MACHINE FIELD GUIDE / STOCKPILE TO TRUCK
Loader hire
Wheel loaders and backhoe loaders feed trucks, manage stockpiles, move bulk material and clean up sites. Loader choice depends on bucket size, tipping height, material density and how far the machine has to carry each load.
FIELD PLATE / 14 PUBLISHED SUPPLIER RECORDSMatch the size class to the task, then confirm the exact unit.
Loader size classes.
| Class | Typical work |
|---|---|
| Backhoe loader | Loader and small excavator in one road-legal machine. |
| Compact wheel loader | Yards, landscaping supplies and light civil work. |
| Medium wheel loader (10–20 t) | Civil sites, quarries and truck loading. |
| Large wheel loader (20 t +) | Quarry, mining and high-volume stockpiles. |
| Integrated tool carrier | Quick-change forks, buckets and sweepers. |
COMMON USE / 01Loading trucks from stockpiles
COMMON USE / 02Stockpile and yard management
COMMON USE / 03Backfilling and spreading
COMMON USE / 04Pipe and pallet handling with forks
QUOTE CHECK
What to specify.
- Material type, density and quantity per shift
- Truck side height and required dump clearance
- Load-and-carry distance and ground condition
- Bucket type (general, rock, light material) and quick hitch
Watch points.
Bucket volume must be matched to material density to stay within capacity.
Tyre damage on rock or demolition sites is often charged to the hirer.
Load-and-carry over long distances is slower than a truck cycle.
Rates for loader hire vary with size, location, duration, operator arrangement and transport. Read the plant hire cost guide and the wet vs dry hire comparison before comparing quotes, and use the supplier checklist to confirm the details.
FIELD FAQ
Loader hire questions
- Wheel loader or excavator for loading trucks?
- Loaders are faster from a flat stockpile and can move between piles. Excavators load efficiently from a bench or in-situ material and have more reach. Many sites use both.
- What is a backhoe good for?
- A backhoe combines a loader bucket and a digging arm, and can usually travel on public roads. It suits councils, utilities and small sites where one machine must do several jobs.
- Do loaders need a licence?
- Loaders do not require a high-risk work licence, but operators need demonstrated competency and a road licence if the machine is driven on public roads.