Liebherr expands series of crawler loaders

Liebherr is expanding its series of Generation 6 crawler loaders with the addition of the new LR 626 Litronic crawler loader, which is the successor to the LR 624 crawler loader.  

The new LR 626 is successor to the successful LR 624 crawler loader. It was developed and constructed at Liebherr's Telfs plant and has an operating weight of between 16,130 and 18,600 kg. The standard bucket has a capacity of 1.8 m³ and its four-cylinder diesel engine produces an output of 105 kW / 143 HP and complies with Tier 4f emission standards. 

To achieve this, Liebherr has developed its SCR technology to use an injection of AdBlue® and a diesel oxidation catalyst. A diesel particulate filter is not required. As a result, the engine operates in a temperature range of maximum efficiency. The constant engine speed, combined with common rail fuel injection, ensures optimised cylinder charging and guarantees lower fuel consumption.

In common with the larger Liebherr LR 636 crawler loader, the new LR 626 crawler loader has electronic drive control with integrated ECO function. The selectable ECOmode allows the driver to lower fuel consumption by reducing the engine speed at the push of a button and still maintain high power. In this way, the ECO control ensures more efficient operation with light to moderately heavy use.

Another innovation in all Liebherr Generation 6 crawlers is the proactive power adjustment. This involves the constant monitoring of the engine and all other machine parameters. When required, such as the deflection of the joystick, the engine power is automatically temporarily increased according to the current requirements.

In addition to faster response times, this results in a noticeable increase in the performance capability and pulling power for the machines, both when driving and when loading.

In order to maximise the conversion of the LR 626's engine power into performance, optimal weight distribution was an essential part of the design. Thanks to this and the long running gear, the new machine offers an especially high tipping load and therefore an increased loading capacity.

The hydrostatic travel drive's compact components allow for a particularly low centre of gravity. Due to the low engine oil sump on Liebherr's diesel engine, this is suitable for gradients of up to 45°. This enables Liebherr crawler loaders to drive on challenging steep slopes safely and efficiently.

With a striking design, characterised by flowing lines and soft edges, the new LR 626 crawler loader immediately stakes its claim to being at the forefront of innovation in this machine category. The modern overall appearance is carried through into the operator's cab. The windscreen, which is made from a single piece of safety glass, follows the driver's line of vision across the entire arc of the loading bucket and allows for an unobstructed view of the working area and operating equipment. The new machine design also provides perfect panoramic views.

The comfortable cab with generous dimensions, numerous storage areas, a refrigerated storage compartment and an air conditioning system fitted as standard, rounds off the exceptional driving comfort of this new crawler loader. All the new Liebherr Generation 6 crawlers have the touch screen display for Liebherr earthmoving machines. This enables the clear and intuitive setting of key operating parameters. This includes the ECO function, for example, as well as comfort functions including the standard rear-view camera or the air conditioning system.

The driving range preselection integrated in the driving joystick means that three different driving speed ranges can be freely programmed. This enables the LR 626 to be optimally adapted to diverse operational requirements.

With this new successor model of crawler loader it was also possible to increase the response speed of the operating equipment. The more efficient, demand-driven working hydraulics and the automation functions integrated into the single lever control, including ‘automatic bucket return', ‘float position' and ‘stroke limit stop', guarantee particular speed and efficiency in use.

When the running gear was developed in a robust box-type design, special attention was paid to the vibration behaviour and smooth running of the LR 626. This ensures that the bucket's high fill level can be maintained when transporting material and that the machine is suitable for levelling. The running gear has pendulum suspension and anti-vibration mounting. This compensates for uneven ground and particularly good ground contact can be achieved which, in turn, increases the climbing power and stability on uneven terrain. And thanks to the new arrangement of the carrier rollers, it has been possible to optimise the self-cleaning effect of the running gear.

Manoeuvrability and ease of operation are particularly important for everyday use of a crawler loader. The LR 626's predecessor was already setting standards with just one joystick for all driving and steering movements. The ‘turn with opposite chains' function is automatically implemented by the LR 626 if a sufficiently tight turn has to be made. As a result, the machine achieves outstanding manoeuvrability. This allows the machine to achieve maximum performance, even when cornering, when the bucket is full and when driving over unfavorable ground conditions.