LIEBHERR MODERNISES ITS LARGE AND COMPACT WHEEL LOADERS
In response to demand from international customers involved in mining, coal handling and timber work, Liebherr has launched the L 550, L 566 and L 580 wheel loaders with the tip load, bucket sizes and engine power required for such applications.
Wolfgang Rottensteiner who is responsible for sales of the wheel loader series at Liebherrwerk Bischofshofen, says: “Liebherr has developed the three new models at the Bischofshofen plant, its long-standing centre of excellence for wheel loaders. Decades of experience in designing wheel loaders was one of the keys to success in the development process. We also analysed our international customers’ demanding wheel loader operations over a long period. This included observing different mining operations around the world, some in Africa and South America, coal handling in India and timber work in Russia. Our customers’ experiences were crucial to the development of the new wheel loader series.”
The new wheel loaders feature the proven hydrostatic Liebherr travel drive. With the increase in engine power – approximately 17% for the L 550 – the travel drive is even more powerful while maintaining the same low fuel consumption. This is advantageous when accelerating or penetrating material and lowers fleet fuel costs. Liebherr has installed the diesel engine in the rear, where it also acts as a counterweight thereby increasing the tip load for the wheel loaders.
Liebherr has three lift arm versions on offer for the new models – Z-bar kinematics, industrial kinematics and ‘High Lift’. The z-bar kinematics, which come to the fore particularly in the lower lifting range and for the break-out force. The industrial kinematics, which have been designed for working with heavy working tools such as high dump buckets and log grapplers. The ‘High Lift’ is an extended version
of the z-bar kinematics with the longest lift arms in this wheel loader segment. These ensure greater reach and more productive loading procedures at great heights, which is beneficial when loading railway wagons or lorries with high sides.
The wheel loaders also feature a new electrohydraulic pilot control. This technology also ensures responsive movements of the lift arms, independent of the size or weight of the working tool. Liebherr also offers a new, optional weighing device on the bases of the electrohydraulic pilot control. The assistance system works automatically as a check scale and provides real time information about the loading procedure. This data helps machine operators to precisely fill dumpers, lorries and railway wagons with the specified quantities and to avoid overfilling.
The electrohydraulic pilot control enables operators to perform individual adjustments on the new wheel loaders. For example, they can set lift limitations and maximum tilt-out heights, thus reducing the risk of accidents in areas where space is restricted. The tilt-out speed can also be programmed to protect lift arm components and the installed equipment.
In addition to these optimisations for operating safety, Liebherr has also invested in the operational reliability of the new wheel loaders. Because they are faced with an abundance of challenges: Remote operating areas, extreme climates, demanding loading materials and multi-shift operation over a long period demand a high degree of reliability.
For this reason, Liebherr has installed larger axles than were fitted on predecessor models. Liebherr has drawn on proven components from its other wheel loaders for the core components and steel construction.
The modern design of the new L 550, L
566 and L 580 wheel loaders has particular functional advantages in addition to the bold new look. The clean lines on the rear as well as the large glass surfaces in the cab facilitate good all-round visibility. Furthermore, the new reversing camera, which is installed in a protected position in the engine bonnet, assists the machine operator to keep an eye on the area to the rear. Numerous details that have been seamlessly integrated in the wheel loaders’ exterior design make service work easier. For example, on the L 566 and L 580, the engine bonnet opens to the rear, making the diesel engine freely and safely accessible.
A sturdy cab access leads to the redesigned and spacious operator's cab. One of the special features of the cab is the heightadjustable 9-inch touch display with intuitive menu navigation. The high-resolution display provides a clear overview of all the wheel loader’s operating information. The Liebherr control lever enables the highlysensitive control of work movements as part of the modern operating concept. Hydraulic working tools, such as the log grappler, can also be precisely controlled with the optional mini joystick on the control lever. The new electrohydraulic pilot control also makes an important contribution here. Large window surfaces and well-thought out storage areas complete the modern cab design.
Liebherr has renewed its range of compact loaders and expanded the series with the L
504 model. The three models in the compact loader series – L504, L 506 and L 508 – feature a modern and functional design. The compact design with a low centre of gravity ensures optimum weight distribution. The height of the L 504 and L 506 models remains under
2.5 metres, making it easy to transport on a trailer. The new L 508 compact has become larger and wider than both of the other Liebherr compact loaders. Due to customer demand, the L 506 and L 508 models are available as ‘Speeder’ variants which can reach a top speed of 30 km/h.
The compact loaders have robust lift arms with z-bar kinematics, which facilitates the use of a wide variety of attachments. Liebherr has optimised the parallel guidance for safe and precise operation when working with forks. This is critical, for instance, when transporting palettes with paving stones or decking tiles in garden and landscaping applications. To increase versatility, Liebherr offers its ‘High Lift’ lift arms for the L 506 and L 508 models on request. This is an extended version of the lift arms with a greater reach. This enables the compact loaders to also load taller transport vehicles.
Wheel loaders are confronted with a myriad of challenges when used in municipal services: Transporting materials with various buckets or forks, excavating with a 4 in 1 bucket, cleaning work with a sweeper, or winter services with a snow plough are just some examples of this. To ensure the mastery of this wide variety of applications, Liebherr offers its fully automatic quick coupler system Likufix for the three compact loaders. Likufix allows the machine operator to change between mechanical and hydraulic working tools from the cab within seconds at the touch of a button. This saves time and reduces the risk of accidents as the operator doesn't have to leave the cab when changing the equipment.
The redesigned cab allows entry via a sturdy, reinforced step. Liebherr has increased the amount of glass throughout the cab; the windscreen reaches into the foot area of the operator's cab. This ensures better visibility in all directions, particularly of the attachment and in the articulation area. The rear screen is curved on the sides, enabling an unobstructed view of the rear area. The compact loaders can be equipped with a backup camera on request, for even more safety when reversing.
Clearly-arranged control elements and practical storage areas increase comfort in the operator's cab. With the Liebherr control lever, the machine operator can operate the lift arms and the attachment safely. This also applies to the optional mini joystick on the control lever, which is used to control additional hydraulic functions.