To cut back the dangers of transferring sizzling slag, OEMs Volvo CE and Liebherr have developed steel-mill wheel loaders specifically tailored for the duty – and within the course of created the most secure most sturdy autos of their class
Wheel loaders are important machines throughout a wide range of industries because of their adaptability for working with totally different supplies. In metal mill environments, wheel loaders present a vital position to maneuver sizzling slag. These impurities from metal making are faraway from the furnace for reuse or repurposing into aggregates. Usually likened to lava, this molten slag will be discovered at excessive temperatures as much as round 1,200°C presenting a harmful and high-risk working setting for the car and its operator. Consequently, many equipment producers supply steel-mill particular wheel loaders to go well with this excessive software.
“At Liebherr, buyer satisfaction and security are on the forefront of all options. For the work on this setting, security and luxury are the highest priorities for Liebherr wheel loaders. Because of this, there are numerous tools choices that scale back fatigue and allow protected and cozy working,” explains Mark Walcher, product supervisor for XPower heavy tools at Liebherr.
“Liebherr gives preparation for a protecting air flow system that filters particles and gasses and moreover seals the cab”
Driver security
In addition to intense warmth, metal mills will be dusty and produce poisonous fumes that might make it inconceivable for operators to work safely for prolonged durations of time. To fight this, wheel loaders for warm slag dealing with are outfitted with specifically designed cabs so the driving force can breathe clear air.
“Liebherr gives preparation for a protecting air flow system that filters particles (e.g. soot, asbestos) and gasses and moreover seals the cab,” says Walcher. The motive force can be protected by ballistic glass and a metal roof to forestall any sparks or splashes from significantly injuring them. Liebherr’s L 550 to L 586 XPower wheel loaders will be specified for slag purposes.
At Volvo CE, its slag loader vary, together with L150H, L180H, L220H, L260H and L350H fashions, will be fitted with a cab filtration system which circulates 90% of cab air by means of a filter. Whereas these options assist to enhance the driving force’s day by day job, equipment producers additionally should equip slag handlers to deal with worst-case state of affairs conditions. “A very powerful factor is operator security,” says Erich Kribs, GPE product supervisor at Volvo CE. “If the machine stops inside the metal mill, we wish the operator to be within the machine for so long as doable.” Exiting the machine in these environments is more likely to be extra harmful so Volvo has developed options for its slag handlers to permit the driving force to remain within the cab if the machine breaks down. The motive force is protected with a hearth suppression system and an emergency limp house mode, which permits the operator to maneuver the machine in first gear to present them a chance to maneuver to a safer place to get assist.
“If the operator shouldn’t be accessible or they get sick inside the cab, we’ve an engine shut down and parking brake launch on the rear,” says Kribs. This implies the car will be moved from the skin with out intervention from the driving force if they’re in problem.
Volvo CE additionally equips its slag loaders with a specialist towing level so one other machine can retrieve the wheel loader by positioning its bucket beneath the hitch and lifting the again of the car to tow it. Ordinarily, two autos can be manually hitched so this eliminates the necessity for an operator to exit their machine.
Within the occasion the driving force does have to exit the car, Volvo CE gives an elective ladder which works over the rear wheel arch. “Usually if there’s an issue with the machine within the metal mill, the entrance of the machine is standing within the sizzling space the place the fabric is. The operator can depart by way of this escape ladder to the rear of the car which is more likely to be a safer space,” says Kribs.
Key diversifications
In comparison with a typical wheel loader, a number of elements on a slag handler should be uprated for this excessive temperature setting. “Because of the difficult working situations, the areas and elements which are significantly uncovered to excessive situations should be protected accordingly,” says as Walcher. “These embody hydraulic strains, piston rods, cables, underbody, electrical modules, central lubrication system and its strains, plastic components and discs. Sure areas of the machine are outfitted with a further protecting perform. Parts which are made from plastic in typical purposes, for instance, are made from metal on this case to face up to the big warmth.”
A few of these extra protections embody metal mudguards, exterior metal mirrors, metal lamp holders, steel-braided hydraulic hoses, tipping cylinder piston rod safety and underbody guards. On prime of this, some inner techniques require the usage of different supplies. Kribs provides, “We have now a unique, fire-resistant hydraulic oil so if a hose cracks, the hydraulic oil is not going to begin to burn. Additionally, the grease inside is extra warmth resistant for working in these excessive temperature areas.”
“That is actually what we want in particular purposes – working along with prospects to get their suggestions and discover the most effective answer for everybody”
The challenges of testing
To ensure these diversifications are appropriate for metal mills, equipment producers should object their machines to in depth excessive temperature testing. Because of the excessive traits of a metal mill, it’s onerous to duplicate these situations in a lab or synthetic setting. “To make sure that the wheel loaders are outfitted for the particular thermal situations, the machines had been examined in sensible use,” says Walcher. “Throughout this time, temperature measurements had been taken in several areas of the wheel loader. Liebherr developed acceptable protecting tools based mostly on the information collected.”
Equally, Volvo prefers to conduct real-world testing, as Kribs highlights, “You can’t take a look at one thing like sizzling slag within the free area, you must go to a metal mill and discover any person who helps you. We’re working with some key account prospects who’re pleased that we’re testing with them.”
Buyer suggestions is a vital a part of the event course of for brand new attachments and components, Kribs explains, “We’re testing elements like slag dealing with buckets with prospects, we ship components or attachments, they take a look at it after which say sure or no.” In addition to enter from the shopper, Volvo CE usually conducts web site visits to measure sure features of the elements. For a slag bucket, testing focuses on temperature and stress measurements
to analyse longevity and any potential weaknesses within the bucket.
“It’s good to work collectively, that is actually what we want in all particular purposes, to work along with the shopper to get their suggestions and discover out what’s the finest answer for everybody. First, what’s finest for the shopper, then what’s finest for us,” says Kribs.
Whereas sizzling slag purposes may not be the most typical use for wheel loaders, these specialist diversifications are key in supporting metal mills and preserving operators protected. In excessive temperature environments, the trade can not afford for a machine to be a hearth threat or trigger unplanned downtime. Slag handles are among the most sturdy wheel loaders to allow mills to maintain working across the clock.
This text first appeared in iVT’s 2025 Off-highway Annual.
