Liebherr at Hillhead 2016

Wide range of Liebherr machines on display including excavators, wheel loaders and dozers

• See the new generation of XPower wheel loaders in action at the quarry face and up close on static display
• Other Liebherr highlights include the new PR 726 dozer

Liebherr machines will be out in force at Hillhead 2016 with tracked excavators, wheeled excavators, wheel loaders and bulldozers in a range of sizes on static display or in action. Highlights include the new generation of XPower wheel loaders, including the first L 586 in the UK, the new PR 726 dozer and a customer’s R 924 crawler excavator refurbished by Liebherr’s Used Equipment Division.

Liebherr has something for everyone at Hillhead 2016. The range of machines on display includes tracked excavators, wheeled excavators, wheel loaders and bulldozers with the new generation of Liebherr’s XPower wheel loaders out in force. Robust with strong axles and component parts, these machines have strengthened Z-bar lift arms for up to 20 per cent more break-out force. No diesel particle filter is required, thanks to the Liebherr SCR technology, and fuel savings of up to 30 per cent are provided by the Liebherr Power Efficiency (LPE) system and Stage IV / Tier 4f compliant power-split driveline, which optimises performance. XPower wheel loaders automatically adapt to the working situation with the most efficient ratio between hydrostatic drive for material uptake and short distances and mechanical drive for long distances and uphill. This enables them to achieve full power and the highest levels of fuel efficiency.

The L 566 XPower wheel loader will be on static display to enable customers to get up close and see many of the new design features of the XPower range. Its big brother, the L 586 XPower wheel loader, which will be working on the quarry face, is the first in the UK. The L 586 is not only the largest machine in the XPower range but, with more than 32 tonnes of operating weight, it is the largest Liebherr wheel loader and it has proved its capability during intensive long-term testing. A L 586 XPower® with Z-bar linkage was the front-runner in an endurance test, reliably performing its task of transporting wood chips into a silo for 13,700 operating hours. Despite operating almost constantly under a full load, fuel consumption remained low thanks to the power-split XPower driveline. The test wheel loader required 20 litres of diesel per operating hour, equating to a fuel saving of around 30 per cent compared with the already very economical Stage IIIA / Tier 3 L 586 wheel loader normally used to transport the wood chips.

In another test, the L 586 XPower®, this time fitted with a huge 5.5 m³ rock bucket with Liebherr tooth system, was used for extraction by an international cement manufacturer. Other standard quarrying equipment options, such as a foldable grille for the windscreen, were included on the machine to prepare it for its work at the rock face. The challenging test operation featured routes of up to 400 m and inclines of up to 30 per cent. The benefits of the power-split driveline, with the combination of the hydrostatic and mechanical drive ensuring the wheel loader works efficiently on all operations including long routes and steep gradients, really came into effect under these conditions. Despite the enormous load, the test loader only used around 22 litres of diesel per operating hour.

Following its launch at bauma 2016, a new PR 726 Litronic bulldozer with six-way blade will put in an appearance at Hillhead 2016. The dozer is powered by a 4-cylinder Liebherr diesel engine, which returns 120 kW / 163 HP and complies with Stage IV / Tier 4f emissions standards. And because this 6th generation machine benefits from Liebherr’s SCR technology, no DPF is required. Featuring an electronically-controlled drive management system with integrated ECO function, it enables the operator to select between high performance and maximum economy.

Proactive power control, which makes a significant contribution to reduced fuel consumption, is another 6th generation innovation. The PR 726 Litronic is designed for outstanding visibility with sloping edges on all sides, panoramic windows and exhaust stack and lifting cylinders positioned behind the A-posts giving the operator an optimum all-round view. With a comprehensive range of equipment available, the new PR 726 Litronic can also be configured for industrial applications and will be offered in a special dozer version for landfill sites.

The PR 726 Litronic’s undercarriage is a completely new development and the Liebherr FTB undercarriage is also available as an option with both undercarriage versions available as retro-fits. Many cab innovations from larger 6th generation machines are included on this model, which is also equipped with LiDAT, Liebherr’s data transfer and positioning system.

The PR 736 Litronic crawler tractor, complete with a straight blade, will be on static display. This is still a popular model thanks to a number of attractive features. These include low fuel consumption even at full load thanks to the constantly high efficiency and electronic power limiting control and the hydrostatic travel drive, which gives the PR 736 enormous power at any travel speed. The PR 736 can reach top speed without changing gear and, even when cornering, both chains are driven with a positive connection, giving it maximum thrust force and allowing it to turn on the spot in confined spaces.

And, last but not least, witness the impressive results of the Liebherr used equipment refurbishment programme first hand. Moorlands Specialist Excavations Limited has kindly lent us the company’s refurbished R 924 crawler excavator, which no one who has seen it so far could believe wasn’t a brand new machine. That’s thanks to Liebherr’s state-of-the-art workshop, located at Biggleswade, which is equipped with features including a brand new paint shop, welding / fabrication shop, crane test area, brake tester and 21 m inspection pits.