Liebherr 100- to 200-hp Wheel Loaders

Hydrostats Save Fuel and Tires

Construction Equipment - May 1, 2004

Larry Stewart
Executive Editor

Liebherr just entered the wheel-loader market last year, bringing hydrostatically driven machines to compete in North America. The "2plus2" drive technology in the L544 and larger models applies two different-sized motors coupled independently into the driveline. At least one of the hydraulic motors is active when accelerating or decelerating, so the loader adapts to the required travel speed and torque in every operational situation without interrupting drawbar pull. Liebherr claims the system consumes only 40 percent of the fuel used by comparable loaders with mechanical transmissions.

100- to 200-hp models: 2

New models: L538 and L544

Product-line features: Liebherr's own engines power the wheel-loader line. The turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel in the L538 reaches peak torque at 1,400 rpm and in the L544, the engine is rated for peak torque at 1,200 rpm.

Specifications
Model	Bucket Cap. (cu. yd.)*	Horsepower	Operating Weight (lbs.)	Breakout Force (lbs.)	Dump Clearance**
L 538	3.3	136	27,130	23,600	9' 5"
*This bucket used to establish performance specs. **Clearance with bucket dumped at 45-degree angle.