Liebherr Launches New Mid-sized Wheel Loader Series

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 an increase in performance compared to the previous generation. The new L 526, for example, has around 20 percent more engine power and over 20 percent higher breakout forces than its predecessor.

The newly-designed lift arm ensures maximum breakout, holding and lowering forces. It has optimized z-bar kinematics and improved working hydraulics. Increases in engine power and tipping loads prepare the wheel loaders for demanding operations in various sectors, such as excavation, recycling or log handling.

The L 526LiebherrThe L 538 and L 546 models also have performance increases in various 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 from all European Liebherr sales partners.

Liebherr reinforced the steel construction of the front section of the new wheel loaders in order to prepare the machines for handling heavy loads. Structural reinforcements on the new lift arms, for example, on the cross tube, increase robustness. The 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 in the recycling industry or log grapples in the timber industry. 

With the increased performance providing a strong basis, Liebherr offers numerous equipment options for industry-specific challenges: High-lift arms, for example, are an extended variant of the regular lift arm, and ensure greater range and efficient loading processes at different heights. For wheel loader applications that regularly require different attachments, there is a view-optimized quick coupler available as well as “Solidlink”, a fully automatic quick-coupler system. This allows machine operators to change between mechanical and hydraulic attachments from the cab quickly and safely at the touch of a button. This saves time and reduces the risk of accidents. 

Being ready for the challenges of different industries also applies to Liebherr’s XPower® large wheel loaders. In the years since their debut, they have established themselves at the forefront of fuel efficiency and robustness. One main reason for that is their power-split travel drive, installed as standard in all Liebherr XPower® wheel loaders. It combines hydrostatic drive, which is ideal for material uptake and travelling over short distances, with mechanical drive, the advantages of which are seen over long distances and when driving on gradients. The combination of these two drive types ensures maximum efficiency and outstanding fuel savings in every application. LiebherrThe L 546

However, XPower includes more than its unique power-split driveline: It is an integrated, innovative machine concept that sets benchmarks in terms of fuel efficiency, performance, robustness and comfort. For example, the spacious cab is adapted to the day-to-day needs of the operators. Thanks to the ergonomically interior design, intuitive control elements, practical storage compartments and individual adjustment options such as a height-adjustable display, it offers a comfortable work atmosphere. The extensive use of glass on the cab and the sophisticated design of the engine hood results in optimized visibility in all directions and increased safety. 

Liebherr offers a comprehensive range of intelligent assistance systems for its mid-size and XPower® large wheel loaders, for example, the active personnel detection with brake assistant. This optional assistance system warns the machine operator of hazards in the rear area of the wheel loader. To reduce the number of unnecessary warning signals, the system uses sensors and artificial intelligence to distinguish between people and objects. As soon as the sensors detect a source of danger, the brake assistant automatically decelerates the wheel loader‘s speed. This shortens the stopping distance by multiple feet, reducing the frequency and intensity of potential accidents. 

For applications that require numerous steering maneuvers, Liebherr offers a comfortable joystick steering system as alternative to the steering wheel. It allows the machine operator to comfortably steer using short movements of the ergonomic joystick. The position of the joystick always corresponds to the respective articulation angle of the wheel loader. Further solutions, such as the Skyview 360° camera system, the Liebherr weighing system or several systems that facilitate the use of the lift arm and the attachment, increase comfort and safety in the daily work with wheel loader. 

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