Liebherr has announced the introduction of tunnel-specific features for its range of wheel loaders. The suite of technologies and characteristics is aimed at meeting the high standards for safety and requirements for durability that tunnel construction demands.
The XPower L550, L 556, L566 and L 576 wheel loaders all now have an optional sound-proofed cab design, with a windscreen made of armored glass. A roll-over protection system, as well as a feature protecting the operator from dangerous falling objects, will also be available for the machines.
A Liebherr spokesman said, “Tunnel construction is one of the most demanding civil engineering applications for construction equipment. Liebherr now has a range of machines capable of working productively under the extreme conditions of a tunnel construction site.”
With exhaust gas aftertreatment handled by the company’s selective catalytic reduction system, all the XPower series of wheel loaders comply with Stage IV/Tier 4f emission standards. However, the tunnel package also features the addition of a diesel particulate filter to minimize the emission of particles and contaminants while underground.
Steel piston rod protection prevents falling pieces of stone from damaging the tipping cylinder on the wheel loader’s lift arm. The light carriers for the driving headlights are made of steel and have a protective guard attached to them. The robust a/c-box is also made of metal. Tough anti-collision protection prevents damage to the engine hood and the engine compartment on confined tunnel construction sites.
A reversing camera and an acoustic reversing alarm to alert individuals in the vicinity of the maneuver, plus the inclusion of powerful LED headlights providing adequate lighting around the whole vehicle, complete the package of features and technologies for tunnel construction operators.
