Capital Equipment News July 2019

BACKHOE LOADERS

adds that LiuGong and its dealer, BurGers Equipment’s customer support regime will be another major drive of the model’s growth. The 777A is the new generation backhoe loader from LiuGong, with a design focus on high performance, low fuel consumption and competitive pricing. “There have been some improvements on the previous model to achieve better efficiency. We believe this will make the 777A one of the most preferred models in the market,” says Eren. The 777A is driven by a Deutz Weichai Tier 2 engine which is said to have proved itself as being one of the most efficient, reliable and affordable engines in South Africa. Carraro axles with wet type brakes give better control over the drivetrain. The HUSCO three-way loader valve and six-way backhoe valve with monoblock design reduce leaks for improved reliability. For easy serviceability, the new design of the bonnet and front-end makes it easier to access the engine, while the conveniently placed key parts and fluid refill points make maintenance quicker and easier. The open front grill gives easy access for cooling system cleaning. The quick-release filter shortens maintenance time, while the electric control/fuse box can be quickly accessed without the need for additional tools. Compared with the previous LiuGong models, the 777A’s digging force has been increased by 10%, along with increases in digging depth and turning radius. PERMCO hydraulic Tandem gear pump enables fine grading and offers easy flow control via a dashboard switch. XCMG WZ30-25 The WZ30-25 is XCMG’s new generation backhoe loader which adopts a four-wheel drive, powershift transmission with a hydraulic torque converter, a hydraulic steering system and a pilot hydraulic operation system. It is ideally suited for road maintenance, agriculture, pipeline projects and landscaping, among other sectors. It is equipped with a Yuchai engine, which is said to offer sound fuel efficiency and low noise operation. The machine places high focus on safety with an integrated pneumatic emergency braking system, which allows for emergency braking to automatically take effect when the air brake circuit malfunctions. “The machine’s rear swing axle assembly ensures sound tyre adhesion force and favourable off-road performance. The WZ30-25 also employs hydraulic pilot operation technology to achieve easy operation, accurate locating, comprehensive excavation motions and better operational performance,” concludes Liang. b

XCMG’s WZ30-25 is ideally suited for road maintenance, agriculture, pipeline projects and landscaping, among other sectors.

support from Babcock. Bear in mind Babcock is a household name in the southern African equipment industry, with a 60-year plus history of supporting customers in the region. Apart from SDLG, the company manages the exclusive distribution and support of some leading international brands, namely Volvo Construction Equipment, Terex Trucks, Tadano (mobile cranes), Sennebogen (materials handling) and Winget (concrete mixers and dumpers). Leveraging Babcock's success, which has over the years hinged on its tremendous aftermarket regime, SDLG products, including the backhoe loader range, have found early traction in the local market. Half a tonne lighter than the B877, the B877F is an 8-t sideshift backhoe loader with a 1 m³ standard loader bucket and maximum lifting capacity of 3 224 kg. It comes with a new engine, increased cab space, enhanced cooling capacity, as well as a state-of-the-art loader linkage, among several other improvements. Lance Mannix, GM Sales – Babcock’s equipment division, says the B877F comes with an improved loader linkage system that provides better breakout force. “What’s more, the kinematics have been improved. It is now easier to anchor the machine when using the excavator bucket,” he says. “It also offers better control of the excavator armwhen repositioning, better stability and more efficient excavating. It also features a 55-degree steering angle, providing better manoeuvrability that is particularly advantageous when working in confined spaces.” Inside the machine, one of the biggest changes comes in the form of a new engine. The B877F is fitted with a 70 kW Yuchai engine featuring the same power as the machine’s previous engine, but with higher torque. The new engine supplies the hydraulic system with a constant flow, providing the operator with a reliable power supply for extended durations. Access to the engine is made easier

through a larger, rear-hinged engine hood. To make maintenance easier, the filters and water separator have been grouped in the engine compartment. The B877F has also been fitted with a larger radiator, with an ambient temperature of 50ºC. The improved cooling capacity leads to better performance in hot climates. Gone are the days when buying decisions paid no attention to operator comfort. With SDLG’s understanding that a comfortable operator is a productive one, the B877F’s new, spacious cab provides the operator with greater visibility around the machine, as well as greater space for turning between the loader and excavator operating positions. The ergonomic cab also features a streamlined layout and design of the machine’s controls, a new handbrake design, and a new parking brake that is easier to operate and has better brake force. Additionally, the differential lock switch has been moved from the side panel to the floor, resulting in easier use for the operator. “The air conditioning has been improved for this model, too. Outlets from the ceiling provide 30% increased cooling capacity and a 120% improvement in blowing speed than previous-generation machines. This results in faster cooling of the cab and a much more comfortable operator environment, particularly in the hot climates of Africa,” explains Mannix. Additionally, the new B877F comes with an extended 2-year/ 3 000-hour warranty, compared with the 1-year/2 000-hour on the previous B877. LiuGong 777A Following the launch of its New Generation 777A, LiuGong Machinery Southern Africa says it expects the new machine to be among the top 5 selling models in South Africa by the end of 2020. “The 777A will cater for about 95% of the total backhoe loader market. The early performance of the model in the market, in terms of sales, indicates that the growth will be higher than we initially projected,” says Eren. He

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2019 18