Babcock has officially introduced Volvo Construction Equipment’s new generation wheel loaders to the South African market, offering customers in construction, quarrying, mining and material handling a significant step forward in productivity, fuel efficiency and operator comfort.
The locally available lineup comprises three models — the Volvo L150, L180 and L220 — all engineered for demanding operating conditions while keeping total cost of ownership in check over the long haul.
Built for Higher Productivity
At the heart of the new generation range is a suite of performance-focused technologies. Advanced load-sensing hydraulics sharpen attachment responsiveness and cut cycle times, while Auto Bucket Fill technology ensures faster, more consistent loading.
Automatic bucket levelling, meanwhile, allows operators to return the bucket to a level position from both dump and curl modes — boosting accuracy and repeatability on site.
The integrated Volvo powertrain brings the engine, transmission and axles into sync for optimised efficiency.
OptiShift technology, paired with Volvo’s patented Reverse-By-Braking (RBB) system, shortens cycle times, trims fuel consumption and reduces drivetrain wear in repetitive loading applications.
All three models are also compatible with HVO (Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil) fuel, supporting decarbonisation goals without any engine modifications.
A Smarter, More Comfortable Cab
The redesigned cab puts operator wellbeing front and centre. The intuitive Volvo Co-Pilot interface consolidates machine functions, productivity tools and comfort settings into a single display, with the ability to monitor up to four data widgets at once.
Operators also benefit from enhanced armrests, more storage space, multiple USB charging points, improved climate control and a choice of seating options including heated and ventilated seats.
For those facing long shifts, optional Comfort Drive Control (CDC) offers single-lever steering to help reduce fatigue.
Safety and Serviceability at the Fore
Volvo has made meaningful improvements to both safety and ease of maintenance. A tiltable cab and dedicated service platform with harness anchor points make routine servicing safer and more accessible, while under-grille lighting aids visibility during refuelling in low-light conditions.
On the active safety front, the machines come equipped with Volvo Smart View 360-degree visibility, an upgraded Collision Mitigation System, high-visibility lighting, automatic door opening and robust handrails.
Digital Tools for the Modern Fleet
The new generation loaders integrate seamlessly with Volvo’s digital solutions ecosystem. Load Assist delivers on-board weighing and operator coaching, while Load Ticket streamlines data transfer from machine to office, simplifying invoicing and reporting workflows.
CareTrack telematics and Site Operations tools round out the offering, supporting uptime monitoring, fleet optimisation and mixed-fleet management.
Flexible Financing Through Volvo Financial Services
To ease capital investment decisions, Babcock provides access to tailored funding solutions through Volvo Financial Services, structured to align with customers’ operational and cash-flow needs.
The aim is to help businesses adopt the latest technology without overextending on risk or long-term costs.
Local Expertise Backing Every Machine
Quintin O’Reilly, Head of Sales – Equipment at Babcock, summed up the significance of the launch: as the authorised Volvo CE dealer in South Africa, Babcock sees these machines as a compelling package — combining real-world gains in productivity and efficiency with the company’s national service network, parts availability and financing options to deliver lasting value for customers focused on long-term performance.
