Meet the updated Volvo L350F

Latest additions and enhancements said to provide the ultimate in comfortable and safe productivity

NOW in its seventh year of production and working in approximately 50 countries around the globe, Volvo Construction Equipment’s heavy-duty L350F wheel loader now incorporates an array of new updates aimed at enhancing operator comfort and safety, and further increasing machine performance.

When first introduced in 2007, the L350F represented a complete redesign of the Volvo wheel loader range. Production of the updated machines began in February last year with the new additions designed to complement the original design, which introduced lock-up torque converters and boom suspension for load and carry operations, as well as industry-leading maintenance access.

The updated L350F has been built to enhance the operator experience for greater comfort and increased productivity during the working day. The new heavy-duty operator’s seat offers air suspension, a high back and head rest, and can be heated to ensure optimum comfort in cold conditions. The seat also provides improved stability due to a new sliding mechanism, increased support and is equipped with more adjustment possibilities than its predecessor – including colour-coded height adjustment and separate adjustment for the seat cushion.

For further ease of operation, the entrance to the cab has been redesigned to allow the operator to enter the machine via steps over the rear tyre fenders. These wide, ergonomically spaced steps and sturdy handrails provide safe and easy entry and exit, and the fenders swing out to provide safe access to the lower part of the engine access doors. A new engine coolant inspection door has also been inserted into the top engine access door, further simplifying machine inspection.

A new remote door opener, which easily operated via a button located on the rear left cab post, is now standard on the L350F. An LED light has also been installed at the cab entrance to safely illuminate the area. The operator activates the light by pressing the green button by the main switch. Once activated, the entrance light stays on for three minutes, giving the operator ample time to climb up to or down from the cab. In addition, new LED travel lights have been mounted on the L350F for enhanced light performance and improved illumination of the job at hand.

The updated L350F has been designed to further boost the machine’s performance and reliability. Increased clearance between the rear fenders and tyres now allows for easy fitment and use of chains without risk of damage to the body of the machine.

Also, a new intelligent hot shutdown system helps the operator to avoid shutting down the engine when it is too hot, reducing the risk of encountering the ‘hot engine shutdown’ error message. The system monitors the required engine low idle duration before shutdown, and advises the operator when it is safe to shut off the engine. This functionality has the added benefit of increasing the service life of the machine’s turbocharger.

The options range for the L350F has also been updated with new additions to further enhance safe operation and machine performance. These include long-life LED work lights and reflective stickers that follow the machine contours, to increase machine visibility when working in dark conditions. Also, the monitor for the optional rear-view camera has been equipped with a new adjustable mounting bracket, in-line with the vision of the side-view mirrors, making it easier for the operator to safely monitor operations from all angles.