Bell Equipment has raised the benchmark in the Wheeled Loader market with its new E-series range, which is packed with improvements to support the company’s design philosophy of providing superior durability and productivity at the lowest possible daily operating cost.
Bell Equipment Product Marketing Manager: Backhoe and Wheeled Loaders, Llewellyn Roux said: “We didn’t want the E-series to be just another range of loaders in the marketplace. In these tough economic times and our competitive South African market it’s important to be a class leader, so we wanted to provide something special with added value and a host of useful features without customers having to spend on optional extras. The result is a range of machines boasting high specifications, low noise, good comfort and smooth, responsive hydraulics.”
As with the previous range of utility and production loaders, the E-Series offers a choice of seven machines ranging in operating weight from 9 to 30 tonnes with GP bucket capacities ranging from 1.9 to 4,7 cubic metres. However, the E-series has been completely transformed to include a re-designed cab for unrivalled operator comfort. All models have the latest John Deere PowerTech engines, which have Tier III Engine Emissions Certification and the larger models now also have the exclusive Quad-Cool™ System.
Cab Improvements
“The most noticeable physical changes are in the cab where operator cabin space and ergonomics have been improved, while simultaneously reducing noise levels. Our philosophy is that a comfortable operator is a productive operator and stepping into an E-Series cab, the operator will immediately experience the improvements. Shift pedals have been moved forward and the front console size has been reduced to provide extra room in the cab. A new, streamlined steering column and front windshield configuration provide more visibility than ever before,” said Roux.
All E-Series 4WD Loaders include a keyless start, seat-mounted controls, an exclusive expanded sealed switch module and a new LCD monitor with a multi-function interface.
The LCD monitor provides screen displays of machine parameters, an operator check sheet, real-time fuel usage as well as extensive diagnostics. The keyless start and security modes provide a push button start and stop function for protection against unauthorised operation.
“The easy-to-use diagnostics menu on our monitors allows the operator to retrieve diagnostic information quickly and from one place without connecting a laptop or using gauges in most cases. It enables the operator to increase uptime by keeping a close watch on speeds, pressures and operating temperatures and provides effective communication to the Customer Support Representative or Field Technical Analyst for issues that may require on-the-spot problem solving.
The productivity improvement options such as boom kick-out, return-to-carry and clutch cut-off can be set from the cab.
Tier III Engines and Quad-Cool™ System
The addition of the John Deere PowerTech™ engines from the L2106E through to the L2706E models means that the entire range now has Tier III certification. Comments Roux: “John Deere PowerTech™ engines deliver power without compromise. They provide strong engine power and torque for all applications and conditions while being remarkably fuel-efficient.”
The PowerTech™ range of engines are designed with replaceable wet-type spin cast cylinder liners which offer uniform cooling, reduced oil breakdown and reduced ring wear for long life and increased uptime. A single, self-adjusting serpentine belt helps reduce maintenance time.
The L1204E through the L2706E are equipped with the exclusive Quad-Cool™ system. Explains Roux: “This cube-layout system places the radiator, transmission, hydraulic and air-to-air coolers in separate engine and cooling compartments to give superior access to both sides of every cooler for exceptional efficiency and decreased debris build-up. A standard reversing swing-out fan automatically back-blows at customer specific intervals to help keep the cores clean. Customers will find the Quad-Cool™ system really easy to clean and maintain for increased machine uptime, adding to the Bell philosophy of providing strong, reliable products.”
Value Proposition enhancements
Incorporated into the E-Series are various value enhancements that have been introduced to improve machine productivity, durability and lower daily operating costs for the customer over the life of the machine.
“The L1806E through to the L2706E have seen a significant increase in hydraulic pump flows for smooth and improved boom-up and combined steering cycle times for excellent productivity.
“Oil cleanliness has been improved with the introduction of a large element in-tank hydraulic filter. This will help in increasing the durability of hydraulic components and importantly also means that filter service intervals can be extended from 500 to 4000 hours to coincide with hydraulic oil interval changes,” said Roux.
The exclusive auto-idle reduces engine idle speed at customer specific intervals during non-productive idle time for reduced fuel consumption, noise as well as reduced wear on the engine, transmission, and hydraulic system. The exclusive auto-shutdown function shuts down the machine after the designated period of time at reduced auto idle engine rpm and automatically engages the park brake to protect your investment in fuel, operating hours and ownership.
The exclusive NeverGrease™ system eliminates the need for daily greasing and costly auto-lube systems. The NeverGrease™ pin joints on the axle oscillation and steering cylinders has a sealed design that eliminates the need for greasing and keeps joints tight for longer to extended life and provide cost and time savings.
Proven D-Series features
Importantly the E-series has retained those features of its predecessor that are still technology leaders. These include the ZF Ergopower 4WG transmission with PowerShift™ technology, which delivers the smoothest gearshifts (four forward and three reverse) in the industry and is adaptive to speed and load conditions.
Solid-state electronics eliminates multiple relays, wire harnesses and unsealed connections for excellent electrical reliability. Explains Roux: “The solid-state minimises any chance of dirt and moisture ingress, which causes corrosion on unsealed electrical connectors.”
The mechanical differential lock can be engaged or disengaged during operation while steering and under load.
Servicing is child’s play as all daily service maintenance checkpoints are at ground level and are on the same side. Periodic maintenance is simple and cost effective with charts to show when and where service is needed for superior machine uptime and durability.
The automatic, wet disk park brake is Spring Applied Hydraulically Released (SAHR) and is designed to last the lifetime of the machine, and it never needs adjustment. It applies automatically when the engine stops and completely neutralises the transmission to prevent it from being driven through.
“Bell Equipment is confident that its new E-series Loaders will offer customers advantages in terms of product performance, durability, productivity and value to provide their businesses with a leading edge in the marketplace,” said Roux.
