06
Mar

How to Properly Operate and Maintain an SEM Wheel Loader

Designed specifically for demanding working conditions and higher load capacities, SEM wheel loaders are popular at construction sites. These highly efficient and versatile machines can take on all kinds of jobs at your worksite, right from material handling, truck loading, stockpiling, to general construction, and many more. However, to get the most out of your SEM wheel loader, you must know how operate it properly.

Given below are some useful wheel loader operating tips which can help you maximize the performance of your machine:

  1. Always keep the work floor smooth by removing loose rocks and other debris. Doing so will help reduce wear and tear on the tires of your wheel loader and make your operations more comfortable.
  2. If you are working on water-filled areas, it might not be easy to spot debris or other potentially damaging obstacles, such as wet rocks which can cut tires more easily than dry rocks. In such situations, it is critical to have a good drainage system in place.
  3. Keep the loader movements as small and smooth as possible. Fluid motions help save fuel while trying to force through a cycle does the opposite, wasting a lot more time as well.
  4. Keep the bucket’s heel slightly raised to safeguard it from potential damage. Although the heel plate does provide a wear surface for protection, it is best to exercise caution for minimizing wear as much as possible.
  5. Move the wheel loader in a tight ‘V’ pattern for loading and unloading the bucket. Doing so will definitely help cut down on the fuel consumption while reducing both the time and distance traveled during each cycle.

In addition to properly operating an SEM wheel loader, you must further invest in its maintenance to optimize its performance and extend its life and usability.

Given below are some valuable wheel loader maintenance tips that can help you get the desired level of performance from your machine for an extended period of time.

  • Check the attachments for wear

Loading and unloading of material throughout the day can lead to a lot of wear and tear on the machine parts, especially on the attachments like buckets and pallet forks. Hence, you must visually inspect them every day to ensure they are in proper working condition. You must also check the hoses and lift cylinders for signs of wear, damage, or leaks.

  • Inspect tire treads and inflation daily

Improper inflation or leaks in your wheel loader’s tires can result in premature wear and tire failure. Hence, it is important to inflate the tires according to the manual for proper inflation pressure levels. Besides maintaining the right pressure levels, you must have a thorough visual inspection of the tires every day. Check for any significant chunks of tread which may be missing, and make sure that the bead line and rim are in good condition.

  • Replace fluids at the recommended intervals

Check fluids like engine oil and coolants, using a dipstick. Refer to the operator’s manual and replace the machine fluids at the recommended time interval, when needed.

To find out more about how you can get the most out of your SEM wheel loader, get in touch with our expert team at Al-Bahar today! Being the only authorized distributor of SEM machines in the UAE, as well as Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, we offer a wide selection of high-quality SEM wheel loaders and comprehensive maintenance solutions to go with it.