New Liebherr L 580 LogHandler XPower Makes Trade Show Debut At Ligna 2023

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The L 580 LogHandler XPower has wider claws on its 360-degree-rotating grapple for safe, stable transport of logs. (Photo courtesy of Liebherr.)

Liebherr recently unveiled the LogHandler version of its L 580 XPower wheel loader, specially designed for the timber industry. The new machine made its trade show debut in mid-May at Ligna 2023, a show held every two years in Hannover, Germany, as a showcase for woodworking and wood processing equipment, machinery, and tools. The L 580 LogHandler XPower has lift arms and a grapple optimized for handling logs. Its productivity-enhancing power-split travel drive is one of several features borrowed from the standard model; another is a safety-enhancing active personnel detection system that visually and audibly warns the operator of dangers at the machine’s rear and reduces machine speed if needed.

Unobstructed Visibility

The L 580 LogHandler XPower is equipped with a Tier 4 Final engine rated for 344 horsepower (253 kilowatts). The machine has a payload capacity ranging from 19,400 to 19,840 pounds (8,800 to 9,000 kilograms). The log handler’s lift arms consist of an optimized boom and a redesigned swivel arm designed to give operators a clear view of the grapple, its load, and the surrounding area. Liebherr reworked the boom so that it can be moved while loaded in any direction, with more power. The lift arms can reach up to 23 feet (7 meters) high and nearly 13.1 ft (4 m) horizontally. Operators can use the in-cab touchscreen to program individual lift arm positions to make automatic work of repeated tasks.

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Liebherr designed the swivel arm on the L 580 LogHandler XPower so that no components block the operator’s view of the grapple, woodpiles, and other objects. (Photo courtesy of Liebherr.)

The machine’s 360-degree rotating grapple has wider claws and an improved capacity of up to 4.8 square yards (4 square meters). A new, optional grapple monitoring system provides a real-time view of the grapple on an in-cab display. Liebherr also offers weighing system as an option that uses data from the electrohydraulic pilot control, angle sensors, and pressure sensors to weigh the load in the grapple.

Joystick Driving

Liebherr equips the log loader with a control lever that moves with the operator seat, making possible one-hand command of the lift arm and grapple hydraulic functions, as well as travel direction. A height-adjustable touchscreen and buttons located near the control lever provide control of other important functions.

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Customers can choose to equip the L 580 LogHandler XPower with an optional, ergonomically designed joystick that requires short movements for steering rather than intensive turns of a steering wheel. (Photo courtesy of Liebherr.)

Customers can also opt to equip the machine with an ergonomically designed joystick in place of the steering wheel for one-hand steering. The manufacturer says operators can expect intuitive and safe operation, even at high speeds on challenging terrain, thanks to force feedback and joystick positioning, which always corresponds to the log loader’s respective articulation angle.

Source: Liebherr