international
construction
september 2014
WHEELED LOADERS
30
Economy drive
>
reduction in fuel consumption. The L 542, L 556 and L 580
cover the 8.7 to 13.2 tonne weight categories and featureTier 4
Interim/Stage IIIB engines.
Another interesting feature iswith theuseof ahydraulic, rather
than mechanical driveline, there is more design flexibility. This
has allowedLiebherr tomount the engine transversely across the
machine, which it says makes for a more compact layout and
easier day-todaymaintenance
The loaders are available with either a Z-bar linkage or parallel
lift arms, and Liebherr says it is the only manufacturer to offer
either configuration at no extra cost.
Lower fuel costs for the owner are also a big theme for JCB, as
illustratedby the range-topping457wheeled loader thecompany
previewed at June’sHillhead quarrying exhibition in theUK.
JCBwill useMTU engines in the Stage
IV/Tier 4 Final version of the loader, and
the company says one of the reasons for
goingwith this supplier is thatMTU has
achieved this emissions compliance for
the 19 tonne machine without the use
of a DPF in the exhaust aftertreatment
system. The 193 kW engine is said to
contribute to a16%overall fuel savingon
the457, compared to thepreviousmodel.
The new loader will also feature JCB’s
next generation Command Plus cab,
which improves comfort and the general
working environment for the operator.
John Deere meanwhile used March’s
ConExpo exhibition in Las Vegas,
US to unveil three models from its
K-series wheeled loader range which now meet Tier 4 Final
emissions standards. Powered by its own PowerTech engines,
the 624K, 644K and 724K also come with other upgrades and
improvements.
For example, improvements to the axles include oil cooling
and filtration, along with brake retractors and adjustors on the
TeammateV axles.This keeps axle oil and its components cooler
inhard braking andheavy duty load-and carry applications.
Thecompanyadded that thefive-speed lockup torqueconverter
transmission helped cut fuel consumption by -5% to -8%.This
feature connects the entire drivetrain directly to the engine to
provide full engine power during transport, ramp climbing and
downhill conditions, eliminatingwasted energy.
The ConExpo show also sawCase unveil its newTier 4 Final-
XCMG is one of several Chinese
manufacturers to offer liquefied natural
gas (LNG)-fuelledwheeled loaders.
Using LNG instead of diesel is said to
deliver significant cost savings aswell
as lower emissions.
Liebherr’s
newmid-sized
loaders have
a hydrostatic
drivewhich is
said to cut fuel
consumption by
some -25%.
