A wheel loader is a four-wheeled machine used for earthmoving. Generally, it features a front-mounted bucket designed to scoop, hold and transport loosely packed materials, such as sand, dirt, and pulverized minerals.
Wheel loaders work with the aid of a mechanized lift-arm that moves that bucket higher or lower, depending on the needs and inputs of the operator. Furthermore, depending on the carrying capacity of the front-mounted bucket and the engine horsepower, a wheel loader will be categorized among one of four classes. These classes are usually referred to as compact, small horsepower, medium horsepower, and large horsepower.