Liebherr has launched three new wheel loaders tailored to markets outside of Europe and North America
The L 580 is the largest model in Liebherr’s wheel loader series for markets outside of Europe and North America. (Image source: Liebherr)
With the new L 550, L 566 and L 580 models, Liebherr is modernising the three largest vehicles in their series of wheel loaders which are tailored to markets outside of Europe and North America.
Increasing the tip load, bucket sizes and engine power are some of the most important innovations. The wheel loaders also feature a new electrohydraulic pilot control. This technology forms the basis for various intelligent features which increase safety and productivity during daily use.
Enhanced performance
The new wheel loaders feature the proven hydrostatic Liebherr travel drive, which is renowned for its great efficiency. Thanks to increases 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.
The company has three lift arm versions on offer for the new models. Firstly, the z-bar kinematics, which come to the fore particularly in the lower lifting range and for the break-out force. Secondly, the industrial kinematics, which have been designed for working with heavy working tools such as high dump buckets and log grapplers. Finally there are the High Lift lift arms – an extended version of the z-bar kinematics with the longest lift arms in this wheel loader segment.
The working hydraulics of the wheel loaders will also impress customers with their larger components and 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.
Increased safety
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 to reduce 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, larger axles have been included.
Liebherr has drawn on proven components from its other wheel loaders for the core components and steel construction. When maintenance and servicing are required, Liebherr supports its customers with a global sales and service network.
Comfort and functionality ensured
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 height-adjustable 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 highly-sensitive control of work movements as part of the modern operating concept and hydraulic working tools, such as the log grappler, can also be precisely controlled with the optional mini joystick on the control lever.