Gulf Construction Online - Liebherr introduces three new models

Loaders

The L 580 … the largest model in Liebherr’s wheel loader series for markets outside of Europe and North America.

Liebherr introduces three new models

Liebherr has replaced three of its largest wheel loaders for the region with new machines that boast more engine power, and hence an efficient travel drive, while maintaining a low fuel consumption.

01 April 2022

Liebherr has updated the three largest wheel loaders in the series of machines tailored for markets outside of Europe and North America with the new L 550, L 566 and L 580 models, which feature increased tip load, bucket sizes and engine power and a new electrohydraulic pilot control.

Decades of experience in designing wheel loaders was one of the keys to success in the development process, according to a spokesman for the leading German construction equipment manufacturer.

“We also analysed our international customers’ demanding wheel loader operations over a long period. This included observing different mining operations around the world. Our customers’ experiences were crucial to the development of the new wheel loader series,” explains Wolfgang Rottensteiner, who is responsible for sales of the wheel loader series at the Bischofshofen plant, Liebherr’s long-standing centre of excellence for wheel loaders.

The new L 550, L 566 and L 580 wheel loaders feature the proven hydrostatic Liebherr travel drive, which is renowned for its efficiency. Thanks to increases in engine power – approximately 17 per cent for the L 550 – the travel drive is even more powerful while maintaining the same low fuel consumption, he says.

“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,” Rottensteiner explains.

Liebherr 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, the High Lift lift arms, which are an extended version of the z-bar kinematics with the longest lift arms in this wheel loader segment, which ensure greater reach and more productive loading procedures at great heights, he says.

The working hydraulics of the wheel loaders will also impress customers with their larger components and new electrohydraulic pilot control, according to Rottensteiner. This technology also ensures responsive movements of the lift arms, independent of the size or weight of the working tool.

Liebherr offers a new, optional weighing device on the bases of the electrohydraulic pilot control, which works automatically as a check scale and provides real-time information about the loading procedure, helping 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.

Liebherr also invested in the operational reliability of the new wheel loaders to cope with challenges such as remote operating areas, extreme climates, demanding loading materials and multi-shift operation over a long period. It has installed larger axles than were fitted on predecessor models and 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.

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.

A sturdy cab access leads to the redesigned and spacious operator’s cab. The Liebherr control lever enables the highly-sensitive control of work movements as part of the modern operating concept. Hydraulic working tools can also be precisely controlled with the optional mini joystick on the control lever.