Liebherr reaches out with new telescopic handlers

by Nick Drew | Fri 03 Nov 2017

Liebherr reaches out with new telescopic handlers

Rounding off our coverage from the recent Liebherr International Press event in Austria, taking a look at the manufacturer’s new 8 model range of telescopic handlers.

In the course of 2018, Liebherr will launch 8 new telescopic handler models in a total of 26 different versions. The new Liebherr telescopic handlers will be available in two model lines: First, the top-of-the-range models for materials handling or for production applications (identified by the suffix S). Second, the simple, cost-optimised value models for stacking and lifting applications. As of January, three 7 metre models with a load bearing capacity of 3.2 t, 3.6 t and 4.1 t, one 6 metre model with a load bearing capacity of 3.5 t and one 10 metre model with a load bearing capacity of 3.3 t will be produced in the manufacturing plant in Telfs, Tirol. Two additional 7 metre models with a load bearing capacity of 4.6 t and 5.5 t will follow in the course of the year. A 9 metre model with a load bearing capacity of 6 t will complete the extensive range of the new Liebherr telescopic handlers for the time being.

In the new generation of telescopic handlers, Liebherr is also relying on established Deutz diesel engines. These have been optimised in terms of performance and fuel consumption and have a displacement of 3.6 l and 74 or 100 kW and a displacement of 4.1 l with 115 kW. The engines comply with Stage IV/Tier 4 Final emission standards thanks to the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The telescopic handlers with a displacement of 4.1 l are additionally equipped with diesel particulate filters; this is offered ex-works as an option for engines with a displacement of 3.6 l. For operating sites in countries with differing emission regulations, where the diesel grade available often has a negative impact on engine operation, Liebherr will also offer telescopic handlers in emission Stage IIIa, staggered over time. When it comes to the travel drive, Liebherr relies on the established hydrostatics. The infinitely variable, and always powerful, hydrostatic drive produces a maximum traction of up to 70 kN, depending on the engine power available.

The new Liebherr telescopic handlers have a maximum speed of 40 km/h. As an alternative, the machines are offered in speed versions of 20 km/h and 30 km/h. The telescopic handlers are braked without wear by means of the hydrostatic drive's self-stoppage function. The "Liebherr hill assist", installed as standard, ensures safety and maximum driving comfort when travelling over uneven ground thanks to the automatic activation of the parking brake. The machines' performance has been improved as a result of the complete redesign of the working hydraulics. As an alternative to the established working hydraulics in the value models, Liebherr is equipping the S models with high-performance hydraulics. A powerful load sensing working hydraulic pump with an oil output of 160 l/min and a control block with load-independent flow rate distribution enable overlapping working movements and therefore dynamic and rapid operating cycles.

Different machine hitches are offered for all models in the new generation of telescopic handlers ex-works. In addition to the Liebherr quick coupler, quick couplers which are compatible with the machine hitches from the manufacturers Claas, Manitou, Kramer, JCB and Volvo are also offered. The variety of machine hitches available means that customers can also use their existing tool attachments from other manufacturers on the Liebherr telescopic handlers. Application-specific user requirements were used as crucial design criteria for the new Liebherr telescopic handlers. The developers focused specifically on ideal visibility and intuitive and convenient operation.

The machine's new design guarantees ideal visibility of the load to the front for high machine productivity, as well as to the side and to the rear for optimum safety. This is achieved in particular by the very low linkage point of the telescopic boom and by the edges, which slope outwards, and therefore the engine bonnet which follows the line of sight. With an all-round windscreen and the narrow internal ROPS/FOPS guard, which is adapted to the line of sight, the cab contributes to providing the best view of the load. Other design aspects focus on intuitive operation, comfort and ergonomics. The 5-in-1 joystick installed in the value models, or the multifunctional joystick integrated into the S models, enables all essential operating functions to be carried out using single-arm operation, so that the driver's left hand remains safely on the steering wheel at all times. Even before its official market launch, the new T46-7 model won two design awards.. The German Design Council named this telescopic handler as the winner of the renowned "German Design Award 2018" in the transportation category for its ideal visibility and its dynamic appearance. It also won the "Red Dot Product Design Award 2017".

The spacious cab, the tilting steering column, various adjustable seat versions and the intelligently designed operating and switch system improve ergonomics and therefore create optimum comfort. This is additionally supported by the very wide range of options available ex-works. These include the "Liebherr comfort drive", a driving vibration damper for comfortable driving with low vibrations, as well as camera systems, lubrication systems and different lighting packages for optimum illumination of the work environment. The manual control package, which can be used to conveniently match the speed of the travel drive and the working hydraulics to the requirements of the specific usage case, is especially innovative.

A wide range of additional options allows the new telescopic handlers to be configured for specific applications. For instance, Liebherr offers its customers ex-works a reversible fan for cleaning the radiator and additional safety guards or covers for the travel drive and main frame. Automatic pressure relief for the working hydraulics in order to make replacing tool attachments simple, an additional hydraulic circuit for actuating further functions on the boom head and a separate control option for the hydraulic oil flow rate in the working hydraulics are also offered. In March 2015, Liebherr-Werk Telfs GmbH entered into an OEM partnership with the Claas Group. This collaboration involves the development, production and supply of significant quantities of telescopic handlers. As a result, Liebherr will in future be able to access additional sales potential in the agricultural sector in addition to the traditional target segments of the construction industry. The first telescopic handlers will be delivered to Claas in January 2018. Checkout this video footage of the new telescopic handlers being demonstrated taken by our good friend Lasse Holst of the Danish Construction Channel.

The Erzberg mine which hosted this Liebherr press event was an amazing place to visit and it was great to see these 3 new products from the German manufacturer which clearly showed the depth and breadth of the company's extensive product range.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Liebherr team for inviting us to yet another great product reveal event.

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