How Do Load, Power and Bucket Size Affect Lugong Loader Efficiency?

How Rated Load, Engine Power, and Bucket Capacity Influence the Working Efficiency of Lugong Wheel Loaders

Choosing the right wheel loader is a technical decision that depends on understanding how core performance parameters interact. Productivity is never determined by a single factor such as “higher horsepower” or a “bigger bucket.” Instead, it results from the coordinated performance of three key specifications: rated load, engine power, and bucket capacity.

This guide explains what each parameter means and how Lugong engineers scientifically match these components to achieve maximum efficiency in real-world applications.

1. Rated Load: The Foundation of Safe and Efficient Operation

Rated load defines how much material the loader can safely carry in a single operating cycle. The correct rated load ensures both efficiency and long-term machine reliability.

Why Rated Load Matters

Too low:

• Insufficient material per cycle

• Increased cycle frequency

• Higher fuel burn and longer job completion time

Too high:

• Higher acquisition and operating cost

• Reduced maneuverability in tight spaces

• Potential safety and stability issues

How Lugong Optimizes Rated Load

Lugong offers loaders from 0.6 tons to over 5 tons, covering landscaping, agriculture, construction, and large-scale earthmoving.
To ensure stability at maximum rated capacity, Lugong machines use:

• Reinforced high-strength manganese steel frames

• Heavy-duty drive axles designed for continuous load stress

This structural engineering guarantees reliable full-load operation and long-term durability.

2. Engine Power: The Core Driver of Hydraulic and Traction Performance

Engine power—measured in kilowatts (kW)—determines how effectively the machine can provide hydraulic force and traction for digging, lifting, and traveling.

Effects of Power on Productivity

Insufficient power:

• Slow lifting speed

• Weak breakout force

• Reduced travel speed, especially under heavy load or uphill

Power mismatched to the machine:

• Excessive fuel consumption

• Unnecessary engine capacity without usable performance gains

Lugong’s Engine Configuration Strategy

Lugong loaders are available from 42 kW to 162 kW, powered by trusted brands including Yunnei, Yuchai, Weichai, and Cummins.

These engines provide:

• Mature torque curves optimized for real-world load conditions

• High torque output at commonly used RPM ranges

• Reliable performance under continuous heavy-duty cycles

Combined with precision-matched hydraulic and transmission systems, Lugong ensures that every unit of power is effectively converted into digging force, lift speed, and fuel efficiency.

3. Bucket Capacity: Maximizing Volume per Cycle Without Overloading

Bucket capacity—measured in cubic meters (m³)—defines how much material the loader can move per cycle. The goal is to maximize volume without exceeding the machine’s rated load. Material density is the key factor when determining an appropriate bucket size.

Lugong Bucket Options and Customization

Lugong offers bucket capacities ranging from 0.4 m³ to 3 m³, with full customization for different industries.

Matching Bucket Size to Material Density

• High-density materials (wet sand, ore, minerals):
  Standard or rock buckets recommended to avoid overload

• Medium-density materials (dry soil, gravel):
  Standard bucket capacities provide the best balance

• Low-density materials (coal, grain, woodchips):
  Larger light-material buckets available to dramatically increase per-cycle volume

This density-based bucket selection ensures that productivity increases without compromising machine safety or structural integrity.

Conclusion: Efficiency Comes From Balanced System Design

Performance optimization in a wheel loader is a system-level engineering process, not just an increase in horsepower or bucket size. Lugong’s design philosophy focuses on the balance between rated load (structural strength), engine power (dynamic force), and bucket capacity (material volume).

With over 20 years of R&D experience, Lugong has developed complete matching systems for every model:

Engine power is fully utilized

Structural components support sustained rated load

Bucket sizes are precisely matched to material density and load limits

This coordinated design ensures that every Lugong wheel loader operates at its highest efficiency, lowest fuel cost, and maximum safety—no matter the application.