Volvo L220G Workhorse Gets a New Lease of Life in Malaysia
In Malaysia, a decade-old Volvo L220G wheel loader has been given a fresh lease of life through the Volvo Certified Rebuild Program. After more than 25,000 operating hours, this robust machine was still a dependable performer, but it was time for a transformation. Rather than sending it to retirement, the owner opted for a complete overhaul using Genuine Volvo Reman parts. The result: a loader restored to near-new condition, delivering renewed performance, extended life, and a host of sustainability benefits.
The program isn’t just about patching up ageing equipment. It’s a structured process that restores a machine to original factory specifications, ensuring operators receive the productivity of a new unit at a fraction of the price. More importantly, it reflects the growing emphasis on cost efficiency, environmental responsibility, and long-term machine value across the construction and quarrying sectors.
The certified rebuild journey
Every Volvo Certified Rebuild begins with a thorough Volvo Care Inspection, an exhaustive health check carried out by factory-trained technicians. This assessment dives into every corner of the machine, from hydraulics and powertrain to electrics and structural components. Based on the findings, customers can choose a targeted rebuild of key systems or a full-scale overhaul.
For the L220G, the customer chose to go all the way. The inspection confirmed that while the loader remained structurally sound, a decade of demanding work had worn down its core systems. The plan was clear: restore every major component to factory standards and return the machine to peak performance.
Breathing new life into the engine and transmission
The process began with a complete disassembly of the Volvo D13H six-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Each component was carefully cleaned, inspected, and either replaced or remanufactured. Pistons, liners, turbocharger, and fuel injectors were all renewed to ensure optimal combustion and power delivery. Supporting systems such as seals, gaskets, filters, and the cooling system were also replaced or tested to guarantee reliability under heavy loads.
The transmission, a cornerstone of wheel loader performance, was swapped for a fully remanufactured Volvo unit. Unlike a basic repair, this involved stripping the transmission to its bare housing, rebuilding it to as-new condition, and testing it rigorously. The result was smoother gear shifts, improved power transfer, and greater overall dependability.
Restoring safety and stability
To ensure safety and stability, the driveline was carefully rebuilt. The drive shaft was balanced and fitted with new universal joints, while axles, hubs, and braking systems were overhauled. These steps are vital in heavy-duty applications, such as quarrying and material handling, where safety margins are slim and machine downtime is costly.
Externally, the L220G received a full facelift. Panels were cleaned, repaired, and repainted. Protective seals and fresh decals were added to guard against weathering. Inside the cab, comfort and ergonomics were restored with new upholstery, controls, and displays, making it ready for long shifts in demanding environments.
Tested, validated, and guaranteed
Before handover, the rebuilt loader underwent an exhaustive pre-delivery inspection. Only after passing every quality check was it returned to its owner. In addition, the Certified Rebuild included extended coverage: three years or 6,000 hours of powertrain protection, providing peace of mind that matched the machine’s renewed condition.
This rebuild exemplifies the essence of Volvo’s approach: extending machine life, enhancing return on investment, and reducing environmental impact through remanufacturing.
Sustainability at the core
Yee Kam Hoong, Head of Aftermarket at Volvo CE Malaysia, highlighted the philosophy underpinning the programme: “Central to Volvo CE’s sustainability strategy is a strong emphasis on resources, adopting a ‘reuse, reduce, remanufacture, and recycle’ methodology. The Certified Rebuild Program and our Genuine Volvo Reman parts allow customers to maximise machine life, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impact, all while maintaining the quality, reliability, and performance Volvo machines are known for.”
The rebuild programme aligns with Volvo CE’s broader sustainability goals, which include achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and embedding circular economy practices into operations worldwide. By remanufacturing key components, Volvo not only reduces waste but also cuts the carbon footprint associated with producing new parts. For customers, the result is a lower total cost of ownership without compromising reliability.
Cost-effective reliability for the long haul
A brand-new wheel loader represents a significant capital investment. For many companies, particularly in emerging markets, maximising asset value is essential. A certified rebuild offers a compelling alternative: factory-level performance at a significantly reduced cost. It allows operators to extend the working life of trusted machines while freeing up capital for other investments.
For contractors, quarry operators, and infrastructure firms, this strategy reduces downtime and risk. Machines rebuilt under the Volvo Certified Program are backed by warranties and supported through the global Volvo dealer network, ensuring continued uptime and technical support.
Driving industry-wide change
The Malaysian L220G project isn’t an isolated case. Volvo Certified Rebuilds are increasingly popular worldwide, reflecting a shift in industry priorities. In markets from Asia to Europe, companies are recognising that extending machine lifecycles is both economically and environmentally sound. Instead of scrapping machines at the end of their first life, they’re being rebuilt and redeployed, often with performance and comfort that match brand-new equipment.
This trend is particularly relevant as industries face mounting pressure to reduce emissions and embrace circular practices. Rebuild programmes support those goals without compromising productivity. For investors and policymakers, they showcase how practical solutions can bridge sustainability and profitability.
A stronger future for heavy equipment
The story of the Malaysian Volvo L220G is more than a case study in refurbishment. It illustrates the growing importance of remanufacturing and lifecycle extension in heavy equipment management. By combining cost savings, improved reliability, and reduced environmental impact, certified rebuilds are helping reshape the industry’s approach to machine ownership.
For the construction and quarrying sectors, the message is clear: extending machine life through certified rebuilds is no longer just an option, it’s becoming best practice.
