LiuGong exhibited its newest battery electric wheel loader for the North American market at Conexpo 2023. The 856H-E MAX wheel loader is part of the company’s range of electric construction vehicles available worldwide. “The industry is talking about battery electric vehicles at a greater volume than in years past, particularly going into Conexpo,” said Andrew Ryan, President, LiuGong North America. “LiuGong is the world’s largest manufacturer of wheel loaders, so it makes sense for our company to lead the industry in the adoption and application of battery technology.”
There has been exponential growth in this area, with an estimated 2,000 of these units already operating worldwide in some of the world’s toughest conditions, he said. The 856H-E MAX can enhance job sites where traditional combustion engines aren’t allowed or in fixed-site operations where investments in charging infrastructure make sense.
The new electric loader is said to be environmentally conscious while offering a competitive total cost of ownership. The 856H-E MAX consumes zero fossil fuel, produces zero emissions and creates significantly lower noise and vibrations.
The unit features intelligent controls that include load-sensing hydraulics, a transmission with electro-proportional valves for fast, smooth shifting, and independent control of the dual-motor drive for maximum hydraulic lift.
Its piston-type main pump is rated to 3,191 psi max pressure (220 bar) with a total hydraulic cycle time (raise, dump and lower) of 10.0 sec. The LiuGong Intelligent Auto Digging System automatically carries out repetitive digging cycles to reduce operator fatigue.
Powering the 856H-E MAX is a 432 kWh large capacity lithium-ion-phosphate battery from battery manufacturer CATL. The machine is capable of 10 hours of working time for light applications and eight hours for heavy applications. It also features an Intelligent Battery Management System that can be fast charged in 90 minutes (1.5 hours). The unit has an operating weight of 46,297 lb with a standard bucket size of 4.6 yd3 and rated load capacity of 12,786.8 lb.
The company recently sold its first battery electric 856H-E MAX Wheel Loader in the U.S. to the L.A. County Sanitation District. An early adopter of alternative-fueled vehicles, the sanitation district was given a chance to demo the machine earlier this year at its Joint Water Pollution Control Plant. Officials hope to secure additional electric vehicles through the California Air Resources Board’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Program (CORE).
Also on display at Conexpo, though not yet for sale in North America, was the 9027FE battery electric mini excavator. The 2,680 kg (5,908 lb) unit is powered by a 16.5 kW (22.13 hp) synchronous reluctance electric motor and a 20.6 kWh large-capacity lithium-iron-phosphate battery.
The machine features load-sensing hydraulics, and the variable main pump provides a maximum flow of 21 gpm (72.8 lpm). Maximum pressure for working devices and the travel circuit is 3,133 psi (216 bar). The swing system relies on planetary gear reduction driven by a high-torque axial-piston motor.
Two sets of auxiliary hydraulic circuits, quick implement change-outs with adjustable flow, and an optional electric proportional control function provides excellent operational control and multi-tool attachment capability. A wide range of attachments that include hydraulic hammers, shears, tiltable buckets, rotary heads, grapples and breakers can be connected, controlled and swapped quickly and efficiently.
The 9027FE also benefits from LiuGong’s power management system (BMS) which delivers power for up to four hours between charges. It also offers self-monitoring, self-shutoff and diagnostics capabilities.
LiuGong
www.liugongna.com
