Bell rings in the changes for wheel loaders

Bell Equipment is entering the wheel loader market with the launch of its E-Series range. The range comprises seven models, spanning from the utility class L1204E loader, which has a standard bucket capacity of 1.9m2, to the production class L2706E loader with a standard 4.6m2 bucket size.

All machines across the range are available with Z-bar linkage configurations and high-lift arms, while the L1204E, L1506E, L1706E and L1806E utility class loaders are also available with parallel linkage and quick-attach. The loaders have tier 3 John Deere PowerTech engines, designed for large capacity and high torque.

Precision engineering

While the E-Series machines are among the most advanced wheel loaders out there, Bell has gone one stage further by claiming to offer far more high-specification standard features than any other manufacturer. These features include: ride control; reverse radar object detection; reverse camera; on-board weighing system; automatic reversing fan; keyless start with security access codes; automatic engine idle and shutdown; and 4,000-hour hydraulic filter services.

Primary to the Bell machines is the development that has gone into the reduction of airborne debris in the cooling system, both reducing maintenance and increasing uptime. Also, the advanced solid-state electronics provide simplified electrical systems. And operators will see a major improvement in terms of cab environment, with the comfortable, heated air-suspended seat configuration, high visibility and multi-function LCD monitor and sealed switch module.

Neville Paynter, managing director of Bell UK, says: “Bell has always challenged the market with its articulated dump trucks, so it will be no different with the new wheel loaders. We are confident that we have a range of machines in this new E-Series, which will set the benchmark for wheel loaders in the UK as far as standard spec is concerned.”

Paynter adds that the wide range of wheel loaders available – the L1204E, L1506E, L1706E, L1806E, L2106E, L2606E and L2706E – would also open up new markets for Bell UK. Their arrival provides industry customers with a serious top-end alternative to their current wheel loaders.

“We’ve achieved a strong market position in the UK with our ADTs in a relatively short space of time, so I have no doubt that we can achieve the same with our wheel loaders,” says Paynter.

Andrew Kelly, Bell’s global product marketing manager for wheel loaders, adds: “We’re no newcomers to the loader business, which means we have a real advantage in terms of technical knowledge and market experience.”

The seven machines in the E-Series range can be divided into two categories – utility and production class loaders. The L1204E and L1506E utility machines are suitable for a wide range of applications, including composting, waste and recycling. The larger utility class loaders – the L1706E and L1806E – are suited to similar operations but on a larger scale. Waste and recycling is a key area for these loaders, for example skip waste recovery, waste transfer stations, demolition waste and scrapyards.

Maintenance made easy

The loaders all feature as standard a QuadCool system to counter the extensive and frequent cleaning and maintenance regimes undertaken when customers work in environments that produce a high level of airborne debris. QuadCool places the wide-core radiator, transmission, axle, hydraulic and air-to-air coolers in a separate compartment to the engine. The individual mounting of wide-core radiators on Bell’s loader range eliminates debris collection in between radiators.

With the loaders, steel access panels have fine mesh screens to filter cooling air as it enters the QuadCool system. The holes in the screen are substantially smaller than the wide-core radiators, so any debris drawn in passes straight through the system, thus extending intervals between cleaning – and increasing uptime. QuadCool is also set up to provide the best maintenance access to all radiators, with panels allowing access to both sides of each radiator for easy cleaning.

The loaders also offer extended air filter life and increased engine protection due to the rotary ejector precleaner to the engine induction line. This is fitted as standard on the E-Series range, spinning incoming air and automatically ejecting 98% or airborne dust particles. The overall hydraulic filtration system extends hydraulic oil filter intervals to 4,000 hours. This element alone will have major service cost advantages when compared with the industry norm of 2,000-hour service intervals for hydraulic filters.

Bell says that operators will be pleasantly surprised by what they find in the cab as well. “Apart from the reduced noise levels made possible by the QuadCool system, cab operators will immediately notice a difference compared with other wheel loaders they may have driven,” says Kelly.