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LiuGong, a global leader in manufacturing a full line of extreme duty equipment, unveiled two notable new machines at this year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG show held recently in Las Vegas, USA.
The products launched are the 950E crawler excavator – one of the largest ever produced by LiuGong – and the next generation 375B skid steer, which is equipped with a Tier IV final engine in accordance with stringent North American and European emission standards.
Development of the 950E started with LiuGong’s Intelligent Power Control System (IPC) to provide more accurate matching and control over engine speed and main pump flow, thereby delivering more power, faster response and smoother operation. The control valve and cylinders have been optimised to improve front-end performance, efficiency and fuel consumption, whilst cutting down on the damper loss of the hydraulic system. To further improve performance and cut fuel consumption, the 950E features six selectable working modes – Power, Economy, Fine, Lifting, Breaker and Attachment.
The 950E is powered by a highly efficient Cummins QSM11 375 diesel engine, which comes with a powerful Electronic Control Module (ECM) that delivers extra power for extra-tough jobs, whilst reducing both fuel consumption and emissions. As the cost of fuel continues to rise, importantly, the 950E features an automatic idle speed function, which reduces engine revolutions-per-minute to 1000rpm after just seven seconds when the machine is at rest – significantly reducing fuel consumption and engine wear.
The 950E also has one of the largest cabs in the industry. The cab windows are widened for better visibility, especially the right downward view for steering and excavation. An enlarged skylight with rolling sunshade provides excellent visibility and good ventilation.
The new monitor bracket is designed for greater stability and is positioned so as to be easy to check. Machine operational states, warnings, audible alarms and maintenance information are clearly displayed to help the operator. It is programmable to provide information in a choice of more than 10 languages. The LCD monitor also serves as the display for the rearview camera, which improves worksite productivity and safety.
The pilot lock handle installed on the handrail box prevents unexpected movement as it interlocks the machine ignition system. Soft and flexible pilot control operating handles are convenient and comfortable for long operating hours. Large swing design foot pedals are more comfortable and allow the operator to keep their feet on the foot rest and operate the machine at the same time.
The other noteworthy CONEXPO launch, the LiuGong 375B skid steer, is a totally new design from the basic frame structure through to a radical new curved cab. The ROPS & FOPS certified structural cab design features curved corners to provide a wider, less obstructed view of the worksite and a solid ‘corner to corner’ view of the bucket, blade, fork or other attachment being used. By using curves to increase the stiffness of the cab, noise inside the cab is reduced.
This new skid steer also offers better balance, stability and lift control. The narrow stance and panoramic view combine for superior handling and control in tight quarters between buildings and walls and inside trailers.
All LiuGong machines are designed, built and tested for extreme-duty applications and the 375B is no exception. The new integrated frame provides a solid, rigid foundation for long, hard, productive days. The box section loader arms match the strength and durability of the frame, suiting the 375B for all applications from high-cycle construction and mining applications to farms, nurseries and ports.
The machine also features double-lever pilot control for sure, simple, effortless operation. The hydrostatic transmission system provides infinite speed control so operators can inch through critical areas with no extra space, but still travel quickly over large areas. Spring applied, hydraulic release brakes allows the operator to position the machine exactly where needed, and hold it there for pin-point accuracy on precision jobs. The loader has hydraulic self-leveling, useful especially for pallet fork applications. The universal LiuGong quick-coupling system makes for fast, easy changes with the complete line of LiuGong attachments or other attachments from any supplier that the customer may already own.
Powered by a Perkins 404F-22T engine, which is rated at 53.6hp net power and meets Tier IV final emission standards, the 375B comes with a range of options to help users meet their job requirements and performance needs. These include high-flow hydraulics, heater and air conditioning, enclosed ROPS/FOPS cab, solid tyres and tyre chains.
LiuGong is expected to announce details of the new machines’ European availability in the near future.
