Top 10 Most Popular Wheel Loaders on LECTURA Specs in 2024

by LECTURA GmbH · November 21, 2024

We have identified the most popular wheel loaders of 2024 based on website traffic data from January to June, sourced from all language versions of LECTURA Specs. This analysis highlights the top ten models that have attracted a significant number of industry professionals and enthusiasts.

Wheel loaders are essential on construction sites, handling a variety of materials efficiently. Similarly to front loaders or bucket loaders, these machines feature a large front-mounted bucket that lifts and transports materials such as soil, gravel, and debris. Available in various sizes, wheel loaders are designed to operate across different terrains while minimising damage to finished surfaces, thanks to their articulating design and hydraulic systems. They can be fitted with attachments like forks, rakes, or snow ploughs, enhancing their functionality for tasks in grading, snow removal, and waste management. Wheel loaders play a crucial role in sectors including construction, agriculture, and mining by loading, transporting, and clearing materials.

The XCMG ZL50GN ranks tenth among the top wheel loaders of 2024. Produced since 2017, this 17.5-tonne loader is built for demanding tasks across various terrains. It comes with standard 23.5-25-16PR tyres and features a 3.016-metre-wide bucket with a 4.5 cubic metre capacity. The ZL50GN offers manoeuvrability suitable for construction needs with its KL steering mode. Its transport dimensions are 8.23 metres in length, 3.02 metres in width, and 3.52 metres in height. The loader can reach speeds up to 41 kilometres per hour, has a maximum discharge height of 3.78 metres, a turning radius of 5.93 metres, and a lifting force of 175 kN.
Powered by a Shangchai SC11CB220G2B1 engine compliant with China-II emission standards, the ZL50GN aligns with environmental regulations.

Securing the ninth spot, the Caterpillar 930 is a notable model in the industry. Manufactured since 1976, this 9.62-tonne loader is equipped with 17.5-25-12PR tyres and features an articulated frame for enhanced manoeuvrability. It has a 2.44-metre-wide bucket with a capacity ranging from 1.15 to 1.72 cubic metres. The transport dimensions are 6.05 metres in length, 2.44 metres in width, and 4.78 metres in height. The Caterpillar 930 can travel up to 44.2 kilometres per hour, with a maximum discharge height of 2.84 metres, a turning radius of 5.59 metres, and a lifting force of 85.3 kN.
This model includes a single lever power shift and automatic bucket controls, with options for various bucket types. Caterpillar 930 is powered by a Caterpillar D330 engine.

The Caterpillar 938 G ranks eighth among the top wheel loaders of 2024. Manufactured between 1998 and 2003, this 13.8-tonne loader comes with 20.5 R 25 tyres and a 2.71-metre-wide bucket, offering capacities between 2.2 and 3 cubic metres. It features KL steering mode and measures 7.47 metres in length, 2.7 metres in width, and 3.2 metres in height. The loader can achieve a travel speed of 38.8 km/h, a maximum discharge height of 2.78 metres, has a turning radius of 5.48 metres, and a lifting force of 115 kN.
Powered by the Cat 3126 DITA engine, the 938 G includes features such as an optional joystick, automatic shift control, and a quick gear kickdown button. Additional functionalities include pilot-assisted hydraulic controls, dual suspended brake pedals, and the Ride Control System. 

The Volvo L150H is the seventh most popular wheel loader of 2024. Manufactured from 2014 to 2018, this 25.66-tonne loader is fitted with 26.5 R25 L3 tyres and features a 3.2-metre-wide bucket with a capacity between 4 and 5.2 cubic metres. It utilises KL steering mode and measures 7.07 metres in length, 2.96 metres in width, and 3.58 metres in height. The L150H can travel up to 38 kilometres per hour, has a maximum discharge height of 4.34 metres, a turning radius of 14.64 metres, and a lifting force of 201.3 kN.
Advanced systems included in the L150H are OptiShift, Reverse By Braking (RBB), and an Eco pedal. It complies with Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emission standards and uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

Ranked sixth, the Komatsu P&H L-2350 is a prominent wheel loader manufactured since 2021. This 266.62-tonne loader is equipped with 70/70-57 tyres and a 7.01-metre-wide bucket, offering capacities from 40.52 to 53.5 cubic metres to handle various material densities. It employs an auxiliary steering mode and measures 20.27 metres in length, 6.76 metres in width, and 6.73 metres in height. The L-2350 can achieve speeds up to 19.31 km/h, with a maximum discharge height of 7.03 metres, a turning radius of 19.43 metres, and a lifting force of 1173 kN - highest among all featured wheel loaders.
The P&H L-2350 features the LINCS II control system, an SR Hybrid Drive, and a G200 SR generator. Additional enhancements include data analysis software and a rear-mounted video camera.

The Caterpillar 950H occupies the fifth position on our list. Manufactured between 2006 and 2011, this 18.5-tonne loader features 23.5 R25 tyres and a 2.88-metre-wide bucket with capacities ranging from 2.7 to 4 cubic metres. It uses KL steering mode and measures 8.02 metres in length, 2.86 metres in width, and 3.45 metres in height. The 950H can travel up to 44 km/h, has a maximum discharge height of 2.99 metres, a turning radius of 7 metres, and a lifting force of 166 kN.
Powered by a CAT C7 engine compliant with EU Stage IIIA emissions, the 950H incorporates technologies such as Hydraulically Actuated Electronic Unit Injectors (HEUI) and Variable Shift Control (VSC). 

Ranking fourth, the Caterpillar 950 G is a key model manufactured from 1998 to 2001. This 17.9-tonne loader comes with 23.5 R25 tyres and a 2.99-metre-wide bucket, offering capacities between 2.7 and 4 cubic metres. It measures 8.03 metres in length, 2.75 metres in width, and 3.37 metres in height. The 950 G can reach speeds up to 39.5 km/h, with a maximum discharge height of 3.03 metres, a turning radius of 6.03 metres, and a lifting force of 169 kN.
Powered by a Cat 3126 DITA engine, the 950 G includes features like Electronic Clutch Pressure Control (ECPC) and an Integrated Braking System. Additional functionalities include internal mirrors, working lights, and the Caterpillar Monitoring System (CMS). 

The Caterpillar 966H secures the third position in our 2024 rankings. Manufactured between 2006 and 2011, this 23.8-tonne loader is equipped with 26.5 R25 tyres and a 3.09-metre-wide bucket, offering capacities from 3.5 to 4.8 cubic metres. It measures 8.84 metres in length, 3.22 metres in width, and 3.58 metres in height. The 966H can travel up to 26 km/h, has a maximum discharge height of 3.19 metres, a turning radius of 7.26 metres, and a lifting force of 191 kN.
This model features Caterpillar’s ACERT Technology, an Integrated Braking System (IBS), and a Cat C11 engine with Mechanically Actuated Electronic Unit Injectors (MEUI). Additional features include the Cat Monitoring System (CMS) and the Free Wheel Stator Torque Converter (FWSTC). 

The Caterpillar 994K is the second most popular wheel loader of 2024. In production since 2015, this 240.02-tonne loader features 45/65-45 tyres and a 6.24-metre-wide bucket, with capacities ranging from 19.1 to 24.4 cubic metres. It measures 17.61 metres in length, 6.24 metres in width, and 7.12 metres in height. The 994K can reach speeds of up to 24.5 km/h, has a maximum discharge height of 6.17 metres, a turning radius of 13.73 metres, and a lifting force of 573.3 kN.
Powered by the Cat® 3516E engine, the 994K incorporates systems such as the Positive Flow Control (PFC) Hydraulic System and the Cat MineStar System. Operator comfort features include the Cat Comfort Series III seat and LED lighting.

Topping the list, the Caterpillar 994 is the most popular wheel loader of 2024. Manufactured since 1992, this 172-tonne loader is equipped with 49.5-57 tyres and a 5.64-metre-wide bucket, offering a standard capacity of 10 cubic metres and a maximum of 31 cubic metres. The machine measures 16.65 metres in length, 5.21 metres in width, and 6.53 metres in height. It can travel up to 24.7 km/h, with a maximum discharge height of 5.66 metres, a turning radius of 11.44 metres, and a lifting force of 900 kN.
The Caterpillar 994 is powered by a Caterpillar 3516 Diesel Engine and features a high-lift arrangement. Additional technical aspects include oil-cooled disc brakes, an eight-position adjustable steering column, and an automatic lubrication system. 

It's important to highlight the key technical specifications that industry professionals typically consider when evaluating wheel loaders. These include engine power, operating weight, bucket capacity, and breakout force. Additionally, factors such as turning radius play a crucial role in determining a machine's adaptability to different work environments and tasks. Our comparison provides a clear and concise overview of these specifications for the top ten most popular wheel loaders, facilitating informed decisions for those involved in procurement and operational planning.

 

Wheel loader	Weight	Bucket capacity	Transport length	Transport width	Transport height	Lifting force
Caterpillar 994	172.00 t	10.000 m³	16.650 m	5.210 m	6.530 m	900.0 kN
Caterpillar 994K	240.02 t	19.100 m³	17.610 m	6.240 m	7.120 m	573.3 kN
Caterpillar 966H	23.80 t	3.500 m³	8.840 m	3.220 m	3.580 m	191.0 kN
Caterpillar 950 G	17.90 t	2.700 m³	8.033 m	2.750 m	3.374 m	169.0 kN
Caterpillar 950H	18.50 t	2.700 m³	8.020 m	2.860 m	3.450 m	166.0 kN
Komatsu P&H L-2350	266.62 t	40.520 m³	20.270 m	6.760 m	6.730 m	1173.0 kN
Volvo L150H	25.66 t	4.000 m³	7.070 m	2.960 m	3.580 m	201.3 kN
Caterpillar 938 G	13.80 t	2.200 m³	7.470 m	2.700 m	3.200 m	115.0 kN
Caterpillar 930	9.62 t	1.150 m³	6.050 m	2.440 m	4.780 m	85.3 kN
XCMG ZL50GN	17.50 t	4.500 m³	8.225 m	3.016 m	3.515 m	175.0 kN

Our analysis of the top wheel loaders of 2024, based on LECTURA Specs' website traffic from January to June, highlights models that have attracted significant attention from industry professionals. The list is predominantly led by Caterpillar models, reflecting the brand's strong presence in the industry, complemented by notable entries from Volvo, Komatsu, and XCMG.

Understanding the specifications of wheel loaders is essential for making informed decisions on-site. We encourage readers to visit the LECTURA Specs website to explore detailed specifications, datasheets, and technical information on these and other heavy machinery models. This resource offers a comprehensive database that facilitates the comparison and evaluation of equipment to meet specific project needs.