LiuGong has shown its innovative Vertical Lift Wheel Loader to the world, putting it centre-stage on its stand at last week’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas.
First unveiled at LiuGong’s global dealer conference last November, the machine features vertical lift loader arms on an articulating frame and a mechanical self-levelling Z-bar bucket linkage on a vertical lift loader – both of which are industry firsts, according to the company.
Vertical lift improves the wheel loader’s lifting and carrying abilities by providing a heavier tipping load and a higher lift height and reach than conventional wheel loaders of the same power and weight, LiuGong says.
In addition, the reduced operating weight of the vertical lift earthmover allows more material to be moved per horsepower than with a conventional radial lift machine.
This allows customers to move more tons per hour for lower initial investment, and lower owning and operating costs than would be required with conventional radial arm technology.
“This technology will create a new class of the machines,” says the inventor of the technology, LiuGong new technology and test director Edward Wagner.
“Our ‘truly new’ LiuGong vertical lift loader will be the first ever for an articulating frame loader,” he says. “The vertical lift loader will provide performance and value that no radial arm wheel loader can match.
“This technology is universally applicable and it is especially advantageous for stockpiling and truck loading applications,” Wagner adds.
Having spent seven years in development the LiuGong Vertical Lift Wheel Loader will be ready for mass production later this year.