John Deere excavators and loaders are highly efficient machines used in the construction industry. Excavators and wheel loaders are ideal for digging, lifting, and moving debris, while each is best suited for specific situations and locations.
In terms of functionality, the use of wheels or tracks is a distinctive difference between a wheel loader for sale and an excavator. However, they both experience similar wear and have varying costs to replace the track or wheels. These sturdy construction beasts can be seen at all construction sites around the world, performing the most challenging construction tasks. However, shovels and loaders are used for construction and in many other industrial sectors, such as forestry, mining, landscaping, agriculture, etc. Wheel loaders are extremely versatile machines that can be used for various mining tasks, including loading/unloading and moving materials from one location to another.
The bottom line is that hydraulic shovels and wheel loaders can move materials and objects around mining sites. To find the hydraulic attachment that meets your needs and budget, you can contact a provider like International Attachments. So, which one is better? In this text, the emphasis will be on determining the machine that offers the best results on the job site.
Breakout force
In general, wheel loaders should be designed with buckets that are fuller than their wheels to protect the tires. This configuration reduces the wheel loaders’ breakout force, which results in increased duty cycle time and small bucket loads. On the other hand, the mining shovel does not come in such a configuration, making it ideal for digging, loading, and unloading heavy materials and objects at the mining site.
Flexibility and mobility
Wheel loaders require more floor space to maneuver appropriately, making it challenging to work in narrow and confined areas where space is limited. However, maneuverability is not an issue with the mining shovel, as you don’t have to move it back and forth to get the job done efficiently and on time. This is a considerable advantage, especially on the mining site.
Operator fatigue
A mining shovel is a stationary machine capable of reducing soil congestion and operator fatigue. The wheel loader must continually move from one location to another to complete the job. This working procedure requires more attention and, as a result, increases operator fatigue, thus toolbox talks in regards to safety is imperative for construction operators.
Tracks vs. Wheels
Up to 50% of the wheel loader’s operating expenses are estimated to represent wear on the wheel or tire. Loader tires should be regularly repaired or replaced when these machines are used on uneven and delicate surfaces. Tracked machines, such as mining shovels, also have operating costs due to undercarriage wear, but the wear cycle is considerably longer compared to wheeled machines.
Precise dumping
Most wheel loaders are designed with a low dumping height. Due to the low unloading height, operators cannot easily see where the cargo is unloaded. The mining shovel operator stands tall and can easily see what is being loaded and where it is unloaded.
Hydraulic excavators are more efficient machines for heavy mining tasks than wheel loaders.
