The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)has been using eight SDLG wheel loaders for snow removal duties this winter. It found them tough enough to weather the season’s biggest storm yet.

Record snowfalls fell on the state of New Jersey in the wake of Winter Storm Jonas. Some regions reported that more than two feet of snow accumulated in a single day. The massive amount of precipitation meant that every tool in the state’s snow removal arsenal would be commissioned for the cleanup, including eight SLDG wheel loaders.

Steve Butkus, crew supervisor for the NJDOT, said the wheel loaders excelled during the storm cleanup due to their toughness and ease of use.

“When Winter Storm Jonas hit, I was suddenly responsible for clearing 24 inches of snow from 150 miles of highway,” he said. “The LG948L was our primary machine all through the process, running 24 hours a day to get the people of New Jersey moving again. It not only performed well, but did so comfortably, thanks to its intuitive controls.”

In total, the NJDOT rented eight SDLG LG948Ls for the winter season. They were chosen because the seasonal nature of the job often doesn’t put many hours on wheel loaders.Additionally, snow removal often involves corrosive materials, such as large amounts of salt, so it made more sense to let a less expensive wheel loader absorb the punishment.

“We put the SDLG loaders to the test, moving very close to 1,000 t of salt during the storm,” Butkus said. “We wouldn’t even attempt this kind of punishing work with a premium loader, but SDLG hits the right balance between performance and affordability.”

Of course, subjecting machines to such corrosive materials comes with risk, but that risk is mitigated by its 12-month, 1,500-hour warranty. A seasoned, expert dealer network that provides 21^st Century product support also fully backs the wheel loaders. This makes SDLG wheel loaders an attractive alternative to auction/used premium loaders that often come with no aftermarket support.

The 3.0 yd³ capacity LG948Lhas an operating weight of 30,200 lbs and features a Tier 4iDeutz engine with 173hp and 530lb.ft of torque. Other features include a ZF transmission, dry-disc
 

brakes, a hydraulic quick coupler, a modern fit and finish with high visibility and an operator-friendly cab.

The NJDOT rented the eight SDLG wheel loaders from Penn Jersey Machinery. The company has been in business since 1983, providing a range of construction equipment for both sale and rent. It operates three main branches in Lionville, Pennsylvania; Deptford, New Jersey; and Somerville, New Jersey.

For more information on SDLG wheel loaders and the SDLG dealer network, please visit www.sdlgna.com