Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/610317
49 AGGREGATES MANAGER December 2015 LOOK stress, which increases component life. Leibherr emphasizes the power-split is standard, without additional cost. In fact, Gschwend says the XPower loaders will only have a 1 percent inflation-re- lated price increase when Liebherr starts production. In addition, each XPower model will now use the axle previously used in the next-size-up machine (i.e, the new L 556 XPower will feature the former L 566 axles). "We're committed to in- creasing the lifespan of the loaders," Gschwend says, "and customers expect more service." To date, Liebherr says it has put more than 65,000 hours on prototype XPower loaders, testing them at various customer sites, including quarries, sawmills, and recycling companies. "There has not been a single main component failure," Gschwend says, and the power-split transmission and larger axles "have proved to be particularly durable." The company is using its Liebherr Power Efficiency drive system, intro- duced on its previous loader lineup, to manage the Tier 4 Final Liebherr engine, transmission, and hydraulics. The en- gines, mounted on the back of the load- ers and thus eliminating the need for a counterweight, use SCR emissions re- duction technology and operate at 1,100 to 1,800 rpms. The L 550 and L 556 use a 4-cylinder, and the L 566 to the L586 use a 6-cylinder engine. Because the XPower drivetrain inde- pendently supports braking, the operat- ing brakes have only a support func- tion, reducing brake wear. Tire wear is reduced by up 25 percent, due to the continuous force control in combination with automatic 45-percent self-locking differentials, providing tractive force whenever needed. "With 100-percent manual locks, most of the time when you need it, it's usually too late, so we adjust it automatically," says Mark Wal- cher, product manager for wheel loaders, Liebherr-Werk Bischofshofen. Liebherr offers both a Z-bar and an industrial linkage on its L 550, L 556, L 566, and L 580 models. The Z-bar linkage now offers up to 20 percent more break- out force than previous models. Buckets have been reinforced, with the bucket floor strengthened, and bucket volumes have increased by .26 to .65 cubic yards from previous models. "Either linkage is available at no additional cost so the customer can choose what's best for his operation," Walcher says. The redesigned tapered hood offers increased visibility. "Most operators like to drive through the mirrors and not through the display," Walcher says, "so we took care with the view to the rear bumper." Four working lights are now integrated in the rear hood, illuminating the back of the machine. As with most large ma- chines, a rear view camera is standard. Continuing a feature found in previous machines, the cooling package is located right behind the cab, where air is clean- est. This section of the back end is ac- cessed by a hood that lifts up for air filter cleaning and maintenance. The remaining back hood opens backwards for access to the engine compartment. In the open po- sition, the hood also has a small service platform in front, allowing maintenance personnel to stand comfortably while working within the engine compartment. "On the way into the cabin, you can check several service points," Walcher says. Underneath the left-side cabin stairs, there is access to several service points, including the transmission oil and greasing system. The cabin door can be locked in the open position, and the door lock also serves as an access step for cleaning the front window on the outside. XPower cabs became larger, increasing by roughly 4 inches in both width and length, and the air conditioner's cool- ing capacity increased by 10 percent. The steering column can be adjusted to three different positions, and a hydraulic control lever is integrated into the opera- tor's seat. Noting that different operators prefer different positions for the in-cab display, Liebherr made the touch-screen display adjustable. Larger window areas extend further than in previous models, improving visibility. The loaders are equipped with LiDAT, Liebherr's telematics system. Data from the system can be accessed for one year free of charge. AM Quick Specs Model Horsepower Bucket Capacity (cu. yds.) Operating weight (lbs.) L 550 191 3.82 39,021 L 556 224 4.30 40,565 L 566 272 5.02 52,690 L 576 292 5.62 56,658 L 580 313 6.21 60,957 L 586 354 7.17 71,870