Volvo L220F Loader with Oversized Chip Bucket in Biomass Operations

[MikePhua]

The L220F and Volvo’s Heavy Loader Lineage
The Volvo L220F wheel loader was introduced in the mid-2000s as part of Volvo Construction Equipment’s F-series, which emphasized fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and advanced hydraulic control. With an operating weight of approximately 68,000 pounds and a net power output of around 380 horsepower from its Volvo D12D engine, the L220F was designed for demanding material handling tasks in mining, forestry, and bulk commodity yards.
Volvo, founded in Sweden in 1927, has long been known for its emphasis on safety, environmental stewardship, and operator ergonomics. The L220F continued this tradition with features like load-sensing hydraulics, a spacious cab with climate control, and a fully automatic transmission with torque converter lock-up for fuel savings.
Chip Bucket Configuration and Volume Optimization
The 776.9 cubic foot chip bucket mounted on the L220F represents a specialized adaptation for handling lightweight, high-volume materials such as wood chips, bark, and biomass. Standard buckets for the L220F typically range from 6 to 10 cubic yards, but chip buckets are engineered with extended height and depth to maximize volume without exceeding the loader’s tipping load.
Key features of the chip bucket:

• Light-duty construction with reinforced edges
  
• High back wall to prevent spillage during travel
  
• Bolt-on cutting edge for wear resistance
  
• Side spill guards to contain loose material
  
• Quick coupler compatibility for fast attachment changes
  

Terminology Note: “Tipping load” refers to the maximum weight a loader can lift before becoming unstable. “Quick coupler” is a hydraulic or mechanical interface allowing rapid attachment swaps without manual pin removal.
In 2023, a biomass facility in Oregon retrofitted their L220F with a 770+ cubic foot chip bucket to load trailers more efficiently. The modification reduced cycle times by 18% and improved fuel economy due to fewer travel passes.
Operational Considerations and Loader Dynamics
Using an oversized bucket requires careful attention to stability, visibility, and hydraulic response. Operators must adjust their technique to accommodate the altered center of gravity and increased material flow.
Recommendations:

• Load in layers to prevent overfilling and spillage
  
• Use boom float mode when traveling with full bucket
  
• Avoid sharp turns at speed with raised load
  
• Monitor hydraulic temperature during extended cycles
  
• Keep bucket level during lift to reduce stress on pins
  

Upgrade options:

• Install rear counterweights to offset bucket mass
  
• Add boom suspension system to reduce shock during travel
  
• Use onboard payload monitoring to prevent overloading
  
• Retrofit LED lighting for improved visibility during early morning shifts
  

A contractor in British Columbia added a boom suspension kit to his L220F after noticing excessive wear on lift cylinders during chip loading. The upgrade extended cylinder life and improved operator comfort.
Maintenance and Wear Management
Oversized buckets accelerate wear on key components due to increased cycle volume and material flow. Maintenance strategy should include:

• Daily inspection of bucket welds and cutting edge
  
• Weekly greasing of lift arm and tilt linkages
  
• Monthly torque check on bucket mounting bolts
  
• Hydraulic filter replacement every 500 hours
  
• Tire pressure monitoring to prevent sidewall fatigue
  

Preventive measures:

• Use high-wear steel on bucket lip and corners
  
• Install rubber seals on spill guards to reduce chip loss
  
• Add camera system for rear visibility during reversing
  
• Keep bucket clean to prevent buildup and imbalance
  

In 2022, a wood processing yard in Maine replaced their bucket edge with a tungsten-carbide reinforced blade. The new edge lasted twice as long under abrasive chip conditions.
Productivity Gains and Application Insights
The oversized chip bucket transforms the L220F into a high-volume loader ideal for biomass, mulch, and light aggregate. Benefits include:

• Faster trailer loading with fewer passes
  
• Reduced fuel consumption per ton moved
  
• Improved yard throughput during peak season
  
• Lower labor cost due to shorter cycle times
  

Challenges:

• Limited visibility when bucket is raised
  
• Increased risk of overloading if material density varies
  
• Hydraulic strain during continuous operation
  

Solutions:

• Train operators on material density estimation
  
• Use telematics to monitor fuel burn and cycle count
  
• Schedule cooldown intervals during peak shifts
  
• Rotate bucket usage with standard bucket to balance wear
  

In 2024, a sawmill in Texas used two L220F loaders—one with a chip bucket and one with a standard bucket—to optimize yard flow. The chip bucket handled trailer loading while the standard bucket managed cleanup and stockpile shaping.
Conclusion
The Volvo L220F equipped with a 776.9 cubic foot chip bucket exemplifies the fusion of heavy equipment engineering and material-specific adaptation. In biomass and wood product operations, volume matters more than weight—and this configuration delivers. With proper training, maintenance, and operational awareness, the oversized bucket becomes a tool of efficiency, not a liability. In the world of bulk handling, capacity is king—and the L220F wears the crown with confidence.