I. Client Background
A grain storage cooperative in Kostanet Region, Kazakhstan manages 30,000 tons of wheat and barley per year. During harvest season (August–October), the cooperative operates 24/7 to load grain onto trucks and railway wagons. The existing fleet had 10-ton loaders that were too heavy for the concrete yard and 3-ton loaders that were too slow. The cooperative needed a front wheel loader with compact size, precise bucket control, and cold start reliability at -30°C.
II. WALMECH Machine Solution
The cooperative selected the WALMECH WL958 front wheel loader. This construction wheel loader is powered by a 92kW YUCHAI engine (China-II emission standard). The 1.2 m³ bucket holds 900 kg of wheat per load, making load counting simple. The 3800 mm unloading height matches grain augers and truck sideboards. Key specifications: 2480 mm width for narrow silo aisles, 40 mm upper arm thickness, and a standard counterweight.
III. WALMECH Machine Parameters (WL958)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | WL958 |
| Total weight | 8,200 kg |
| Bucket capacity | 1.2 m³ |
| Bucket width | 2,400 mm |
| Engine | Yuchai, 92 kW |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 7,460 × 2,480 × 3,240 mm |
| Unloading height | 3,800 mm |
| Upper arm thickness | 40 mm |
| Tires | 17.5-25 |
This Chinese front end loader offers durability at a competitive price point.
IV. Performance Results
After one harvest season (1,500 operating hours):
98% uptime – routine maintenance only
Fuel consumption: 10.8 L/hour, saving 2,800 liters compared to previous 10-ton loader
Loading rate: 70–80 tons per hour into trucks, reducing truck wait time by 25%
Cold start at -28°C with winter diesel and engine heater
The 1.2 m³ bucket eliminated grain spillage, saving 15 tons of grain from ground loss
V. Client Feedback
“This loader equipment is the right size for our grain yard. The 3800 mm unloading height works well with our augers. Drivers find it easy to operate for 12-hour shifts.”
– Facility Manager, Kostanay Grain Cooperative
VI. The Future
The cooperative ordered a second WL958 for the 2026 harvest season. The Chinese loader is now recommended to other grain storage facilities in the region. WALMECH plans to establish a local parts depot in Kostanay.
