Get FinancingLiebherr Introduces Next-Gen L 526, L 538, L 546 Wheel Loaders To North America
Liebherr brought its eighth generation of midsize wheel loaders to their North American premiere at the ConExpo-Con/Agg convention last week in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new, next-generation L 526, L 538, and L 546 deliver enhanced performance thanks to new lift arms, greater horsepower, and a more powerful travel drive.
Liebherr also highlighted its XPower large wheel loaders with a power-split travel drive at ConExpo, along with intelligent assistance systems for its midsize and large models.
New Midsize Loaders
The latest Liebherr L 526, L 538, and L 546 loaders have standard bucket sizes between 2.9 and 3.9 cubic yards (2.2 and 3.0 cubic meters). They benefit from a generous performance boost, exemplified by 20% greater engine power and more than 20% higher breakout force in the case of the L 526. This model has a tipping load of up to 19,245 pounds (8,730 kilograms); the L 538, up to 20,945 lbs (9,500 kg); and the L 546, up to 24,273 lbs (11,010 kg). The loaders’ respective power outputs are 156, 173, and 188 horsepower (116, 129, and 140 kilowatts).
Liebherr says that each of the three boasts faster cycle times and more assertiveness, even with heavy tools such as high dump buckets for recycling or log grapples for timber operations. The new lift arms on the L 526, L 538, and L 546 have structural reinforcements on the cross tube and in other areas to handle the extra power on hand. The manufacturer also enhanced the trio’s electrohydraulic Z-bar kinematics, which benefit from larger hydraulic cylinders and more powerful hydraulic pumps.
Liebherr also unlocked more tractive power in the hydrostatic travel drive for better acceleration and deeper penetration into piles of material. The larger travel motor and pump translate into greater productivity on the work site.
Options for the midsized wheel loaders include high-lift arms, a high-visibility quick coupler, and a fully automatic Solidlink quick coupler. Solidlink lets the operator switch between mechanical and hydraulic attachments from the cab with the press of a button.
XPower Large Wheel Loaders
Liebherr says that its heavier, XPower-series loaders combine performance and durability with fuel efficiency and operator comfort. XPower models come with a standard power-split travel drive, which uses a hydrostatic drive for loader work but switches to a mechanical drive for driving longer distances and on gradients.
The roomy, ergonomic cabin in the larger Liebherrs provides high visibility through its ample windows and over the hood. The cab offers a height-adjustable display, intuitive controls, and useful storage compartments.
Intelligent Assistance Systems
Special features available for Liebherr’s midsize and large wheel loaders include an active personnel detection system with braking assistance. When the system senses a hazard behind the machine, it automatically applies the brake to avoid an accident. The system uses sensors and artificial intelligence to tell the difference between personnel and objects. The manufacturer also offers a revised Skyview 360-degree camera system, a load-weighing feature, and various systems that help the operator use the lift arms and attachments.
Another option facilitates steering with a joystick rather than with the wheel. The joystick’s position controls and corresponds to the machine’s angle of articulation.
Source: Liebherr