The launch of its new BL61B* and BL71B* sees Volvo Construction Equipment thoroughly redesign its backhoe loader range – offering improved performance, usability and a modern appearance.
Both machines have a new curvier, stylized look, as well as a roomier CareCab. With an operating weight that ranges from 7.1 t to 9.8 t, and gross power of 64 kW to 74.9 kW, the BL61B and BL71B were designed and built with power, strength, long life and cost saving efficiency in mind.
Loader and boom
The one piece chassis, loader arm and excavator boom are all made from high quality steel and robotically welded, giving precise, constant weld runs for structural integrity. The loader arm has a box-welded design and is reinforced with a cross tube. The larger excavator boom has a narrow, tall arch design that is inherently strong, and uses a closed box-welded approach with fewer components and welds, for durability and performance. The boom allows excellent visibility into the trench, as well as enabling closer proximity to the truck for loading. The cast iron kingpost offers flexibility of movement and swing.
Control in your hands
Compared to previous models the new BL61B and BL71B feature new controls. The machines are fitted with two floor mounted ergonomic levers that give the optimum grip for the operators hand movements when operating the excavator. The right lever is fitted with a horn for safety, and the left lever can have an optional fingertip button. This button controls the two-way auxiliary hydraulic line required when using double acting excavator attachments. The BL71B’s front loader is fitted with a single lever joystick for operating loader arm and bucket movements, multipurpose bucket opening and closing and also Forward, Reverse and Neutral transmission functions.
Fitted with either 18 inch or 20 inch front tires, these machines have a small turning circle and are extremely maneuverable, as well as easier to position on site. Helped by a new cast bucket linkage design, the bucket can rotate 205o – allowing vertical digging in all positions without repositioning the machine. Stability is improved by new rectangular stabilizer feet that have 30% more ground surface contact over previous models. The stabilizers are independently controlled, the pads are rotatable and easy replaced when worn.
Delivering the power
The BL61B and BL71B both feature Volvo’s latest D5D four cylinder 4.8 litre engines, with direct injection and turbo charging. These high torque, fuel efficient engines meet the requirements of the Stage IIIA emissions legislation. The torque converter on these machines is one of the largest in the industry and has excellent peak torque and torque rise. A differential lock on the rear axle is engaged via a foot switch on the side of the brake pedal and provides maximum rear wheel grip over slippery surfaces.
Both the loader and excavator benefit from flow sharing hydraulics that enable multi-functioning. BL71B features load sensing hydraulics that constantly adapt to the needs of the job in hand. With oil delivery that matches the required force, there is always the speed and power required for all hydraulic functions. In applications such as load and carry, where speed is important, the system efficiently delivers the required flow.
Improved CareCab
The redesigned Volvo CareCab is now better than ever. Boasting 15% more space than before, the room between the operator’s seat and the left side of the cab has been increased, as has space around the excavator mechanical controls or pilots towers, making the position change between loader and excavator easier and more convenient. There is also a larger area to store personal items. The seat, steering controls and instruments are all designed to lower fatigue and keep operators alert and in control. Comfort can be increased further with multi-adjustable steering column and high performance heating & cooling systems. A 30% increase in glass area combined with narrow pillars and a sloping hood bonnet design allow all round visibility when working. Visibility is helped outside the cab, by adjustable standard-fit halogen work lights, and internally by a large cab dome light for safer entry and exit of the cab.
Both ends of the machine can be equipped with versatile, easy-to-use attachments and quick couplers. B-Series backhoes can be configured with general or multi-purpose loader buckets, pallet forks, hydraulic thumb, standard and heavy duty excavator buckets, hydraulic breaker attachments – a vast range of solutions. Bucket loader capacities range up to 1.0 m3 and the backhoe excavator buckets have a maximum volume of 0.33 m3.
Service and daily maintenance is made easy with the B-Series, with a one piece lifting hood and filters/service points all grouped together at ground level. Fewer greasing points and long greasing intervals also help to increase uptime. A tilting oil cooler in front of the radiator makes cleaning both the cooler and the radiator quick and easy.
B-Series backhoe loader specifications
| Model | BL61B | BL71B |
| Gross power kW (ISO 14396) | 64/70 | 70/74.9 |
| Net Power kW (ISO 9249 / DIN 6271) | 62/68 | 68/73 |
| Operating weight min/max, kg | 7,080/9,120 | 7,740/9,800 |
| Max digging depth SAE (std arm), mm | 4,256 | 4,290 |
| Max digging depth SAE (Ext arm), mm | 5,320 | 5,352 |
| Lift capacity at full height, kg*
*using general purpose bucket, 1 m3, pin on. |
2,830 | 3,320 |