Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is making its Load Assist machine control applications compatible on a wider range of Volvo CE wheel loaders, from the L60H to the L350H, and is introducing several new Load Assist applications.
(Construction Equipment Field Tested a Volvo loader with Load Assist earlier this year.)
Volvo is also launching several productivity and serviceability enhancements to those same machines.
“We never settle when it comes to product development,” said Eric Yeomans, product manager, wheel loaders, Volvo CE. “We’re introducing updates to enhance the performance, operation, and servicing of our mid-size and large wheel loaders, and we’re expanding Load Assist capabilities, which will give operators more real-time info and automate certain tasks.”
Load Assist apps are operated via the Volvo Co-Pilot—an in-cab display with a 10-inch, high-resolution touch screen. It was first introduced in 2016 with the On-Board Weighing app, which offers +/- 1 percent accuracy on every bucket. In 2019, Load Assist was made standard on the L150H to L260H wheel loaders, and the Operator Coaching app was introduced to provide real-time guidance to operators.
The newest updates will extend Load Assist to the L60-L90 range, and aims to further enhance ease of operation, safety and overall site efficiency.
The Co-Pilot touch screen now displays tire pressure and temperature in real time. Each tire is monitored independently, and pressure limits are set per axle. If any tire gets outside the set parameters, the operator will be alerted. The data can also be made available on CareTrack, Volvo’s standard telematics system, so site managers can analyze trends in tire parameters for similar site conditions in the future.
The Map app uses the loader’s built-in GPS for positioning and telecom connection on the Co-Pilot to communicate between machines. Operators can monitor on-site traffic in real time and proactively adjust their driving according to traffic conditions, especially in areas where multiple machines are operating close to each other. Efficiency is improved, as operators can better anticipate driving decisions by monitoring traffic and workflow cycle.
Three additional apps are considered Toolbox Applications. The Calculator can be used for quick mathematical calculations and unit conversions. The Notes app allows for digital note-taking in the cab. And the Weather app gives operators current and upcoming weather conditions to inform operation decisions.
In addition to the new applications, some existing Load Assist features have been upgraded. The Radar Detect System option is now integrated into the Co-Pilot. This gives operators rearview camera and load information on a single screen for increased convenience and safety when reversing.
The final update is the addition of two new Task modes on the On-Board Weighing app. Operators can now choose from Trip Meter, Truck Loading, Stockpiling, or Processing modes. Each mode will adapt the Co-Pilot screen layout and provide relevant information for increased efficiency in different applications.
Volvo has also made machine updates to the 11 models in its L60H to L350H wheel loader lineup. A feature that is now standard on all of them is a rimpull control system. This allows operators to minimize wheel spin and optimize the balance between rimpull and hydraulic functions. In turn, it helps reduce tire wear and fuel consumption for more efficient bucket filling, Volvo says.
The oil change interval has been extended to 1,000 hours, and on L150H to L260H wheel loaders, a new quick-fit system enables cleaner, faster oil changes. Also, new handles have been installed on both sides of the counterweight facility to help make service points more accessible.
Source: Volvo CE
