Liebherr loader stands the heat - PHOTO

Liebherr has developed a specialist hydrostatic crawler loader for use in the extreme temperatures found in slag handling applications at steel mills.

Safety and comfort for the operator is a priority with the LR 634 STM Litronic which has to withstand both direct heat radiation and high temperatures from contact through the bucket and the undercarriage.

To cope with the conditions, Liebherr has fitted the 23t machine with a heat and abrasive dust resistance package including a special 2m³ heat-resistant bucket made from Hardox 400 wear resistance steel.

The heavy-duty undercarriage has track guards and sealed D6 chains with 457mm 3-grouser track shoes augmented with heat-resistant chains, rollers and grousers, a double sealed and electronic monitoring final drive with a protection ring.

The diesel tank is isolated by a guard, high temperature resistant isolation mat and a filler guard while sheet metal and a chain curtain protect the lift cylinder which has a solid steel hydraulic feed pipe. Extra warning lights show fuel reserve and diesel temperature and there is a temperature sensor installed in the hydraulic circuit.

Elsewhere the engine is protected from dust by finely-perforated housing plates and the alternator is cooled by piped pure air, radiator protection is fitted and all hoses are isolated using heat-resistant Viton carrying high-temperature oil.

Toughened safety glass 8mm thick protects the operator in the air conditioned (and slightly pressurised) ROPS and FOPS cab and there is a front guard comprising of an additional window, a tight meshed net to protect from heat and a massive protection grid.

A second cover on the roof prevents material from getting between the window and the guard and there is the option of an additional roof guard with integrated headlights available.

Furthermore, the LR 634 STM Litronic can be specified with wireless remote control, allowing the operator to carry out hazardous tasks from a safe distance.