Volvo’s new 28-ton machine, made in Brazil, brakes on its own to avoid accidents

Volvo presented the new generation of the L150 and L180 wheel loaders, large models aimed at construction, mining and industry. Produced in Brazil, at the brand’s factory in Pederneiras (SP), the machines arrive with gains in productivity, efficiency and safety and are used in operations such as aggregate handling, quarry extraction, recycling, earthmoving and log loading.

Both feature the 13-liter Volvo engine, the same as the FH family of trucks, with high torque at low revs. The L150 delivers 307 hp and 204 kgfm of torque, while the L180 yields 345 hp and 211 kgfm — force available at 1,000 rpm. The operating weight is 25 tons on the L150 and 28 tons on the L180.

Both use the new generation OptiShift transmission, which maintains the reverse-by-braking function and starts changing gears with the differential lock activated. According to Volvo, the set provides faster acceleration, smoother operation and better fuel efficiency.

Among the improvements is the increase in the capacity and flow rate of the hydraulic pump, which, according to Guilherme Ferreira, head of product management and productivity at Volvo CE, speeds up movements and reduces equipment cycle times. The increased lift height and technologies such as automatic bucket filling and automatic traction control also help to increase productivity.

The cab was redesigned to increase operator comfort: it gained new compartments, armrests, cup holders, USB sockets and options for heated or ventilated seats. The information appears on two screens – one with the machine’s vital data and the other with Volvo Integrated Co-Pilot, which brings together an integrated scale, cameras, climate control and productivity adjustments.

In safety, Volvo Smart View offers a 360º view around the equipment with high-definition cameras, and the collision mitigation system detects hidden obstacles, issues visual and audible alerts and automatically applies the brakes in a risky situation. Handrails and steps in orange reinforce visibility when boarding and disembarking.

Maintenance has also become simpler: the cabin can be tilted by 30° or 70°, the hood is electronically operated and there are new LED lighting packages. “They are extremely flexible machines, widely used in the construction, mining and industrial segments”, says Rafael Nieweglowski, commercial director of Volvo CE in Brazil.