LIEBHERR has announced the debut of its latest mid-range wheel loaders, described as offering more power, redesigned cabs and, for the first time on mid-range models, the options of joystick steering and assistance systems from the larger XPower machines.
The three models – L 526, L 538 and L 546 – were due to be unveiled at the IFAT trade fair in Munich but with the postponement of that event, the manufacturer has elected to accept orders immediately.
The new range complies with stage V/tier 4f emissions guidelines. Liebherr explained that hydrostatic travel drive has been optimised, giving the L 538 and L 546 ‘significantly more’ power while the L 546 gets a new six-cylinder engine.
Two lift arm variants are available: one is the Z-bar kinematics with high forces in the lower positions, the other parallel kinematics with ‘enormous’ holding forces in the upper areas as well as parallel guidance. Liebherr said this latter configuration is particularly useful in tough industrial applications where the machine is handling materials such as scrap metal or glass. Both variants were redesigned for the new series. The L 538 and L 546 are manufactured with larger lift cylinders that are said to have increased lifting force by 20% over the previous generation.
The electro-hydraulic pilot control in combination with the standard bucket programming function means that bucket and forklift positions can be set on the nine-inch display that is installed in all models. Liebherr added that the ‘powerful’ hydraulics ensure operators can also carry out overlapping movements of lifting and lowering as well as tilting in and out at full power.
In redesigning the cab, Liebherr engineers were influenced by the success of the larger XPower wheel loaders. That means a ‘roomier’ working environment, as well as pedals positioned 40mm further forward.
The joystick steering installed on XPower models is available on request for the new mid-range machines. Where an application involves numerous steering manoeuvres, this feature is described as making the work more comfortable because the position of the joystick always corresponds to the articulation angle of the loader. The cab can be ordered without a steering wheel and steering column if road approval is not required.
All assistance systems from the XPower models are available in the new range. These include active personnel detection at the rear, weighing device with Truck Payload Assist, integrated tyre pressure monitoring system and adaptive working lights. Front space monitoring and the Skyview 360° camera system are also available.
