The Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), the European brand leader in manufacturing equipment for construction and related industries, says it has extended its dominance of the high-lift wheel loader segment with the launch of the L180F high lift (HL), which features a new lift arm design for improved lift height and manoeuvrability in log handling applications.

“Capable of reaching a lift height of 5.8 m under closed grapple, the L180F HL allows an extra 210 mm of stack height over Volvo’s preceding E-series generation of wheel loaders. The new tilt arm design improves visibility which has been achieved by removing the cross tube between the tilt arms. Also, the lift cylinder protection, which was previously optional, is now standard equipment,” says Brian O’Sullivan, an external communications executive of Volvo CE in Brussels, Belgium.
Volvo D12D LA E3 engines with maximum torque at 1,400 rpm power these L180F HL wheel loaders, which feature a 3.2 sq m grapple, four liquid-filled tyres, a log pusher, full cover mudguards with protection bar at the front and a grille guard that, at 36,600 kg, is 560 kg heavier than its predecessor. The front and swing-out rear mudguard option now also includes a protection bar with a mudguard extension made of rubber. This bar prevents logs from hitting and damaging the front mudguards and lights and the rubber extension helps to keep the machine clean.
“Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the F-Series range is the addition of the all-new Volvo Care Cab. Volvo has always put a high priority on the fact that people need a safe, comfortable environment to work in, and has created a cabin that offers many improvements. It has a more spacious interior, improved ergonomics and better visibility. Viscous cab mountings reduce vibrations while a 22 per cent larger windshield improves front visibility, along with a larger coverage wiper. An optional rear facing camera and remotely-controlled external mirrors further improve visibility. Improved hand rails, broad and angled ladders and the wide opening bevel-edged door have greatly eased getting in and out of the cab,” he says.
The cab has a flat floor, lockable storage compartments, and a new dash with improved LCD screen. Switches are located on the right A-post, with the more frequently-used ones located lower for easy access. The Contronics diagnostics display, available in 22 languages, has a new console and is more brightly illuminated and easier to read. Its advanced climate control system features Volvo’s patented double air filtering method which gives 98 per cent air filtration and a range of options like air-conditioning and timer cab heating.
“Access and serviceability is made simple on the L180F HL with easily accessed side panels and service points. A central lube system is standard and the rear axle bearing is lubricated-for-life. The F-Series comes with advanced electronic monitoring diagnostics that are designed to prolong machine life, enhance uptime and maximise productivity. Contronic monitors functions in real time and alerts the operators if problems occur while Matris maps and analyses how the machine is handling and operating. VCADS Pro meanwhile, is a system that allows a machine to be fine-tuned to specific applications, further improving performance of the machine,” he explains.
Volvo CE, a part of the Volvo Group, is a major international company developing, manufacturing and marketing equipment for construction and related industries. Its products, leaders in many world markets, include a comprehensive range of wheel loaders, hydraulic excavators, articulated haulers, motor graders, soil and asphalt compactors, pavers, milling machines, compact equipment and material handling equipment.