Many industries use wheel loaders on a regular basis during the course of their work, in large part because of their versatility and durability. But did you know that wheel loaders can also be converted very easily into a multi-use machine, with the ability to transform into an all terrain forklift. Read on to find out more.
What is the normal function of a wheel loader?
Wheel loaders were typically designed to have a bucket mounted to the front, and in the early days of their design the bucket was the only tool used on these machines. They were designed to move large volumes of product quickly and efficiently, enabling the loading of trucks or hoppers and the shifting of material from one location to another.
The wheel loader was originally developed in the 1950s, and was pioneering for its time. Since then, it has evolved to meet an ever growing demand in the market for machines that have multiple uses. It now takes pride of place in industries like civil construction, mining, waste disposal and agriculture as one of the most versatile pieces of machinery ever developed.
Why are multi-use machines all the rage now?
* They are versatile
Multi-use machines have grown in popularity over the last decade, as people strive to get the most bang for their equipment buck. The multi-use machine ensures the best possible return on investment on capital expenditure: they are highly desired on job sites and are particularly useful in remote locations where access to equipment is limited.
* They are cost-effective
It costs a lot of money to mobilise machinery out to job sites (particularly in remote locations) and if one machine with multiple accessories can be moved instead it’s a far more efficient use of the time and money. Additionally, the servicing of one primary unit (ie the wheel loader itself) for an owner or operator is a much more efficient and cost effective use of resources.
* They are convenient
Multi-use machines are very convenient for users to deploy. Depending on the size of the job on hand, owners and operators may not be able to justify having multiple dedicated machines on hand to perform different tasks, because of the cost and logistics involved. In these instances multi-tasking machines really come into their own as incredibly useful pieces of equipment.
Examples of wheel loader conversions to forklifts
Farming: Farm use for a forklift covers a broad scope. It can include functions like carrying fence posts, moving pallets of supplement feed, working as a shuttle for chemicals and general farm supplies, and can even palletise finished produce depending on the farming type performed.
Civil and construction: The use of a forklift in these industries also covers a broad spectrum, with the ability to perform a number of functions. They can move plastic or concrete pipes, handle general civil and building materials like packs of timber, scaffolding, bricks and can also shift concrete forming and drainage products.