African Mining Test Drive 877H
2021-08-31
If you though you will never have a soft landing when operating a wheel loader, think again.
In the new Liugong 877H panoramic view cabin, it is easy to see why operators regard Liugong as a smooth operator once you have been in the driving seat.
With the new Z-bar enhancements, the careful distribution of stress loads increases the Z-bar’s tolerance significantly. The optimized Z-bar geometry positions the bucket closer to the tires, achieving higher bucket breakout forces up to 200kN with maximum rollback, it improves operator visibility and stable transport of material with minimal spillage is easily achieved.
Heavyweight work can be tough on man and machine. Liugong’s next generation ride control, teamed with automated bucket positioning sets the new benchmark for heavy lifting applications. Loading shocks and impacts are greatly reduced, that’s good news for the operator and for the machine’s longevity. Smoother load handling leads to faster more productive cycle times, reduced fuel consumption and higher operator performance and satisfaction.
A comfortable operator is a productive operator. When sitting in the advanced climate-controlled, pressurized cab with the multi-adjustable air-suspension seat, the operator is protected from noise and vibrations which results in less operator fatigue. Liugong has positioned the kick-down forward/reverse buttons on the joystick where the operator needs them to be. They are easy to see, easy to reach and easy to handle. The kick-down function gives the operator finger-tip control to lower the gear and increase engine torque with the minimum effort.
Contrary what you as the reader might think when you ready al this smooth talk, it doesn’t mean the Liugong 877H doesn’t have any power.
Powered by the world-class Cummins 6LTAA8.9 engine, with a gross power of 220kW (295hp) @ 1600rpm and a net power of 210kW (282hp) @1600rpm, it has enough grunt in it to take on the big boys without even thinking about laying down arms without a fight or coming in second. Cummins engines have proven themselves to be reliable and rugged and needs no introduction to the African bush.
The engine uses a precise fuel injection system, turbo charger and air-to-air intercooler to deliver optimal performance in every cycle in every shift. With its six cylinders it boasts a peak torque of 1.487N.m @1400rpm and has nothing to be shy about and is certainly not pretentious.
With the intelligent auto-idled speed cleverly matches engine speed and RPM with the job in hand and will automatically switch to idle speed in between actions, greatly improving environmental and economic performance. If no hydraulic request signal is detected from the joystick in 1 second, the engine speed is automatically dropped by 100rpm. If no activity is detected over three seconds the engine speed will decrease to idle. As soon as the hydraulic system signal once more, the engine will immediately return to its previous throttle speed setting.
Inefficient engine cooling has a negative effect on fuel economy and emissions. Liugong has focused on greatly improving the engine cooling system. The new 6mm hexagon grill improves ventilation while a new reversible hydraulic fan, increases cooling efficiency due to a cleaner radiator with the flick of a button.
With the semi-automatic powershift ZF transmission it helps even the newest operator perform like a fuel wise professional matching the machine’s performance perfectly to the job, whatever the job. The single stage, three element torque convertors has been optimized for maximum transfer for optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Optimized gear ratios provide faster acceleration and faster cycle times, regardless the application.
The 877H utilizes limited-slip differential axles that automatically deliver power to the tires, creating the best traction for maximized bucket-filling performance. ZF axles ensure all four wheels remain on the ground even over irregular terrain, with stability and traction further enhanced by rigidly mounting the front axle to the frame to support the entire weight of the loader. This added support also aids in resistance to internal torque load as well as external forces encountered throughout operation.
Simply daily checks and maintenance prolong machine performance, but they can be difficult and time consuming on tough jobsites where time is precious. With on board monitoring, the operator can check the machine’s vital signs, oil temperature and pressure levels and receive service interval alerts, right from his seat. The rear full fenders swing out for easy access to the engine compartment. The electrically actuated, wide opening fiberglass hood of the 877H gives you easy access to the engine and its easy-to-reach service points. The ground accessible, easy to reach grouped filters adds to service efficiency.
Liugong is committed to reducing your total cost of ownership and increasing your profits. Liugong aims to provide you with real, measurable value. Liugong chooses high quality proven components such as Cummins engine, ZF powertrain and Rexroth hydraulic pumps. These proven components, combined with Liugong’s design and manufacturing quality, results in a high quality, competitive machine that holds its value.
After all, increasing productivity and efficiencies, while at the same time reducing costs, is what it is all about, and this is probably the LuiGong 877H “right-of-passage into the world of legendary earth moving machines. The model is hard, robust, and loud, yet it is all smooth going once one gets to grips with its moods.
LiuGong with Burgers Equipment & Spares in South Africa and Namibia is well covered product-wise with a well-balanced range that includes Excavators from 22 to 70 tons and Wheel Loaders of 10 to 30 tons of operating weight to fit in to mines in a super-mechanised manner to boost output and productivity, as well as cut costs.
However South African open cast mines need many other equipment other than these primary job as load, carry and stockpile. Still in many mines Graders, Rollers and other compact equipment such as Skid Steer Loaders, TLBs or even mini excavators and lifting machines may be needed as secondary to keep the productivity high. This challenge escalades the expectations in Mining with wide range of product line under one roof where LiuGong provides all the equipment needed with various sizes and a strong backup with Burgers Equipment and LiuGong’s Global Parts Centre of Sub Saharan Africa in Johannesburg.