The counterweight of a wheel loader is usually arranged at the end of the vehicle. It is an indispensable balance element when its working device-bucket, boom, rocker arm, oil cylinder, cab and chassis form a complete mechanical system.Its core role runs through the two basic operating cycles of the loader: shoveling and transportation.In the shoveling stage, when the loader is inserted into the material pile and the bucket is digging up the material, the huge insertion resistance and lifting force are transmitted to the front frame through the working device, resulting in a torque that causes the front wheel of the whole machine to leave the ground and overturn backwards.At this time, the rear counterweight generates a reverse torque through its mass, pressing most of the weight on the rear axle, which not only increases the adhesion of the rear wheel to provide greater insertion force, but also effectively prevents the vehicle from turning over and ensures the smooth implementation of the powerful shoveling action.In the subsequent lifting, transportation and unloading process, the counterweight continues to balance the center of gravity of the load that continues to move forward as the boom rises, ensuring the longitudinal stability of the equipment when moving and steering.

The balance of counterweight is also essential for the steering stability of loaders, especially articulated loaders.Due to the existence of the articulated frame, the loader itself has a certain tendency to turn inward when turning at no load or light load.A properly designed counterweight can optimize the mass distribution of the vehicle, so that the front and rear axle loads in the no-load and full-load states are relatively balanced, which not only improves the wear condition of the tires, but also improves the steering control stability and safety of the vehicle at various speeds, especially when driving with a fully loaded bucket, and reduces the risk of accidental sideslip or flick.Therefore, the determination of the weight distribution is a comprehensive calculation process. It is necessary to balance the requirements of the maximum shoveling force, the stability of the maximum lifting load, the smoothness of no-load driving, and the tire life and other goals, and finally find an optimal solution.

For operation and maintenance practices, the significance of understanding this balance principle lies in strict compliance with equipment specifications.It is strictly prohibited to modify the counterweight privately (such as welding additional weights) or remove part of the counterweight, because this will directly change the design axle load distribution, which may lead to early locking of the rear wheel during braking, mutations in steering characteristics, abnormal frame force and other serious consequences.In daily inspections, attention should be paid to whether the counterweight is firmly fixed to the tail of the frame and whether the fixing bolts are loose.Due to the low position of the counterweight, it is vulnerable to bumps and mud erosion under harsh working conditions. It is necessary to regularly clean up the soil accumulated on its surface and check the steel counterweight shell or cast iron counterweight body for cracks or serious corrosion caused by the collision.When the equipment is overhauled or the rear axle tires are replaced, it is also necessary to pay attention to the operating process to avoid damage to the counterweight connection structure caused by improper jacking.Only by maintaining the “stabilizer” at the rear can the “Hercules” bucket in front work efficiently without distractions.