Capital Equipment News

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS

MARCH 2016

iuGong, the premier Chinese construc-

tion machinery supplier, has in the last

few years adjusted its strategies to

challenge a new era in the industry. In 2014,

LiuGong launched a new brand strategy for

the global market which entailed working

together with its subsidiaries and dealers

to ensure a unified voice and create brand

consistency throughout the world.

Product quality is the key to success in the

open market and by committing consider-

able resources to machine excellence and

customer service, LiuGong has ensured it

remains competitive at all times. The com-

prehensive product range comprises 15

product lines, namely, wheel loaders, exca-

vators, bulldozers, motor graders, pavers,

cold planers, skid steers, backhoe loaders,

rollers, forklifts, truck mounted cranes,

crawler cranes, pipelayers, mining dump

trucks and concrete equipment.

LiuGong places a strong emphasis on cre-

ating value through cooperation and as

such has developed relationships with part-

ners who share the same philosophy of de-

livering technical excellence to customers

across the world. These partnerships are

focused on the machines’ core technologies

and major components. For example, the

company has key ventures with renowned

organisations such as Cummins and ZF, al-

lowing LiuGong to produce tailored, techni-

cally advanced engines, transmissions and

axles for its machines.

The introduction of the latest in heavy duty

excavators, the E-Series 970E, 70 ton model,

is a direct result of the cooperation with the

world’s best component manufacturers. The

E-Series is the latest generation of LiuGong

excavators, following in the tracks of the

successful D-Series which is renowned for

its high reliability and serviceability and now

possess even stronger power, easier control

and more safety.

The 970E’s development includes the

LiuGong’s Intelligent Power Control System

(IPC) to provide more accurate matching and

control over engine speed and main pump

flow, delivering more power, faster response

and smoother operation. Equipped with

the fuel-efficient, world-class Cummins

QSX-15 engine, the 970E meets stage II/

EPA Tier2 emission standard. The 15 litre

engine has a gross power output of 354 kW

(481 hp) @ 1 800 rpm and torque of

2 200 Nm @ 1 400 rpm. To further optimize

performance and cut fuel consumption,

the 970E features 6 selectable working

modes; power, economy, fine, lifting breaker

and attachment. A further contributor to

reducing fuel consumption is the auto-idle

speed function which automatically reduces

the engine idle to 100 rpm when all levers

are in neutral.

The business end of the 970E consists of

the boom and arm that is designed and built

with internal baffle plates, stress-relieved

for added durability and constructed from

high tensile steel plates. These structures

are designed with large cross-sectional ar-

eas and large one piece steel castings in

the boom and arm supports which ensures

long term durability and a resistance to

bending and torsional stress. The ‘H’ beam

structure used in the main platform contrib-

utes to rigidity and strength of the unit.

The 970E has a maximum digging depth

of 7 250 mm and a ground level reach

of 11 235 mm. With a bucket capacity of

4.3 cu metre, the 970E has a dump height

of 6 965 mm, adequate for loading most

mining type vehicles. The 376 kN bucket

breakout force ensures efficiency in most

material applications.

The undercarriage of the 970E construc-

tion is based on the well tried technology

of X-type high strength, box-type walking

frames. Sitting on track length of 4 750 mm

and nine track rollers, the 970E is signifi-

cantly stable in the most adverse underfoot

conditions. The track width is adjustable

to make easier to transport on a standard

lowbed.

The large, pressurised, air-conditioned cab

is well equipped providing the operator with

a wide field of vision including a height vi-

sion. The colour LCD monitor displays all

the machine information which includes all

engine functions, hydraulic oil temperature

and pressures, service interval alerts and

fault alerts.

LIUGONG INTRODUCES

new 70 ton heavy duty excavator

By Pierre Sanson