SDLG will unveil three new wheel loaders and launch a new year of its Top Driver Russia contest at the country’s largest construction equipment trade show.

For the 18th edition of Moscow’s famed CTT construction trade show, SDLG will introduce an all-new trio of wheel loaders for the Russian market that feature updated technology and improved productivity. The company will also launch Top Driver Russia 2017, a contest to determine the country’s most respected machine operator.

SDLG will hold two events at its booth on 30 May, which will be located in outdoor in Zone E 1/10. First a product launch at 11:00 a.m. to launch the new F-series wheel loaders, then an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the upcoming Top Driver contest. Both events will emphasize the reliability of SDLG machines, as well as those that operate them.

“We are delighted to return to CTT Moscow with a new range of F-series machines that feature higher productivity and more efficiency than previous generations of wheel loaders,” said Yu Mengsheng, CEO of SDLG. “With reliability as the cornerstone of our brand, every advance is geared towards improving uptime and productivity, and maximizing return on investment for our customers.”

Boosting productivity
The new F-series wheel loaders boast major improvements that result in higher production, increased energy efficiency and improved ease of operation. Three new loaders comprise the range: the 3.0 m3 SDLG L953F, the 3.2 m3 L956FH and the 3.5 m3 L968F. (The L968F can also be upgraded to a 5.0 m3 bucket capacity.)

All three new loaders are powered by a six-cylinder Weichai engine and feature new rear drive axles that are mounted to the swing frame instead of the auxiliary frame (as in the company’s L-series models), which can extend their life up to 50%. The engine of the L953F and L956FH has an output power of 162 kW, while that of the L968F has 178 kW.

The L953F and L956FH are fitted with the SDLG BX50 transmission, while the L968F is equipped with a new SDLG VRT200 transmission that offers an 8% increase in comprehensive efficiency over previous-generation models.

The F-series upgrades also put emphasis on improving driver comfort and visibility inside the vehicle. An upgraded cab features a curved front glass that is 15% larger than previous models and has 20% more glazing for improved visibility, safety and efficiency. In addition to improved air conditioning, the cab is equipped with a digital control panel and a single joystick that provide real time-status updates and allow easy operation of the loader arm and bucket.

In addition to the new F-series models, SDLG will feature a wide range of machines at its 700 m2 booth, including:

• Wheel loaders: LG936L, L953F, L956FH, L968FH, LG978, LG6210E
• Motor graders: G9190
• Road rollers: RS7120, RS8140
• Backhoe loader: B877

Russia’s Top Driver
SDLG’s signature campaign, “Top Driver,” first launched in China in 2013 and quickly became one of the construction industry’s premier programs. It aims to improve operator skills and promote the safe operation of machines by organizing a series of competitions among drivers. It also offers free training courses, promoting high standards across the industry.

The campaign expanded to Russia in 2016. So far, four operators in the country have won the designation, which came with a cash prize and a free trip to China. Top Driver also has a reputation for its community initiatives. Last year in Russia, representatives from SDLG and the participants visited an orphanage in Irkutsk to donate school supplies, sporting equipment and medical supplies to children in need.

“Over the last three years Top Driver has evolved from a standalone competition to a charitable endeavor that encourages active community participation,” explained Yu. “By incorporating charitable causes into our signature program, we are leading the industry to take social responsibility to the next level.”

Russia’s largest loader provider
SDLG’s equipment was first introduced into the Russian market 13 years ago, and since then the company has become the country’s largest supplier of wheel loaders. The brand’s commitment to providing reliable machines has gained the trust and loyalty of its customers and dealers. For example, SDLG has developed an extensive relationship with Moscow-based RBA, one of the prominent equipment dealers in Russia. RBA is not only the co-organizer of SDLG’s Top Driver campaign in Russia, it has also partnered with the company for CTT 2017. Thanks to a strong dealer network throughout the country, the SDLG became the number one wheel loader provider to Russia in 2009, making it one of the most successful Chinese equipment manufacturers in Russia to date.

“Russia is one of our most important markets, and over the years, we have forged strong relationships with the local dealers and customers. Our success in the country comes down to our dedication to providing reliable machines to the market,” Yu said. “CTT will be a great opportunity for SDLG to showcase its technical expertise in machine manufacturing and its ability to provide first-class customer service support to our Russian customers. We look forward to seeing them at the show and hearing first-hand about their unique needs.”

CTT 2017 will be held at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre, Moscow from 30 May to 3 June. SDLG will occupy the E-1/10 booth. CTT 2016 was attended by around 21,000 visitors from 59 countries, with 524 companies exhibiting at the show. The organizer, CTT Expo, is expecting a slight increase in exhibitors and visitors for 2017.