Liebherr’s X-factor cuts fuel costs
Since their launch in 2016, Liebherr’s XPower wheel loaders have established a solid reputation for performance and reliability. But at a time when industry is struggling to cope with soaring diesel costs, it’s the machines’ fuel efficiency that is also proving to be a winner with customers across the globe.
An XPower loader can use up to 30 per cent less fuel than its predecessors and that’s a result of some clever thinking by Liebherr engineers. Let’s explain: While a conventional machine will have both an engine and a counterweight, a Liebherr’s power train is at the rear, thus becoming part of the counterweight. That means the over-all weight of the machine is reduced and less fuel is required to move it.
The engines will deliver maximum power at around 1,000-1,200 rpm, a rev count that helps save fuel as well as minimising wear and tear on components. The Liebherr Power Efficiency (LPE) optimises the interaction between engine, gearbox and working hydraulics, monitoring what the driver is instructing the machine to do and then matching engine, transmission and hydraulic settings accordingly. And it’s all achieved seamlessly and automatically without any operator input.
More innovations during development
Design engineers came up with more innovations during development of the XPower family. For example, although Liebherr’s wheel loaders have traditionally been equipped with hydrostatic drives – a set-up that’s ideal for digging and short loading cycles – a lock-up torque convertor is more efficient in acceleration over longer distances and when climbing. The answer? A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox that effectively provides the operator with both hydrostatic and mechanical powertrains.
In slower digging applications the hydrostatic option will be more in evidence but when travelling over longer distances the mechanical drive kicks in.
Other XPower benefits
- Minimal Tyre Wear – Automatic traction control and automatic limited slip differentials on front and rear axles as standard. Liebherr customers have confirmed that tyres on XPower loaders last longer than those of competing brands in the same application
- Reduced Brake Wear – With the hydraulic mechanical braking action of the driveline there is little brake wear
- Axles – There is no requirement for additional axle cooling on XPower machines
Maximum performance from every drop of fuel
The XPower range of wheel loaders returns outstanding fuel efficiency. The Tier V compliant engine works with the CVT power-split driveline to automatically select the most efficient ratio between hydrostatic drive for short loading cycles and distances or mechanical drive for long distances and ascents.
Additionally the Liebherr Power Efficiency (LPE) system regulates all power management processes in the machine to ensure maximum performance from every drop of fuel.
*Figures are a guideline based on the actual average of the model’s global population in LiDAT and are subject to specific site conditions, materials, application and operator use. See how much you can save with Liebherr’s real-time fuel calculator.
Associated Businesses
