Core Differences Analysis Between 3T and 4T Loaders
I. Tonnage and Overall Parameter Discrepancies
Load Capacity
- 3T Loader: Rated load of 3T, with an overall weight of approximately 9.7-10.5T .
4T Loader: Rated load of 4T, with an overall weight typically ≥12T (structural reinforcement required for increased tonnage, such as high-power engines and thicker chassis).
Operational Efficiency
- 3T Loader: Capable of handling 24-26T of materials per hour (e.g., in silage compaction scenarios).
- 4T Loader: Larger bucket capacity (e.g., from 1.2m³ to 1.5m³) theoretically boosts efficiency by ~20%.
II. Application Scenario Comparison
| Tonnage | Typical Scenarios | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3T | Farmland renovation, municipal odd jobs, small warehouse handling | High flexibility (small turning radius), lower acquisition cost (new domestic models ~120,000-180,000 RMB) | High overload risk (e.g., selecting a 4T model to handle 3.5T materials) |
| 4T | Heavy-load port handling, mining gravel sites, large-scale construction projects | Stable load-bearing (dual-chain design), suitable for high-density materials (e.g., ore, concrete) | Larger space requirements (minimum aisle width for perpendicular stacking ≥4.2m) |
III. Power System and Economics
Fuel vs. Electrification Trends
- 3T Models: Low electrification penetration (only 2.5% in 2024), fuel consumption ~4.5L/h, annual maintenance cost ~30,000 RMB.
- 4T Models: Accelerated electrification (expected penetration >25% in 2025), 5T electric loaders’ 5-year total cost 73% lower than fuel models .
Return on Investment
- 3T Fuel Models: 150 hours/month operation, 1,500 RMB/day rental fee, 6-month payback period.
- 4T Electric Models: 200 hours/month operation, 40% lower electricity costs, but 30% higher acquisition cost (~250,000-300,000 RMB).
IV. Purchase Recommendations
- Prioritize 3T When:
- Operating in narrow spaces (e.g., indoor demolition, greenhouse cleaning) or with budget constraints (≤5 hours/day operation).
- Prioritize 4T When:
- Need to handle heavy materials (e.g., steel, sand) or require continuous long-term operations (e.g., ports, mines).
- Compromise Solution:
- For fluctuating material weights, consider a 4T model with interchangeable buckets (e.g., 1.2m³/1.5m³) to balance flexibility and efficiency .
