Volvo’s Larger Wheel Loaders Offer Fuel Savings Due to OptiShift Technology

Driveline technology for Volvo Construction Equipment’s L150F, L180F and L220F wheel loaders cuts fuel consumption by up to 15 percent, according to the manufacturer.

OptiShift — a driveline system designed to increase operator comfort and durability, as well as optimizing fuel savings — is a refinement of Volvo’s APS driveline concept. Not only does it include a new torque converter with lock up and free wheel stator, but also the Volvo reverse by braking (RBB) function — providing reduced fuel consumption, increased operator comfort and durability. OptiShift will be rolled out across all markets for the Volvo L150F, L180F and L220F wheel loaders.

Fuel Efficiency in Focus

OptiShift is a step forward in Volvo’s ongoing quest to dramatically reduce both fuel consumption and environmental impact while maintaining productivity, comfort and machine uptime. The key to OptiShift is a driveline completely designed and constructed by Volvo, which allows the system to function smoothly in a dynamic and powerful unit where all components are matched to work in harmony. OptiShift can reduce fuel consumption in operations such as load and carry — in applications like rehandling and timber handling — as well as in short cycle loading.

Other benefits include:

• Faster loading cycles
• Increased operator comfort
• Better drive response

• Increased hill climbing performance
• Better deceleration comfort
• Less loading stress on the torque converter and transmission

“We are delivering on our promise of increasing fuel efficiency and taking the industry forward when it comes to innovation with another patented Volvo solution,” said Arvid Rinaldo of global market communications at Volvo Construction Equipment.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.