By Earthmoving Equipment Magazine
The first New Holland skid steer loader was produced in 1972, however the New Holland Company has been around for more than 12 decades, originating in the town of the same name in Pennsylvania, USA. Since then, more than 200,000 New Holland compact loaders have been exported globally.
Queensland’s Bris Vegas Machinery recently gave EEM a New Holland L220 skid steer loader to test. The New Holland L220 skid steer is powered by a 2.2-litre ISM (Shibaura) N844LTA diesel engine, producing 64hp. Weighing 2930kg and sitting on a base 1755 mm wide, the L220 has both the grunt and stability to achieve high production ratios. The vertical lift path loader frame makes the L220 more user friendly, keeping the centre of mass close to the machine and making it ideal for truck-loading operations. Breakout specs for the bucket lift and crowd functions are 15.3kN and 32.5kN respectively. Implement speed comes by way of an optional 116 litre/min, high flow hydraulic pump. This was reflected during our tests because the machine was both fast and powerful.
From the operator’s seat, visibility is excellent. The instrumentation is molded into the two forward cab pillars so it won’t impact on your line of sight to the work area. The seat was comfortable and the ISO controls were responsive and smooth. A hydraulic quick hitch enabling attachment changes on-the-fly from the operator’s seat, which further enhances operator comfort. The noise level from inside the cab was low considering you’re basically sitting on top of the engine. The internal cab panels and moldings were finished to an automotive standard and they appeared sturdy and robust. The spacious cab allowed for a comfortable range of seat position adjustments to cater for all operator heights and circumferences.
From a maintenance access perspective, the approach taken by New Holland differs somewhat from the rest of the industry in the way they’ve hinged their cabin from the front rather than the rear. However, this need only be done in the event of more comprehensive maintenance activities because all daily service points are accessed via the rear-swinging access door. The radiator and cooling package is easy to access for cleaning via the rear access door. The loader frame can be locked in the raised position from inside the cabin, reducing the risk of crush injury while exiting the cab with the loader frame raised.
Ground clearance of 203mm combined with 1128mm wheel base enables the L220 the ability to traverse over undulating ground without getting hung up. With a top speed of 11.4km/h, the New Holland L330 offers a factory fitted Ride Control system to absorb the inertia of the radial lift loader frame, isolating the main frame and the operator from the work tool and load being carried.
The machine presented very well; externally the paint finish was glossy and the colour scheme worked well with the decal package. The curvature of the rear counterweight profile and integral tail lights give a sleek, aesthetic appeal. The L220 complements the New Holland compact loader range, which includes rubber tyred and track-mounted variants, featuring radial and vertical loader frame models ranging from 2300kg through to 4581kg.
Overall, the New Holland L220 offered everything you could ask for in a modern construction machine, and you know you can rely on the strength of the Bris Vegas Machinery/Melbourne Tractors dealer network for after-sales service. With a three-year, 3000-hour warranty as standard, you will have peace of mind. If you’re in the market for a new machine, ask about their .90% finance offer for a limited time.