LiuGong’s 856T wheel loader has proven its strength at a New South Wales sandstone quarry, which has described the machine as a reliable workhorse
When operating in a quarry environment, machinery is pushed hard every day. For Australian Sandstone Merchants, in Maroota, NSW, choosing the right wheel loader from LiuGong was critical to maintaining productivity, safety and efficiency across its operation.
Australian Sandstone Merchants is a family-owned business that has been quarrying and processing sandstone for over 40 years.
Started by Anthony Francis, it has been run for the last 24 years by his son Tony and grandson Tony Junior, who are second and third-generation quarrymen and stonemasons.
As a major supplier of sandstone for the domestic and commercial markets in Australia, the company prioritises using high-performing machinery to quarry and process its stone and is proud of its reputation for supplying quality natural sandstone.
After evaluating several machines on the market and conducting multiple demonstrations, Tony selected the LiuGong 856T wheel loader, which was delivered in January, following an on-site demonstration in December.
“I needed a real workhorse – something with the power to lift heavy limestone blocks day in, day out, while still being reliable,” Tony says.
“We looked at a few other machines and had demos, but the LiuGong model won out.”
Designed for demanding work
Tony’s operation specialises in quarrying and processing large six-tonne limestone blocks, which must be transported from the quarry face to the processing plant. With this demanding application in mind, Tony needed a new wheel loader capable of handling heavy lifting while remaining dependable and easy to operate in tight quarry conditions.
The LiuGong 856T is purpose-built for heavy-duty applications such as quarrying, extractive industries and bulk material handling.
Its robust design and proven drivetrain make it well suited to operations like Australian Sandstone Merchants, where reliable and consistent performance is essential.
Key specifications of the LiuGong 856T include a 19.5-tonne (19,500kg) operating weight, 228hp (167.7kW) Cummins engine, 3.5 cubic metre bucket, single-pump hydraulic flow system, liquid-driven, air-in type cooling system and a European-styling cab and touchscreen operating system.
“It’s got the power we need to move large limestone blocks, but it’s also very responsive,” Tony says.
“The loader is smooth to operate, and our operators have commented on how comfortable it is to drive. It handles tight spaces better than we expected for a machine of this size.”
The responsive hydraulics and smooth power delivery have contributed to improved confidence for operators, particularly when positioning heavy blocks with precision.
“We also noted the servicing looks simple, everything can be accessed from ground level, which is important to keep maintenance times down,” Tony says.
Onsite performance
A key factor in Tony’s purchasing decision was the opportunity to see the LiuGong 856T operating in real working conditions.
The on-site demonstration, organised by CDA Sydney, allowed Tony and his team to assess the machine’s performance within their own quarry environment rather than relying solely on specifications or off-site demos.
“The demo was very well organised and allowed us to see the machine doing the exact work we needed it for,” Tony says.
“We were able to move large limestone blocks and see how it handled the terrain, the space, and the workload. That gave us confidence in the final decision.”
Being able to trial the machine under real production conditions helped confirm that the 856T had the required lifting capacity, stability, and control for the job at hand.
Strong dealer support
Backing the purchase was CDA Sydney, part of LiuGong’s Australian dealer network.
Tony credits the CDA Sydney team – James Lipman, Tyson Hatton and Liam McCormick – for their professional approach and strong communication throughout the entire process.
CDA is a LiuGong dealer with locations in Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne, boasting local parts holdings along with workshop and mobile service teams to cover the metro and wider areas of each state.
“From the very first conversation through to delivery has been a great experience,” Tony says.
From early discussions and initial emails, the CDA Sydney team took the time to understand Tony’s operation and the specific requirements of working in a quarry environment.
“They really listened to what we needed from a wheel loader and made sure the machine was the right fit for our application,” Tony says.
“Communication was clear and consistent the whole way through.”
With the LiuGong 856T now fully integrated into daily operations, Australian Sandstone Merchants says it is looking at increasing its LiuGong numbers in its fleet.
“Overall, the support and service provided by CDA has been outstanding, and we’re very happy with the outcome,” Tony says.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for reliable equipment and professional service.”
For more information on LiuGong’s 856T wheel loader, visit cdau.com.au
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