Several of Canada’s rural municipalities have purchased SDLG wheel loaders and are finding them valuable in their fleets.
When it comes to government equipment, value and versatility are key. It’s for these reasons that SDLG wheel loaders are beginning to see more and more action in Canada, where municipalities are utilizing them for road projects and material handling.
Sarnia, a municipality in the Saskatchewan region, purchased an SDLG LG938L for its duties. The wheel loader is loading gravel for road projects and performing other tasks, such as snow removal and waste management for the region.
Kevin Fry, territory manager at Redhead Equipment, from which the machine was purchased, said that initially, Sarnia had been in the market for a used machine, but opted for a brand new SDLG wheel loader for its value pricing and solid warranty.
“Sarnia doesn’t have to run a wheel loader 24/7, it just needs to complete individual projects in a timely manner, and needs a loader ready to go in a moment’s notice,” he said. “It may only get 300 hours of work this year, so it makes good sense for the region to purchase an SDLG wheel loader, which costs less than premium machines.”
The LG938L being utilized in Sarnia is a 2.4 yd3 bucket wheel loader with an operating weight of 23,150 lbs. It features a Tier 4 Deutz engine with 160 hp and 530 lb.ft of torque; ZF transmission; dry disc brakes; a hydraulic quick coupler and 3rd function hydraulics; a modern fit and finish with high visibility; and an operator-friendly cab. It also comes with a 12-month, 1,500-hour warranty.
Caledonia, also in Saskatchewan, is another municipality that has chosen SDLG wheel loaders. Like Sarnia, the region purchased an LG938L, mostly for loading gravel for road projects. It’s working in gravel pits and utilizing the machine’s quick-attach forks for loading. Additionally, Caledonia will use the wheel loader for snow removal, come winter.
Redhead Equipment was again the dealer which provided this latest SDLG unit. Ryan Marwick, territory manager for the region, said the municipality based its decision to buy SDLG on value pricing and the nature of the work.
“The rural municipality of Caledonia was looking at several competing wheel loader options, but it just couldn’t justify spending twice as much money for a premium machine,” he said. “It’s only going to get some 500 hours of work each year, so it doesn’t need to run constantly to pay for itself. So far, the reports about the machine are very positive, even comparing its quality to more expensive loaders sold by market leading North American brands – it’s a great bang for their buck.”
Richard Linton, reeve of the municipality, reported that the wheel loader has turned out to be a great purchase.
“The RM of Caledonia is very impressed with the SDLG wheel loader,” he said. “It has performed above and beyond the RM’s expectations. We are happy with our decision to go with SDLG.”
Al Quinn, director of SDLG, said that the company’s wheel loaders are ideal for government work, where price tends to weigh heavily.
“When it comes to using tax money to pay for a region’s equipment, price is an extremely important factor. But that doesn’t mean that quality isn’t a huge consideration.” he said. “Governmental bodies want to purchase construction machines at a great price, but they have to be reliable and well-made, too. SDLG wheel loaders offer just that – quality and value pricing. For the same price as a used machine, they can purchase a brand new wheel loader backed by a great warranty.”
