The new new mid-sized wheel loaders from Liebherr, the eighth generation, are making a big impression since their recent release.
The models – the L 526, L 538 and L 546 – feature a significant increase in performance compared to the previous generations, enabling them to be prepared for demanding operations in various industries, from earthmoving to extraction.
To showcase the features of the series, Liebherr Australia’s Earthmoving and Material Handling Division Major Account Manager, Scott McClement, recently organised a test drive of a Generation 8 L 538, at a site near Windsor in NSW.
Scott noted the loader’s robustness, boosted by a z-bar configuration with a direct pin on the bucket. Z-bars are essentially steel deformed tie bars (in the shape of a Z) for the purpose of formwork support.
Liebherr reinforced the steel construction of the front section of the new wheel loaders to accommodate heavy loads.
Structural reinforcements on the new lift arms, for example on the cross tube, increase robustness. The z-bar structure with electro- hydraulic pilot controls have larger hydraulic cylinders and more powerful working pumps.
The combination of these innovations enables faster cycle times and dynamic and powerful work movements – even with heavy attachments such as high dump buckets in the recycling industry or log grapples for timber.
“The model we are testing has a 2.6 cubic metre bucket. The new mid-sized range has a bucket capacity of between 2.2 to 3.0 cubic metres,” Scott said.
“There is also the option from the factory of a quick hitch bucket and forks.”
The enlarged standard buckets provide more capacity as well as a greater tyre clearance, resulting in significantly more handling capacity per loading cycle.
The modular bucket design allows individual configuration for each application and ensures maximum handling performance.
For wheel loader applications that regularly require different attachments, there is a view- optimised quick coupler and the fully automatic SOLIDLINK quick-coupler system.
This allows the machine operator to change between mechanical and hydraulic working tools from the cab quickly and safely at the touch of a button. This saves time and reduces the risk of accidents.
The optional bucket tilt assist, with automatic metered dump and bucket shake features, makes even the toughest of applications an easy task.
And the engine is a leap in automation. This new generation of mid-sized loader possesses more engine power and higher breakout forces than the predecessors.
“One of the key features of this machine is the Tier 4f engine, which is the highest EPA emissions requirement for off-highway diesel engines. It has class-leading horsepower, torque and kilowatts,” Scott said.
“It’s an efficient powerhouse which boasts low costs with high handling capacity.
“Power, speed, and durability, combined with innovative technology, results in an optimum machine design.
“The efficient hydrostatic travel drive and robust components reduce operating costs in a sustainable way, putting more money in your pocket.
“The drive is extremely robust and powerful, ensuring a long service life, while the enlarged travel pumps and motors effectively increase the tractive force, providing greater power output.
“The hydrostatic transmission engine offers extremely low fuel consumption, 6.9 litres per 100km for the L 538 G8 model.
“The Liebherr power efficiency (LPE) optimises the interaction between the diesel engine, transmission, and working hydraulics for maximum efficiency of the loaders. The Liebherr travel drive with LPE provides enormous fuel savings.
“Meanwhile, the factory auto lube system effortlessly feeds grease to all of the components: working pins and bushes in the bucket, the dog bone, the lift arms and also the articulation.”
Scott said all maintenance points were accessible safely, easily, quickly and cleanly, with non-slip treads and sturdy handrails ensuring maximum safety.
“The entire engine compartment can be accessed by opening just one bonnet at the back,” he said.
“All points for daily maintenance are conveniently accessible from the ground.”
Scott also highlighted the optimal cooling capacity of Liebherr loaders.
“The radiator is installed behind the cab, the cleanest spot on the wheel loader,” he said.
“Cooling air is drawn into the system behind the operator’s cab and flows through the entire engine compartment, restricting any external particles.“
The demand-controlled cooling via thermostatic control ensures high machine availability due to less radiator contamination.”
It all contributes to the comfort of the operator within the cabin, which was specifically designed for greater productivity and concentrated and fatigue-free work.
The displays, controls, and the operator’s seat are ideally coordinated and form an ergonomic unit, while individual adjustment options for the operator’s seat and the steering wheel mean the operator has a relaxed working atmosphere with plenty of legroom.
Numerous storage compartments and well- thought-out solutions also provide plenty of space throughout the cab.
“And the operator can keep an eye on everything because of the extensive use of glass, which provides excellent all-round visibility,” Scott said.
“As well, the engine bonnet was designed to optimise visibility. This, together with the integrated back-up camera, ensures excellent lines of sight and provides for greater safety.”
Optional joystick steering in the form of a steering wheel is integrated into the operator’s seat for ergonomic and comfortable operation, enabling intuitive operating behaviour. Speed- dependent force feedback ensures precise and safe steering behavior.
For his part, test operator Jac Currie was fully impressed.
“The cab ergonomics were fantastic, plenty of cool air blast in a large cab, the joysticks were set up really well, and the glass ensured there were minimal blind spots,” he said.
He loved the Skyview 360° system, which simplifies monitoring of the machine surroundings environment on a separate display in the cab.
“There’s really nice visibility in the cab, that 360 degree visibility helps on the worksite and in working around tight areas. You’re not going to hurt anybody in the area, you’re not going to run into another machine,” he said.
Other visibility features of the loader includes active personnel detection, which monitors the rear area of the wheel loader and warns f hazards with a visual and acoustic signal, while front space monitoring ensures optimised visibility when using large attachments.
“As for the performance, there’s definitely plenty of power. No struggle at all in getting a bucket. It’d definitely be something I’d feel comfortable sitting in all day for loading out or whatever other jobs you have.”
Jac was also happy with the intelligent solutions for limiting wear.
“The Liebherr travel drive brakes automatically, meaning the service brakes only have a supporting effect, and so they remain almost wear-free,” he said.
“The continuous tractive force control combined with limited slip differentials prevents wheel spin, thereby increasing productivity and significantly reducing tyre wear.”
In detail
• Powerful machine design
The drive components installed in the rear of the wheel loader serve as a natural counterweight and are part of the sophisticated counterweight design.
The ideal weight distribution leads to higher tipping loads and thus greater productivity. This balance increases efficiency, enables tighter turning circles, and saves fuel.
Strong designs and robust steel ensure reliable and powerful performance.
• Optimised z-bar kinematics
The new z-bar enables roughly 20 per cent more breakout force than the previous generation.
Faster tilting movements and cycle times means more efficient operations, while longer lift arms and the resulting higher reach and dump over heights makes daily tasks even easier.
State-of-the-art electro-hydraulic components enable functions such as optimum parallel fork guidance prongs at the touch of a button.
• Hydrostatic travel drive
The Liebherr travel drive enables continuous acceleration in all speed ranges, without noticeable gear changes or loss of tractive force.
The increased torque enables even better acceleration and faster operation, while the reduced engine speeds provide further fuel savings, lowering operating costs.
• Options aplenty
There is a diverse selection of configurable factory equipment, which means that the right tool is always available.
Larger standard buckets ensure greater handling performance in the same amount of time.
Modular bucket construction allows for individual configuration, suitable for any application.
For more information on Liebherr loaders, please visit www.liebherr.com.au
