Wheel loaders, also known as front end or bucket loaders, are used primarily for material handling, digging, road building, site preparation and load-and-carry. Starting as small agricultural tractors outfitted with a loader bucket to transport light materials, these machines evolved, first as rigid frame wheel loaders in the late 1930s, then to articulated wheel loaders in the 1940s.
As wheel loaders increased in size, safety concerns arose, particularly concerning the positioning of the loader pivot arm. These concerns ledto the adoption of a front mounted pivot in the late 1950s. Hough was one of the first manufacturers to produce a wheel loader with a safer design, followed quickly by Caterpillar, Case and Allis-Chalmers. Today's wheel loaders are comprised of a pivoted frame with the engine mounted over the rear wheels. A cab or canopy rests over the frame. The machine's pivot arrangement gives the wheel loader the ability to work in small turning circles.
Komatsu has introduced the new WA475-11 and WA485-11 wheel loader models. These versatile machines are designed to move material efficiently and effectively, increasing productivity while also providing improved operator comfort and maintenance ease.
John Deere introduced SmartDetect Digital for select mid-size and large-size loaders. Building on the success of SmartDetect, available as an option on select loaders, SmartDetect Digital — the digital license component — provides insights that job site managers can incorporate into their safety programs.
Asphalt paving and aggregates professionals can get an up-close look at three DEVELON machines during World of Asphalt 2025: a dozer, a compact track loader and a wheel loader.
The DEVELON DL280-7 wheel loader is a versatile and high-performing earthmoving machine. It is an ideal size for many of today's bustling construction job sites.
Winter brings challenges, especially keeping roads, parking lots and other areas clear of snow. Wheel loaders offer an efficient solution — their versatility, power and speed can keep operations running smoothly.
Wolf America, the exclusive U.S. distributor of Wolf equipment, has announced the introduction of Wolf America wheel loaders to the U.S.
The construction industry is evolving rapidly, driven by the push for sustainability, innovation and cost efficiency.
Komatsu's new WA700-8 is a powerful and efficient addition to its range of wheel loaders designed for quarry operations and aggregate producers.
Caterpillar is announcing Cat Command for Loading is expanding to all medium wheel loaders, excluding the GC models.
Gregory Poole Equipment Co. held a Demo Days event Oct. 24, 2024, at the Caterpillar Customer Center in Clayton, N.C.