Atlas wheel loader

Types of Atlas Wheel Loaders

The Atlas wheel loader comes in various models that serve specific purposes. Here are the most common types of Atlas wheel loaders:

• Atlas Compact Wheel Loader

Ideal for indoor or confined space construction and light-duty projects, the Atlas compact wheel loader has a smaller size and lighter weight.

• Atlas Small/Medium Wheel Loader

This Atlas wheel loader is best suited for landscaping, small to medium-sized construction, and light material handling. It can also easily maneuver in tight areas.

• Atlas Large/Standard Wheel Loader

For large construction projects, roadwork, and heavy material handling, the Atlas large/standard wheel loader is a suitable choice. It can also cover more ground and has greater lifting capacity than small/compact models.

• Atlas Articulated Wheel Loader

This model has a unique feature of an articulated steering mechanism that allows it to have greater maneuverability in tight spaces. The loader has two separately steered sections that are joined by an articulated joint.

• Atlas Mid-sized Wheel Loader

Mid-sized loaders are versatile machines used in construction, agriculture, and landscaping. They are suitable for tasks that require maneuverability and higher payloads than smaller models.

• Atlas Heavy-Duty Wheel Loader

Heavy-duty wheel loaders are designed for maximum performance and efficiency. They are excellent choices for the most demanding applications such as mining, quarrying, and heavy construction.

Specification and maintenance of atlas wheel loaders

Specification

• Engine power: It is the rate of power the engine produces and is measured in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (hp). Different models have different engine powers. For example, the Atlas 80B has an engine power of 55.4 kW (75 hp).
• Operating weight: It is the total weight, including the machine's weight and the maximum payload it can safely lift and move. For instance, the Atlas AR 240 has an operating weight of 23200 kg.
• Load capacity: Wheel loaders are tiny, medium, and large based on their load-carrying capacity. Atlas wheel loaders can carry between 1.9 and 5.4 tonnes of materials, such as dirt, gravel, or debris.
• Lift height: It is the maximum height to which the machine can lift materials. Atlas wheel loaders have a lift height that varies depending on the model.
• Hydraulic system: It is a system that uses fluid power to control and move the loader's functions, including the bucket, steering, and tilt. The pressure is measured in Mega Pascals (MPa). For example, Atlas 70GB has a hydraulic pressure of 12.5 MPa.
• Wheel size: Atlas wheel loaders have different wheel sizes, such as (17.5-25) standard and (20.5-25) optional for the loader model 75A.

Maintenance

• Daily maintenance: This includes checking for oil, coolant, fuel, and grease levels, inspecting for any signs of damage or wear, and ensuring that all lights and controls are functioning properly.
• Weekly maintenance: This involves more in-depth checks, such as examining the hydraulic system for leaks, inspecting the condition of the wheels and tires, and checking the bucket for wear and tear.
• Monthly maintenance: Atlas wheel loaders operators should do more extensive maintenance after a month. It includes changing the engine oil and oil filter, cleaning the air filter element, and lubricating all pivot points and links.
• Quarterly maintenance: With quarterly maintenance, the technician should inspect the entire loader, replacing the hydraulic oil and filter as well as gearbox oil.
• Preventive maintenance: Atlas wheel loader users should always keep the machine clean. They should also develop a regular maintenance schedule and adhere to it. They should always use genuine parts and oils and collaborate with skilled professionals during repairs and services.

Applications of Atlas Wheel Loaders

Atlas wheel loaders are multipurpose heavy construction equipment. They have a lift arm and a bucket that can be modified to undertake a wide range of activities. Here are some areas of application:

• Earthmoving, Excavation, and Mining

  Wheel loaders are designed for digging tasks and thus play a crucial role in earthmoving, excavation, and mining projects. They can gather and load large volumes of soil, gravel, or rocks. Depending on the type of attachment used, these loaders can also undertake more complex mining tasks, such as breaking down and crushing rock or transporting large volumes of ore or waste rock.

• Construction

  In the construction industry, Atlas wheel loaders can be used to collect, load, and transport construction materials, clear up the land and do bulk earthworks. Their versatility allows them to adapt to different types of construction tasks by changing attachments. For example, a hydraulic breaker could be used to break up concrete, while a grapple bucket could be used to handle and sort bulky materials.

• Pavement Repair and Maintenance

  Atlas wheel loaders can also support road repair and maintenance activities. They can collect and load old pavement materials, transport new construction materials, and carry out tasks like grading and compacting to ensure a smooth and even road surface.

• Docks and Ports

  Atlas loaders are suitable equipment for ports and docks. They can stack and load containers, dump trucks, and other heavy equipment. They can also handle various materials, including coal, gravel, and fertilizer, ensuring smooth operations and efficient logistics.

• Agriculture

  In the agricultural sector, Atlas wheel loaders can be utilized for various tasks, from feeding livestock to loading and transporting crops and fertilizers. They can also be used for land preparation, such as loosening the soil, grading, and clearing land.

How to choose atlas wheel loaders

• Purpose:

  Atlas wheel loaders are versatile vehicles that can be used in many industries for various applications. Choosing the appropriate loader requires understanding the purpose for which it is going to be used and matching the requirements with the features of the loader.

• Size:

  Atlas wheel loaders' sizes can be identified by their capacity and weight. Generally, a small loader can carry up to 1,000 kg of material, while a medium - large one can carry up to 1,500–3,500 kg, respectively. The appropriate size depends upon the purpose of use and the job site.

• Engine:

  The engine is responsible for the power of the atlas wheel loader. Buyers should know the horsepower and torque of the engine and pick the one that is appropriately powerful for its intended use.

• Transmission System:

  There are two types of transmission systems commonly used in wheel loaders: mechanical transmission and power shift transmission. Choose the one which is going to fulfill the user's purpose effectively.

• Attachment:

  An atlas wheel loader can be equipped with many attachments, such as buckets, grabs, and brushes, depending upon its application. Choose the one that is going to fulfill the purpose of task completion effectively.

Atlas wheel loader Q & A

Q1. Which company makes atlas loaders?

A1. HEME Engineering is a South African company that makes atlas loaders and owns the atlas brand.

Q2. What is the difference between a wheel loader and a front loader?

A2. All loaders have the same basic mechanism; they load with the help of wheels or tracks and have arms that hold a big bucket. The difference is in the shape and methods of moving the material. A wheel loader moves material by rolling it over with its wheels. A front loader directly pushes down and scoops the material with its front-mounted large buckets. The wheel movement makes it easier to load materials grown on land, while the front movement makes it ideal for clearing or loading tasks in open space.

Q3. How many hours are good for a wheel loader?

A3. It depends on the machine and its usage, but 50000 hours can be considered good for a well-maintained heavy loader.

Q4. Do loaders have CVTs?

A4. No, they usually have powers shifts and torque converters.