Strong performers: Liebherr presents new mid-sized wheel loader series

Liebherr will feature the L 546 wheel loader at World of Concrete 2024 for attendees to interact with at the tradeshow. The L 546 is one of three generation 8 mid-size wheel loader models. The three models, L 526, L 538, and L 546, in the latest Generation 8 have bucket sizes between 2.2 and 3.0 m³ in the standard version and are characterized by a significant increase in performance compared to the previous generation. The new L 526 offers around 20 percent more engine power and over 20 percent higher breakout forces than its predecessor. The L 538 and L 546 models also exhibit performance increases in all areas: for example, with the optimized travel drive, providing increased traction to ensure that the new wheel loaders accelerate dynamically in everyday work, and can penetrate powerfully into all materials. The three models are now available to order.

Powerful and versatile: Newly developed lift arms with optimized z-bar kinematics

Liebherr has reinforced the steel construction of the front section of the new wheel loaders to prepare the machines for handling heavy loads. Structural reinforcements on the new lift arms, for example on the lift arms or the cross tube, increase strength. The optimized z-bar kinematics with electro-hydraulic pilot controls has 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 or log grapples.

With the increased performance providing a strong basis, Liebherr offers numerous equipment options for the lift arms for industry-specific challenges. High lift arms, for example, are an extended variant of the z-bar kinematics and ensure greater range and efficient loading processes at all heights. For wheel loader applications that regularly require different attachments, there is a view-optimized quick coupler and the fully automatic quick-coupler system, Solidlink. 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.

Well thought-out details make day-to-day work with the wheel loaders easier. For example, you can activate the parallel guidance of the lift arms at the push of a button and thus work efficiently and safely with forks. The new, optional bucket-tilt assist helps when working with sticky materials, such as damp soil or compost, and ensures accurate loading by shaking out the bucket. While redesigning the lift arms, Liebherr has also revised the bucket design of the new mid-sized wheel loaders. Consequently, customers can now more accurately tailor the individual elements and wear parts of the buckets to their needs at the time of ordering.

Powerful and modern: Optimized travel drive and intelligent equipment

In addition to the new lift arms, the optimization of the hydrostatic travel drive contributes to the increased productivity of the wheel loaders. The new, more powerful engines are characterized by a higher maximum torque at a lower nominal speed. In this way, performance and efficiency can be increased with the same low fuel consumption. More powerful hydraulic components, such as larger travel motors and travel pumps, ensure greater traction in all three models and thus rapid loading cycles. For a high degree of robustness, Liebherr has reinforced the axles, as well as travel drive components; depending on the model, all three-wheel loaders have larger front or rear axles than their predecessors.

A modern design, which is reflected in the engine hood were designed for optimized visibility as well as the comfortable operator’s cab, and intelligent equipment are also part of the overall package of the new mid-sized Liebherr wheel loaders. An example of this is the active personnel detection with brake assistant. This optional assistance system, which is installed at the rear of the wheel loader, warns the machine operator visually on the display and with acoustic signals of dangers in the rear area of the wheel loader. To provide a specific warning of imminent injury to persons, the assistance system independently distinguishes between humans and objects using smart sensors. As soon as the active personnel detection emits a warning signal, the brake assistant automatically reduces the speed of the wheel loader to a standstill, to avoid a potential accident.

Performance data of the new mid-sized Liebherr wheel loaders

Model/Tipping Load/Bucket Capacity/Operating Weight/Engine Power

• L 526 - 19,245 lbs. /2.9 y3/ 29,035 lbs./ 116 kW / 156 hp
• L 538 - 21,275 lbs. /3.4 y3/ 32,010 lbs./ 129 kW / 173 hp
• L 546 - 24,275 lbs. /3.9 y3/ 33,975 lbs./ 138 kW / 185 hp

All specifications refer to the standard version. All three-wheel loaders meet the currently applicable emission standards of emission stage V or Tier 4 final.