Liebherr launches new series of mid-sized wheel loaders

Liebherr wheel loader lineup.

Liebherr has unveiled a redesigned and redeveloped series of mid-size wheel loaders, consisting of three models: the L 526, L 538 and L 546.

The three models feature bucket sizes between 2.2 and 3.0 m³ in the standard version and are characterized by a significant increase in performance compared to the previous generation.

For example, the new L 526 has around 20 percent more engine power and over 20 percent higher breakout forces compared to its predecessor.

According to the company, the L 538 and L 546 models also feature performance increases in all areas. This is evident in the optimized travel drive, which provides increased traction, ensuring that the new wheel loaders accelerate dynamically and can penetrate powerfully into all types of materials.

Newly-developed lift arms

Liebherr has reinforced the steel construction of the front section of the new wheel loaders in order to prepare the machines for handling heavy loads. Structural reinforcements on the new lift arms, for example on the lift arms or the cross tube, increase robustness.

The optimized z-bar kinematics with electro-hydraulic pilot controls has larger hydraulic cylinders and more powerful working pumps.

The company claims that the combination of these innovations enables faster cycle times and dynamic and powerful work movements—even with heavy attachments such as high dump buckets or log grapples. Liebherr offers numerous lift arm options for industry-specific challenges.

High Lift lift arms, for example, are an extended variant of the z-bar kinematics, and look to ensure greater range and efficient loading processes at all heights.

For wheel loader applications that regularly require different attachments, there is a view-optimized quick coupler and the fully automatic LIKUFIX quick-coupler system. This allows the machine operator to change between mechanical and hydraulic working tools from the cab quickly and safely at the touch of a button. This saves time and reduces the risk of accidents.

According to the company, well thought-out details make day-to-day work with the wheel loaders easier. Operators can activate the parallel guidance of the lift arms and work efficiently and safely with forks.

Furthermore, the new bucket-tilt assist is designed to help when working with sticky materials, such as damp soil or compost, and ensure accurate loading by shaking out the bucket.

In the course of redesigning the lift arms, Liebherr has also revised the bucket design of the new mid-sized wheel loaders.

According to the company, customers can now more accurately tailor the individual elements and wear parts of the buckets to their needs at the time of ordering.

Optimized travel drive and intelligent equipment

The engines in this new wheel loader series are characterized by higher maximum torque at lower nominal speed. With this characterization, performance and efficiency can be increased with the same low fuel consumption.

Also, more powerful hydraulic components, such as larger travel motors and travel pumps, ensure greater traction in all three models and thus rapid loading cycles.

For a high degree of robustness, Liebherr has reinforced the axles, as well as travel drive components. According to the compaby, all three wheel loaders have larger front or rear axles than their predecessors.

Liebherr chose to fashion a more modern design, which is reflected in the shape of the engine bonnet. Also, this design allows for more optimized sight-lines and overall visibility.

Additionally, the company notes that a comfortable operator’s cab and intelligent technology system are also part of the overall package of this new mid-sized loader series.

For example, the active personnel detection with brake assistant is an optional assistance system, installed at the rear of the wheel loader, which displays visual warnings and emits acoustic signals when there is perceived danger in the rear area of the wheel loader.

In order to provide a specific warning of imminent injury to persons, the assistance system independently distinguishes between humans and objects using smart sensors.

As soon as the active personnel detection emits a warning signal, the brake assistant automatically reduces the speed of the wheel loader to a standstill in order to avoid a potential accident.