Liebherr XPower – a new generation of T4F large wheel loaders with power-split drive train

Liebherr has presented for the first time in North America it's new generation of XPower wheel loaders. Liebherr XPower is an integrated, innovative machine concept that sets new standards in terms of fuel efficiency, performance, robust design and comfort.

The new line of XPower wheel loaders has transformed and evolved. These machines have a proprietary power-split Stage-IV-/Tier-4f-compatible drive train that combines the advantages of a hydrostatic drive and a mechanical drive. The new power-split transmission of the XPower wheel loaders makes it possible to combine the two types of drive. It is variable and continuously adapts the mixing ratio of the two drive paths without noticeable switching and without interrupting traction power. Thanks to the power-split drive, the wheel loaders are optimally powered to ensure maximum productivity, whatever the application. The hydrostatic drive is most efficient for material uptake and travelling over short distances, and the mechanical drive is the more efficient and powerful option for long distances and for driving uphill. This gives the operator the ability to work in a variety of applications from maintaining material stockpiles to hauling and loading crushers and trucks with greater speed and improved fuel efficiency. The combination of these two drive types in a single wheel loader ensures maximum efficiency and outstanding fuel savings in every situation, enabling operators of the Liebherr XPower wheel loader to reduce their fuel consumption by up to 30 percent.

The Liebherr Power Efficiency system (LPE) plays a key role as it proactively controls all components in real time to achieve maximum possible efficiency. It is this special optimization that enables the XPower generation to achieve such outstanding fuel savings resulting in considerable operating cost savings for the operator.

Robust design as a guiding principle for product development

Every XPower wheel loader is fitted with stronger axles than the previous machine generation, often with axles from the next model up in the earlier range. In addition to the axles, Liebherr has reinforced other core components such as the hydraulic cylinders. Liebherr continues to develop and manufacture key components in-house or in partnership with premium manufacturers. This means Liebherr can ensure the consistent high quality of the components used.

The SCR technology, developed for diesel engines by the Liebherr competence centre, is yet another innovative feature of the XPower wheel loaders. This simple, reliable and highly effective emission reduction system has fewer components and auxiliary consumables than conventional diesel particle filter systems. Diesel particle filters and exhaust gas recycling, for example, are no longer required to have SCR technology. This improves the system's reliability and increases machine availability. However, Liebherr is still able to supply diesel particle filters for applications where their use is mandatory.

Reinforced lift arm and optimized buckets boost productivity

Liebherr has reinforced the lift arm and optimized the lever ratio. The improved Z-bar linkage provides break-out forces that are up to 20 percent higher than those of previous machine generations.

Liebherr customers can choose between Z-bar linkage and industrial linkage for the XPower L 550, L 556, L 566 and L 580 wheel loaders. Z-bar linkage is ideally suited to conventional wheel loader applications such as quarrying. The optional industrial lift arm, is best suited to uses with heavy equipment.

Liebherr has also re-engineered the bucket design. The optimized buckets penetrate the material more effectively to facilitate fast and efficient filling and Liebherr has also reinforced the bearings and the bucket structure. The XPower generation can use standard buckets that are between 0.26 and 0.65 yd³ larger, depending on the model. The standard bucket volume varies between 4.2 yd³ for the L 550 XPower and 7.8 yd³ for the L 586 XPower, depending on the machine model. This allows machine operators to move more material with each loading cycle.

Load capacity is increased as a result of the mounting position of the components. Liebherr fits heavy components, such as the engine, at the back of the machine, which shifts the centre of gravity towards the rear axle and removes the need for additional counterweight. This ideal weight distribution results in high tipping loads and greater handling capacity per hour of operation.

Larger cab, simple maintenance: focus on comfort

A wide access ladder leads to a spacious and comfortable cab. Liebherr developed the cab in close cooperation with wheel loader operators to achieve the highest standards of comfort with a logically arranged cab interior that feels spacious and includes useful storage options. Ergonomics have been thought through down to the smallest detail with the displays, operating elements and driver's seat forming a single ergonomic unit that can be adjusted by the operator to suit their individual needs.

The cab design provides outstanding visibility. The glass and window areas are larger and extend farther downwards than in earlier wheel loader models, improving all-round visibility. The rear-view camera is standard and integrated into the touchscreen display. These measures – in combination with the slimmer design of the customized engine hood – ensure excellent all-round visibility and therefore maximum safety.

The engine hood opens backwards, providing quick access to the engine for routine maintenance. The most important maintenance areas are close to the cab and can be accessed with ease.

The radiator is located immediately behind the operator's cab in the cleanest area of the wheel loader. In this position, the cooling system can intake air with a low dust content, which ensures consistent and reliable cooling performance and increases the service life of the cooling system. Equipment options, such as a reversible fan drive, fluff filter or a coarse-meshed radiator, protect the cooling system against pollution during particularly dusty operations.