ANT 3000 or Amkodor 342B - front loader comparison

Bucket trucks are used in construction, utilities, mining, agriculture, etc. Working conditions are difficult, so when choosing the best option, reliability plays a big role. There are a number of other factors to consider as well.


The technique works not only with a bucket. It can be equipped with additional equipment, which expands the functionality. It is sold separately.

What to look for when choosing

There are several criteria that must always be taken into account. Thanks to them, you can determine in advance what requirements the loader should meet in your case:

• ✅ Carrying capacity. It happens small - up to 2 tons, medium - from 2 to 5 tons and high - over 5 tons
  
• ✅ Dimensions. Important if the front loader will work in confined spaces (narrow aisles, small grounds, low gate heights, etc.)
  
• ✅ Technical features. Type and size of the engine, its power. Hydraulic design. The specifics of operation and maintenance - it all matters
  
• ✅ Mass of technology. The heavier it is, the more stable and reliable
  
• ✅ Unloading height
  
• ✅ The volume of a standard bucket and the material of its manufacture.
  
• ✅ Additional equipment to be purchased
  
• ✅ Cost and availability of spare parts
  
• ✅ Ease of control and cabin comfort

It is worth reading the reviews of those who use the selected models. Often this helps to learn about the problems, as well as compare the features of each option in operation.

ANT 3000 - advantages and disadvantages

This front loader is manufactured at the Kovrov Electromechanical Plant. When assembling, components from well-known companies are used. The equipment is adapted to Russian conditions and works normally at temperatures from +40 to -40 degrees. The cab protects the driver in case of rollover due to the reinforced frame. Among the advantages, the following should be highlighted:

• ✅ John Deere 4045HF280 power unit. Reliable American diesel engine with a capacity of 100 liters. With. and a torque of 74 kW. Has proven itself as an economical engine that meets international environmental standards
  
• ✅ Bosch-Rexroth hydraulics ensure trouble-free operation in difficult conditions. She is simple and reliable.
  
• ✅ Standard bucket with a volume of 0,9 cubic meters. Rated load capacity - 2,5 t
  
• ✅ Automatic boom leveling system when it is raised eliminates tipping and improves safety
  
• ✅ Ground clearance of 430 mm gives good cross-country ability. Equipment is always equipped with tires with off-road tread for movement on all types of soil
  
• ✅ Dimensions 5,6x2,2x3 m guarantee normal operation in confined spaces. Turning radius small
  
• ✅ The bucket can go deep into the ground by 938 mm. The unloading height is 2720 mm

The cab is designed to work in any weather. Optionally, it is equipped with the Italian Sleeping Well OBLO climate control system. This creates comfortable conditions in the cabin, regardless of the temperature outside. The cushioned seat adapts to the person.

A closed-type hydraulic drive requires special attention. In it, the liquid is pumped into the hydraulic motor, and from it back to the pump unit. That is, the tank is used as a container for storing oil when the equipment is not working. This solution brings a number of advantages:

• ✅ Increased efficiency
  
• ✅ Precise and smooth control of the bucket or other equipment
  
• ✅ Easy maintenance

The manufacturer offers additional attachments, the range is quite large:

• ✅ Log grapples
  
• ✅ Buckets of different sizes and configurations for bulk cargo and other materials
  
• ✅ Plows for cleaning snow or collecting sand on construction sites
  
• ✅ Snow-removing modules of milling-rotor type
  
• ✅ Trenchers and soil cutters
  
• ✅ Hydraulic hammers and hydraulic drills
  
• ✅ Rotary brushes for cleaning the territory
  
• ✅ Forks for moving goods and grabs of various configurations

The plant also makes equipment according to customer requests, if standard solutions are not suitable. But it will cost more.

The cons are also worth considering. The owners pay attention to the fact that the seat can not always be put under a person. The range of settings is limited, sometimes because of this there are problems. There may also be questions about the build quality. To avoid trouble, you need to check all the connections on the new equipment and tighten them.

Amkodor 342V - pros and cons

Belarusian model, which has been produced for many years, constantly refining and improving the design. This front loader is popular in the construction, mining, utility and agricultural sectors for several reasons:

• ✅ Increased productivity with larger bucket, double spool valve and longer boom
  
• ✅ Fully loaded lift time is 5,6s, tipping time is 1,2s, lowering is 3,3s. 120 kN bucket breakout force ensures smooth operation
  
• ✅ Unloading height - 3,1 m. But if you need more, you should buy the Amkodor 342V-01 modification, which lifts the load by 3,5 m
  
• ✅ With dimensions of 7,5x2,5x3,45, the turning radius is less than 6 meters
  
• ✅ 4 t lifting capacity allows you to use large buckets for faster loading
  
• ✅ The six-cylinder turbodiesel D-260.1 produced by the Minsk Motor Plant produces 155 hp. With. and 115 kW of torque. With low fuel consumption, a 215-liter tank allows you to work for a long time on one gas station.
  
• ✅ Transport speed is up to 37 km / h, which will help you quickly move equipment between objects.
  
• ✅ 35 cm clearance and off-road tires provide improved flotation

The cabin also deserves attention. A comfortable seat with height adjustment, bucket lever control system, steering wheel adjustment, rear-view mirrors with an increased viewing angle - all this simplifies operation. The heater quickly heats up the space even at temperatures below -30.

Equipment may vary depending on the features of the work performed:

• ✅ Different options for buckets with a volume of 1,9 to 2,9 cubic meters
  
• ✅ Blockless crane boom designed for small loads
  
• ✅ Forks are in demand in warehouses and agriculture
  
• ✅ Plows for clearing snow or leveling the road and stacking loose materials
  
• ✅ Jaw-type grippers for moving logs, pipes
  
• ✅ Stacker for stacking hay and straw
  
• ✅ Reach boom for difficult loading conditions

There are also certain disadvantages. The assembly is not always of high quality, attention should be paid to checking the hydraulics, in new instances it often leaks. If preventive maintenance is not done, the equipment will break down more often. Sometimes there are interruptions in spare parts due to the fact that the factory does not deliver them on time.

Other options

There are many front loaders of European, American or Chinese production on sale. Consider the general features of some models:

• ✅ Molot ZL 30 is one of the cheapest options on the market, it will cost 1,7 million. With a load capacity of 3 tons, the quality is average, but according to the owners, problems with the automatic gearbox occur almost every year in cold weather. There are no guarantees, some equipment works for several years, others constantly break down and require repair.
  
• ✅ SDLG L953F is made in China. This is a solid option with a load capacity of 5 tons and a capacious bucket. The cabin is soundproofed, there is air conditioning and an audio system. But the hydraulic cable drive does not work well at low temperatures, this is the main problem. And the price starts at 6,5 million.
  
• ✅ Caterpillar 950 GC is equipped with buckets from 2,5 to 4,4 cubic meters. A breakout force of 147 kN, a solid unladen weight and reliable components make this technique versatile. But the price starts at 14,6 million.

We can conclude that inexpensive "Chinese" are not reliable, and the products of Western brands will cost several times more.

The result?

ANT 3000 costs from 3,82 million, and Amkodor - from 4,5 million. The difference is minimal, build quality and reliability are comparable. The first option has a lower carrying capacity and dimensions, so it is suitable if the loads are small and there is not enough space. The second one can be used almost everywhere, the main thing is not to forget to carry out timely maintenance.

When choosing, it is advisable to inspect the technique in order to understand the features and try it in motion. This will help you understand much better than the pictures in the catalogs.