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Is an Articulated Loader the Best Choice for Your Needs?

February 12, 2024

Is an Articulated Loader the Best Choice for Your Needs?

Small articulated loaders are versatile machines with strong capabilities on the jobsite and can provide great value. These machines have risen to favor amongst operators due to their performance in heavy duty tasks around compact jobsites.

What’s the Benefit of Using Articulated Loaders?

Full Articulation - With articulated loaders the ability to work in tighter spaces is key as the body pivots to allow easier access around corners or indoors. This is a key distinction from regular loaders that gives these machines further versatility in use cases on various jobsites. For tasks in open areas like landscaping an articulated loader may not offer much value beyond a standard non-articulated model. For jobs in compact spaces non-articulated loaders likely wouldn’t be a viable option at all or would likely be more time consuming to operate. It’s key to know what your use cases will be in the short and long term as using an articulated loader could come in handy around tight spaces that need low ground disturbance.

Bigger & Better - Compared to full sized skid steer alternatives, our premium range of articulated loaders have stronger ability to carry larger loads around the jobsite. This can save time and fuel with less trips needed to move materials around. This also allows the machine to be used in more use cases versus skid steer equipment in situations where heavier capacities need to be carried. Additionally, the travel speed of these machines is typically 50% faster due to larger engines and lightweight frame, lighter than a similarly capable skid steer machine!

Comfortable for Longer – Compared to alternative machines, articulated loaders offer a better comfort experience for operators due to the cab space and high visibility. Many compact machines can require operators to be standing through operations which can fatigue operators and make long tasks uncomfortable to complete after some time. The articulation also means that operators would have a wider field of view in operation with the rotation of the body, operating a skid steer the driver would be required to turn around and physically adjust for similar visibility.

Ground Disturbance – Typically skid steer equipment is not used when ground disturbance is an important factor. Though articulated loaders do have potential to cause ground disturbances, the lighter weight and pivoting body can allow for better movement on soft ground compared to alternative options like skid steers or non-articulating loaders & tractors.

Reach Further – Telescopic arms on articulated loaders gives you further reach to pick up and put down materials in transport. Take advantage of up to double extension to dig into piles and drop loads into containers or over obstacles.

Attachments & Versatility - Make use of a range of attachments available for the articulated equipment offered by Westerra Equipment. Whether out on a construction jobsite or using the machine to complete farm & forestry tasks there's an attachment for your needs.

Premium Options from Premium Brands

We’re proud to offer a premium range of articulated loaders across Western Canada. From the smallest articulating loader to the largest we have a solution for your jobsite needs! Contact us to find out more about these capable machines from our sales team or use our live chat on our website to talk to a knowledgeable member of the team about how an articulated loader can help you achieve efficiency and success. Below are some of our most popular models:

L28
Bobcat L28 Small Articulated Loader
Horsepower: 24.8 hp
Maximum Operating Height: 104.3 in
Bucket Capacity: 0.3 cu yd
L23
Bobcat L23 - Small Articulated Loader
Horsepower: 24.8 hp
Maximum Operating Height: 85.4 in
Bucket Capacity: 0.3 cu yd
ATX720
Vermeer ATX720 Small Articulated Loader
Horsepower: 25.0 hp
Operating Weight: 1658.0 lbs
Bucket Capacity: 0.34 cu yd

For more information as to how to keep your equipment in good health year round, check out our other blogs using the button below. Alternatively, contact us or use the live chat to find out how we can help with your equipment needs.