformation and cracks on the rim.   Root causes​: Improper tire pressure. Too high tire pressure will cause aggravated wear in the middle of the tread. Too low tire pressure will cause wear on both sides and increase the risk of a tire blowout. Long-term overloading, that is, continuous operation beyond the rated load, will cause huge pressure on the tire structure. Harsh working conditions, that is, frequent driving on sharp stones, construction waste, or rugged ground. Bad operating habits, such as sharp turns, turning on the spot, and rushing to the pile of materials at high speed, will seriously wear the tires. There is also maintenance negligence, that is, failure to clean the stones embedded in the pattern in time, and the wheel hub bolts are not tightened according to the specified torque.   Solution​: Daily check of tire pressure: When the tire is cool, use a tire pressure gauge to check and adjust to the standard value recommended by the manufacturer before starting work every day. Strengthen visual inspection: Go around the vehicle to check whether there are obvious cuts and bulges on the tire surface, and clean up stones or other foreign objects embedded in the tread in time. ​ Standard driving operation: Avoid overloading, reduce high-speed driving and sharp turns, and approach smoothly when shoveling materials.​ Regular tightening and inspection: Use a torque wrench to check and tighten all wheel hub bolts regularly. Also, check whether the rim is deformed or cracked. ​ Choose the right tire: Choose tires with corresponding patterns and wear resistance grades according to the main working conditions (such as earthwork, stone yard, coal yard, etc.).   Problem 5: Electrical System Failure (Electrical Issues)​ Modern loaders increasingly rely on complex electrical systems to control and monitor equipment status. ​   Common symptoms​: The headlights and work lights are off or flickering, the starter does not respond or is unable to rotate, the battery is frequently depleted, and the dashboard indicator lights, instruments, or display screens do not work properly.   Root causes​: Battery problems, such as battery aging, pile head corrosion or loose connections; generator failure, that is, the generator cannot charge the battery normally; line damage, such as aging, breakage, short circuit or poor contact of connectors; and fuse blown, that is, a circuit overload or short circuit causes the fuse to burn out.     Solution​: Battery maintenance: Keep the battery terminals clean and tight, and apply butter to prevent corrosion. Check the electrolyte level regularly (if applicable). Check the generator: Check the tension of the generator belt regularly. If the battery is frequently low, check the charging voltage of the generator. Protect the wiring: Protect the wiring harness of the entire vehicle to prevent it from being squeezed, rubbed, or exposed to oil and high temperatures. ​ Check the fuse: If an electrical device does not work, first check the corresponding fuse box.   Conclusion: Prevention is better than a cure​ Managing a wheel loader requires establishing a strict daily inspection and regular maintenance plan, so that you can discover and solve most of the above problems in advance.   Timely handling of small problems is the best way to prevent them from turning into expensive overhauls and long downtime. Incorporate preventive maintenance into your daily work, and your loader will return your investment with higher efficiency, longer life, and safer performance.    

Backhoe loaders and wheel loaders are both essential pieces of equipment in the construction industry. Both machines are versatile and can perform a range of tasks on a construction site. However, there are significant differences in their design, function, and usage. In this blog, let’s explore the differences between the two machines in detail.   Backhoe Loader Backhoe loaders are four-wheel-drive machines that have a front loader bucket and a rear-mounted backhoe attachment. The front loader bucket is similar to a wheel loader, and it is primarily used for loading and moving materials on the construction site. The backhoe attachment is a hydraulic arm with a bucket at the end, making it ideal for digging trenches, excavating, and other digging tasks. Backhoe loaders are compact machines, making them perfect for working in tight spaces. They are also highly maneuverable, allowing operators to complete tasks quickly. Backhoe machines are perfect for construction tasks that require both digging and loading.      Wheel Loader A wheel loader is a heavy-duty machine with a large front-mounted bucket. The machine is driven by a powerful engine and is designed to move heavy materials quickly and efficiently. The bucket can be used for loading and transporting soil, gravel, and other materials in bulk. Wheel loaders are larger than backhoe diggers and are generally used for jobs that require more lifting capacity. They are ideal for moving large volumes of material over long distances on a construction site. However, because of their size, wheel loaders are not as maneuverable as backhoe loaders, and they are not suitable for tight spaces.     Differences Between Backhoe Loader and Wheel Loader - Function: The primary difference between a backhoe loader and a wheel loader is the type of work they are best suited for. Backhoe loaders are perfect for tasks that require both digging and loading, while wheel loaders are better for jobs that require moving large amounts of material over long distances. Additionally, backhoe loaders are more maneuverable, making them ideal for working in tight spaces. - Size and Weight: Another significant difference between the two machines is their size. Backhoe loaders are more compact and smaller than wheel loaders, which makes them more versatile and easier to maneuver. Wheel loaders are larger and more powerful, but they lack the maneuverability and versatility of backhoe loaders. - Speed: Backhoe loaders are slower than wheel loaders due to their smaller size and weight. Wheel loader are faster and more efficient at loading and transporting materials.   Both backhoe loaders and wheel loaders are essential pieces of equipment in the construction industry. They are both versatile and can perform various tasks on a construction site. When it comes to choosing between a backhoe loader and a wheel loader, it's essential to consider the job requirements, the size of the site, and your budget.   If you’re still not sure which machine makes sense for your project, consider communicating directly with LTMG Team. Someone who knows the ins and outs of both machines, as well as their various attachments, can take a look at your site plans and make an expert recommendation as to which of these machines is right for you.

An articulated wheel loader is a kind of wheel loader with an articulated frame structure, whose main features include a small turning radius, maneuverability, and lateral stability, and the articulated structure is adopted to improve the flexibility and adaptability of the machine, especially the ability to work in narrow or complex terrain. By adopting central articulation or front and rear articulation, this type of loader makes the trajectory of front and rear wheels consistent, which reduces steering resistance and tire wear, and improves work efficiency and safety.     The design of articulated wheel loaders also takes into account the convenience and comfort of operation. For example, some models are equipped with a high-level auto-leveling working device and a dust sealing and lubricating structure of the working device articulation part, which are designed to improve the reliability of the loader and the comfort of the operator. In addition, some articulated wheel loaders also adopt load-sensing full hydraulic steering systems, which can prioritize steering needs while ensuring effective coordination between the steering hydraulic system and the work unit.   From a historical perspective, China's first articulated wheel loader, the LiuGong z450, was designed with an integral frame and rear-wheel steering, a structure that represented a certain technical level at the time, but compared with later articulated wheel loaders, it was deficient in both maneuverability and flexibility. With the development and improvement of technology, the design and performance of articulated wheel loaders have been continuously upgraded, and they have become an indispensable part of modern construction machinery.   In practical application, articulated wheel loaders are commonly used in various environments such as construction sites, port terminals, station yards, etc., for handling loose materials such as soil, gravel, coal, etc., and also for hauling, leveling, stacking, and depalletizing operations. Due to its unique structure and function, the articulated wheel loader occupies an important position in the field of modern construction machinery.     How to compare the performance and application scenarios of articulated wheel loaders with other types of loaders? Comparison of articulated wheel loaders with other types of loaders in terms of performance and application scenarios can be analyzed in the following aspects: 1. Performance Characteristics: (1) Articulated wheel loaders usually have better passability and operational flexibility. For example, the centering arrangement of the front and rear frame hinge points of the JGM757-II wheel loader makes the front and rear wheel tracks overlap when steering, which improves the passability, and at the same time, the key hinge points of the working device adopt a dustproof structure, which extends the service life of the pins. (2) In contrast, other types of loaders, such as track loaders, although also possessing good maneuverability, may not be as flexible and passable as articulated wheel loaders under certain operating conditions.   2. Application Scenarios: (1) Articulated wheel loaders are suitable for a wide range of complex terrains and environments due to their excellent passability and maneuverability. For example, the XCMG WZ30-25B backhoe loader integrates digging and loading and can be equipped with a variety of attachments, which are suitable for several operations such as digging, shoveling, transporting, and leveling the site. (2) Other types of loaders, such as the Komatsu WA380-6 loader, are designed for specific light-duty operations, such as shoveling and loading of loose materials and short-distance transportation, and are suitable for scenarios such as highways, railroads, and ports.   3. Technology and Innovation: (1) The articulated wheel loaders are constantly innovating in terms of technology. For example, the Cat® 966 GC wheel loader adopts an advanced hydraulic system and control device, which can significantly improve the full bucket factor and reduce fuel consumption. (2) Other types of loaders are also pursuing development in the direction of high efficiency, energy saving, and emission reduction, for example, the Shandong Lingong L968HEV wheel loader adopts dual-way braking energy recovery technology, which improves energy efficiency and range. To summarize, articulated wheel loaders show high flexibility and adaptability in performance, especially in complex terrain and the need for frequent changes in the operating environment is more prominent. Other types of loaders show their specialized strengths in specific areas of operation (e.g. light material handling).     What are the market shares and major manufacturers of articulated wheel loaders? First of all, regarding the market share, it can be inferred that articulated wheel loaders are in high demand in specific fields, especially in the small articulated loader (wheeled mini loader) industry, where a certain field occupied the largest market share in the industry in 2022. Moreover, the birth of the first articulated wheel loader in China marked the beginning of the development of this technology in the country, and its market share has increased from 2010 to date.   Internationally recognized manufacturers include Bobcat, CAST Loaders, Kubota, and others. These companies cover a wide range of articulated wheel loaders, from small to large, and some of them, such as Volvo, also have a global presence, Volvo has introduced large wheel loaders with articulated steering since the early 1970s.   As a renowned Chinese manufacturer of loaders, LTMG presents the Compact Articulated Wheel Loader, a versatile solution for diverse material handling needs. As a renowned Chinese manufacturer of loaders, LTMG presents the Compact Articulated Wheel Loader, a versatile solution for diverse material handling needs. This loader boasts advanced features such as hydrodynamic transmission technology, a separated gearbox, and a torque converter, ensuring Offering 2 forward and 2 reverse gears, it delivers flexibility and ease of use across various working environments. The load-sensing fully hydraulic steering system provides precise control, while the compact design allows for maneuverability in tight spaces without compromising performance. Experience the efficiency and reliability of the LTMG Compact Articulated Wheel Loader for your next project.       How well do articulated wheel loaders perform in terms of environmental protection and sustainability? The performance of articulated wheel loaders in terms of environmental protection and sustainable development is mainly reflected in the following aspects: 1. Energy saving and emission reduction: articulated wheel loaders improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption by adopting new box structures, wide articulation design, and technologies such as merging hydraulic systems and electromagnetic clutch fans, thus reducing carbon and exhaust emissions.  2. Enhance operational efficiency: The design optimization of articulated wheel loaders, such as the use of imported Cummins engines, not only ensures power and reliability but also enhances the efficiency and stability of the loaders through highly efficient and environmentally friendly technical means. In addition, the popularization and use of electric loaders have brought about the reduction of comprehensive costs, including the reduction of fuel use costs and maintenance costs, which is of great significance for improving the sustainable development of the whole industry. 3. Promote green and low-carbon development: the development and application of articulated wheel loaders is a concrete practice in response to the national policy of energy conservation and emission reduction, green and sustainable development. Especially with the new energy loader, the average annual working time can significantly reduce carbon emissions and carbon dioxide emissions, which helps to promote the whole society to green low-carbon transformation.