South African equipment manufacturer Bell Equipment launched its new L-series tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB)on the domestic market in October.

The L-series TLB is powered by engine and equipment manufacturer John Deere’s PowerTech engine, providing a top speed of 40 km/h through a five-speed PowerShift transmission. This gearbox also provides the ability to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive while the TLB is in operation.

To improve traction in demanding off-road conditions, the L-series also features a limited-slip differential on the front axle and a fully locking differential on the rear axle. The rear lockable differential is protected by a lock protection system, which is enabled through the TLB’s digital monitor interface, thereby preventing damage to the rear differential by disengaging the locking mechanism at high speeds.

According to Bell Equipment product manager Dale Oldridge, the sealed switch module in the cab of the L-series TLB offers a central location for the machine’s functions and is completely sealed to protect against the ingress of moisture, dust and debris. This feature is standard, with keyless starting of the L-series TLB.

Further, a machine security system requires a password to prevent unauthorised operation.

To enhance machine protection and reduce operating costs, the L-series employs Auto Shutdown smart technology that shuts down the engine after a predetermined time, which can be set through the in-cab digital monitor.

Bell Equipment has designed the L-series TLB with improved cabin ergonomics, making the operator’s workspace user friendly.

“An enhanced loader control grip has a new ergonomic design that integrates fingertip controls for ease of use,” Oldridge notes, adding that a multifunction lever is introduced on the L-series’ steering column to control lights, windscreen wipers and indicators, thereby incorporating the functionality of a modern car. These features serve to keep the operator focused on the surroundings while operating the TLB from its forward-facing loader station.

The digital monitor enables the operator to view machine diagnostics, calibrations and other key information that can assist in daily operability and maintenance. It also facilitates the machine setup configurations, enabling operators to improve their productivity.

Ride control is offered as an optional feature, which can automatically engage when ground speed exceeds the speed setting on the digital monitor. With ride control, Oldridge says, the hydraulic cylinders on the front loader act as shock absorbers to improve driver comfort and reduce fatigue. “This also helps to produce full loads for better productivity.

“In keeping with the philosophy that a happy operator is a productive operator, the TLB has an adjustable mechanical air-suspension seat and lockable storage compartment in the cab,” he says.

Night-time operability is also improved on previous models with redesigned rear lighting systems that facilitate easier changing of bulbs. There is also an option to install light-emitting-diode clusters, using either spotlight or floodlight patterns to suit the working environment.

Keeping to the proven concepts used in the first Bell Equipment TLB, the L-series retains its unitised mainframe and excavator-style boxed structures, which are lightweight to provide increased rigidity and structural integrity.

The external shimming of the stabiliser legs reduces machine movement and also improves accuracy.

Axle-cooling and filtration features are standard on the L-series, as well as wet disc braking systems to improve durability and performance while in transit.

Ease of maintenance has been an important consideration and the L-series has same-side, ground-level daily service access, including fuel filling port. “By making daily checks easier to perform, they are more likely to get done, reducing inspection time and preventing a major failure. Our TLBs also feature an exclusive spring-applied, hydraulically released park brake that cannot be driven through, never needs adjustment and applies automatically with engine shutdown, while a single, self-adjusting engine serpentine belt reduces maintenance time,” concludes Oldridge.