LIEBHERR has revealed it is at the forefront of the shift to assistance systems that make everyday tasks safer, convenient and more productive.
The T 46-7, T 55-7 and T 60-9 telehandlers from the manufacturer’s Telfs plant in Austria have been introduced specifically for industrial applications.
Auto Power
Moving materials with a telehandler demands power and speed, particularly when several movements of the operating hydraulics are being executed simultaneously. As the speed of the operating hydraulics is linked to engine speed, the driver has to press down the accelerator pedal while reducing the speed of the drive using the inch-brake pedal.
However, Liebherr explained that with Auto Power – activated via a toggle switch in the cabin – engine speed is automatically adjusted to the total power requirement when the operating hydraulics joystick is deflected. The system takes driving speed into account so that it remains constant and the accelerator pedal is reserved for operating the drive.
Fine Control
Certain applications require a light touch, for example loading high racking shelves using forks. To set up a Liebherr telehandler for these tasks, Fine Control is used with the operating hydraulics, again activated via a toggle switch. It reduces the speed of the operating hydraulics and allows operators to call on all the machine’s reserves for speed and power or fine control for more exacting manoeuvres.
Programmable Bucket Return
For frequently recurring movements such as skip loading, the operator can save any specific tipping angle and return to it simply by pushing a button on the joystick.
Load Moment Plus
Liebherr said customers who frequently handle heavy loads with the telescopic boom extended and thus need more stability, often opt for Load Moment Plus, particularly on the T 46-7s which have a load capacity of 4.6 tonnes and seven metres lifting height. Although this doesn’t change the maximum load when the telescope is retracted, the machine provides a full 25% of load capacity when the boom is fully extended.
The result is that power is used to the maximum when in the maximum position.
Inner and outer values
In industrial applications the telescopic boom is in constant motion under heavy load and inside, all service lines and hoses are routed together in one load carrier and bound to each other.
To absorb shocks and impacts and to prevent premature component fatigue, the boom cylinders are fitted with end position dampening. A vibration function gives assistance to allow the bucket to be emptied safely, even with binding material.
Overload Warning Device
The overload warning device measures current load situation and indicates output via an LED display in the cab. The device is ready to intervene if the normal situation changes. The speed of the hydraulics is reduced in the yellow zone to increase dynamic stability and if the red zone is reached, only those movements that return the load into the safe zone can be made. The function can be temporarily deactivated to use full power when digging at the edge of trenches or for the last few centimetres when placing a pallet.
Eco Motion
Eco Motion is an additional option for smaller Liebherr handlers – those with a payload up to 4.1 tonnes – that enables the boom to be lowered load-free. The system uses gravity to return part of the hydraulic fluid in the cylinders.
Sit in, drive off
Hydrostatic drive allows operation to start immediately without disengaging the clutch, changing gears or braking. So machines can always be manoeuvred safely on any terrain, there are various comfort functions: differential lock, disengage all-wheel drive and electronic selection of the four different steering modes.
Auto Hill Assist
This feature acts as a drive-off aid to improve safety on steep slopes, which Liebherr said is especially useful when taking loads off-road or towing a trailer. On inclines, the driver only has to take his foot off the accelerator pedal for the machine to stop and the automatic parking brake to activate. It releases again as soon as the vehicle restarts.
The parking brake is always electronically controlled via a switch in the cabin.
Manual Control Package
On the right-hand cabin console are two mini joysticks that control driving and operating hydraulics. They allow vehicle and engine speed to be set, as well as the appropriate litre capacity of the hydraulics, for setting continuous operation of the likes of a sweeper attachment or concrete mixing bucket.
