Robust design as a guiding principle for product development
Liebherr has made significant investment in the longevity of the new large wheel loaders in a number of ways. The rigorously tested Liebherr XPower drivetrain represents robust design as it generates its power through the interaction of two different drive paths thereby distributing the load between the two and greatly extending the service life of the components.
Every XPower wheel loader is fitted with stronger axles than the previous machine generation, often being fitted with axles from the next model up in the earlier range. In addition to the axles, Liebherr has reinforced other core components such as the hydraulic cylinders. Liebherr continues to develop and manufacture key components in-house or in partnership with premium manufacturers. This means Liebherr can ensure the consistent high quality of the components used.
The SCR technology, developed for diesel engines by the Liebherr competence centre, is yet another innovative feature of the XPower wheel loaders. This simple, reliable and highly effective emission reduction system has fewer components and auxiliary consumables than conventional diesel particle filter systems. Diesel particle filters and exhaust gas recycling, for example, are no longer required with SCR technology. As SCR technology does not require filter regeneration, high exhaust gas temperatures are avoided, thereby significantly reducing the risk of fire. This improves the system's reliability and increases machine availability. However, Liebherr is still able to supply diesel particle filters for applications where their use is mandatory.
Reinforced lift arm and optimised buckets boost productivity
It is not only Liebherr's XPower drivetrain that boosts efficiency. To improve operational productivity still further, Liebherr has reinforced the lift arm and optimised the lever ratio. The revised Z-bar linkage results in break-out forces that are up to 20 per cent higher than those of previous machine generations.
Liebherr customers can choose between Z-bar linkage and industrial linkage for the XPower L 550, L 556, L 566 and L 580 wheel loaders at no extra cost. Z-bar linkage is ideally suited to conventional wheel loader applications such as extraction. The optional industrial lift arm, also available at no extra cost, is best suited to uses with heavy equipment.
Along with the improvements to the lift arm, Liebherr has also re-engineered the bucket design. The optimised buckets penetrate the material more effectively to facilitate fast and efficient filling and Liebherr has also reinforced the bearings and the bucket structure. The XPower generation can use standard buckets that are between 0.2 and 0.5 cubic metres larger, depending on the model. The standard bucket volume varies between 3.2 cubic metres for the L 550 XPower and 6.0 cubic metres for the L 586 XPower, depending on the machine model. This allows machine operators to move more material with each loading cycle.
Load capacity is increased as a result of the mounting position of the components. Liebherr fits heavy components, such as the engine, right at the back of the machine, which shifts the centre of gravity towards the rear axle and removes the need for additional counterweight. This ideal weight distribution results in high tipping loads and greater handling capacity per hour of operation.
Larger cab, simple maintenance: focus on comfort
A wide access ladder leads to a spacious and comfortable cab. Liebherr developed the cab in close cooperation with wheel loader drivers to achieve the highest standards of comfort with a logically-arranged cab interior that feels spacious and includes handy storage options. Ergonomics have been thought through down to the smallest detail with the displays, operating elements and driver's seat forming a single ergonomic unit that can be adjusted by the driver to suit their individual needs. For example, the driver can select one of three adjustment options on the steering column. The movement-following Liebherr operating lever is integrated into the driver's seat as a standard feature and allows accurate and intuitive control of the working and driving functions. These investments in the comfort of the driver facilitate fatigue-free and focused work.
The cab design provides outstanding visibility. The glass and window areas are larger and extend further downwards than in earlier wheel loader models, improving all-round visibility. The reversing camera, fitted as standard, is integrated into the touch screen display. These measures – in combination with the slimmer design of the customised engine hood – ensure excellent all-round visibility and therefore maximum safety for operator and machine.
The machine operator's daily work is made trouble free thanks to a range of well thought-out features. For instance, the engine hood opens backwards, providing quick access to the engine for maintenance work. A pedestal for comfortable and safe working is integrated into the opened hood. The most important maintenance areas are close to the cab and can be checked with ease. The fuel and urea tank (SCR system) are combined in one place, making refuelling more straightforward. A footboard for the cab makes safe cleaning of the windscreen easier and is also used to hold the driver's door in position.
The radiator is located immediately behind the operator's cab in the cleanest area of the wheel loader. In this position, the cooling system can aspirate air with a low dust content, which ensures consistent and reliable cooling performance. This intelligent design solution also reduces maintenance and increases the service life of the cooling system. Equipment options, such as a reversible fan drive, fluff filter or a coarse-meshed radiator net, protect the cooling system against pollution during particularly dusty operations. This advanced cooling system increases machine availability.