Volvo upgrades engines and electronics in two mid-size wheel loaders

Volvo's L110H and L120H mid-size wheel loaders have been updated with increased uptime and convenience for operators and technicians.

The highlight of this upgrade is a new Volvo D8M 8-litre engine that offers 256 hp on the L110H and 272 hp on the L120H. Unlike its predecessor, the D8M engine automatically regenerates while working – a technology that Volvo says has been proven on the company's larger wheel loaders.

The engine also features an electric pump for priming the fuel system, making the process quicker and more convenient than with the former manual pump. And when fuel gets to the engine, users can be confident that it is clean thanks to new captive fuel filters. These help ensure good water separation but also help extend engine service intervals to 1,000 hours.

"I think every owner and operator will notice and appreciate the upgraded performance and efficiency," said Chris Connolly, product manager of mid-size wheel loaders at Volvo CE. "They are popular models for a reason, and now they're even better."

Upgraded electronics

The L110H and L120H wheel loaders feature an all-new ignition strategy designed to make operators' lives easier. Just as in Volvo articulated haulers, the ignition key activates and powers the machine with no need to turn on the ground-level main switch at the start of every shift. This functionality also removes the risk of the battery dying overnight when the main switch is accidentally left on.

The ignition change benefits technicians as well with the inclusion of a lockout-tagout (LOTO), making it easier to lock the battery disconnect switch in the off position and prevent an unwelcome energy release when performing maintenance.

These models will be the first Volvo medium wheel loaders to include the new-generation Co-Pilot tablet and on-board weighing as a standard feature. The larger, higher-resolution screen will display Load Assist applications like on-board weighing, operator coaching, tire pressure monitoring, and more. The Co-Pilot tablet can also connect with phones for hands-free calling and audio playback. It includes high-definition camera feeds, warning sounds for safety, and radar detection and collision mitigation systems. Operators can customize the home screen with apps and settings.

Reliable features

The L110H and L120H wheel loaders still include the features that made them popular like fuel efficiency, torque parallel linkage, and an adjustable engagement strategy for the lockup torque converter. That engagement strategy combined with Volvo's exclusive Reverse By Braking makes up their OptiShift feature that is standard on both models. They support bucket sizes from 3.2 to 12.4 cubic yards (2.4 to 9.5 cubic metres).

Volvo's telematics system, ActiveCare Direct, also supports operator efficiency and productivity.

As a trusted rehandling choice, these loaders fit quarry and aggregate operations well and can perform in forestry and waste/recycling applications where onboard weighing comes in handy.

The updated models will continue to be built at Volvo's North American headquarters in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. They will be available in the summer of 2024 as part of the company's wheel loader lineup that ranges from the 4.5-ton L20 Electric all the way up to the 50-ton L350H.