Wheel loaders are go-to machines for snow removal

By Chad Parker, Senior Product Specialist / Sales Trainer Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, Inc.

As the wheel loader assumes an ever-larger role in snow removal, contractors and public agencies are paying closer attention to preparing these wheeled work horses for tough winter duty, with the goal of keeping them on the job until the last storm has passed.

New generation wheel loaders, like the Hyundai HL900 series models, provide cab features that keep operators comfortable, safe, and focused throughout long work shifts during and after snowstorms.

All HL900 series models include as standard equipment an integrated third spool for controlling attachments, which, combined with standard thumb-control proportional Roller Switch Control, enables the operator to control the blade precisely.

Wheel loaders in snow removal should be equipped with automatic frontlocking differential control option. This feature is standard on all HL900 series models. The benefit is consistent, positive rim pull performance at top speed at the push of a button.

A five-speed transmission with lockup torque converter will provide faster plowing and roading, as well as better fuel economy.

For working around the clock or through the night, a full LED lighting package like that available on Hyundai HL900 series wheel loaders illuminates the working area, including potential hazards.

Jobsite size, configuration and terrain should determine the attachments to use. It’s not uncommon to be able to plow more than 10 acres an hour with the right combination of wheel loader and plow attachment. Your equipment dealer can help you match wheel loaders and attachments.

Daily maintenance is similar to the service a wheel loader needs in most applications. In snow-plowing applications, we recommend autogreasing while working and while bushings are hot – this keep pins and bushings covered to resist salt corrosion.

Hydraulic snow blades bring high productivity to snow plowing

While they’re still catching on in the U.S., hydraulic snow blades, such as those from Metal Pless Inc., have been well accepted in Canada for several decades. Like other mechanical equipment exposed to extreme weather, these expandable snow blades require care in selection, use, and maintenance.

Jason Whittemore, sales manager for Metal Pless, provides some insight into teaming hydraulic snow blades with wheel loaders.

“Weight of the loader and traction ability – that is, the type of tire you’re using – are key factors in matching the size of the snow blade to the loader. A 25,000-lb. loader with good snow tires can handle a bigger blade than a 30,000-lb. loader with regular tires,” says Whittemore. “Size of the moldboard is another consideration. A 12-22 unit has a 12-foot moldboard and five-foot wings. A 10-22 unit has a 10-foot moldboard and six-foot wings. The wings provide several important functions. They contain the load of snow being plowed, they enhance safety, and they direct snow where the operator needs it to go.”

Whittemore points out the combination of three-spool hydraulic controls and a quick coupler enables fast switching between a bucket and a fully controllable snow blade.

“These blades are easy to learn to position. The key is in finding the correct height and dumping/tilting angle. Once it’s set, leave it there. Metal Pless blades have leveling guides that let the operator match blackand red-colored pieces on the blade to assure proper leveling. Ease of use and ease of adjustment for the return-to-dig option are features that add to operator productivity.”

Maintenance of hydraulic snow blades is fairly simple. The operator should walk around the plow blade and coupler after every use to detect any hydraulic oil leakages and fix them immediately. Also, the operator should inspect for damage to wear edges on the blade, and replace the edge components before doing so becomes a necessity.

Tires play crucial role in wheel loader snow-plowing productivity

Tires are another crucial factor in the productivity equation for wheel loaders used in snow-removal applications. Reliable snow grip tires, such as those made by Nokian Tyres, provide positive grip at all times no matter which direction the wheel loader is turning.

“In snow removal applications, the majority of the weight, or load, is being pushed, rather than lifted,” says Brad Bisaillon, regional sales director for the Americas for Nokian Tyres. “Nokian’s Hakkapeliitta loader tires combine a unique tread design and material composition to deliver the greatest traction in the coldest of temperatures.”

Regarding winter tire maintenance, Bisaillon advises, “Standard maintenance practices throughout the winter season should certainly include air pressure checks and corrections to manufacturer’s specifications, as well as a visual inspection of, not only the tire surface and sidewalls, but also the bead area; where the tire meets the rim. Sometimes the smallest rim damage can lead to perceived tire failures.”

For more information on the resources mentioned in this article, visit www.hceamericas.com, www.metalpless.com and www.nokiantyres.com. ■