LIKE NO Other

As an all-service construction company covering a range of works in Germany’s Brandenburg and Saxony areas, Baufirma Foerster needs excavators offering reliable power and flexibility. From earthworks and road construction to industry waste recycling, concrete and asphalt quarrying, Foerster relies on multi-tasking machinery. This made them the perfect business to test a first-of-its-kind prototype from premium Chinese manufacturer LiuGong.

A new addition to Foerster’s mixed fleet of between 20 and 25 machines, this LiuGong 925 FCR is the first model prototype in Europe. A compact radius machine with an operating weight of between 25 and 28 tonnes, it’s designed to meet the increased demand for this type of machine on the continent. This includes performing well in lifting operations and with demanding attachments.

Supplied by Hoffmann Baumaschinen, East German LiuGong dealer and construction machinery rental business, the LiuGong 925 FCR has also been fully tested and validated by European operators. As well as taking operators from the UK and Germany to China, LiuGong sent this machine to selected customers who worked closely with the engineering teams to optimise it for the European and UK markets.

This includes operators like Lorenz Lempereur, who works at Baufirma Foerster and puts machines through their paces both on-site and for his Instagram followers. Known as Digger Passion (@digger_passion)on the social media site, he was excited to get his hands on this new model at a construction site in Schleife.

More power, max torque

Testing out the LiuGong 925 FCR on some drainage works for an outdoor facility, Lorenz was immediately impressed by the new model. He said, “I’ve been working with the 925 FCR for about three weeks now. My first impression is that I was pleasantly surprised with its performance and I really like the look of the machine.”

Powered by a six-cylinder Cummins engine, the machine can offer more with less fuel consumption. It does this by maximising torque output with greater power and breakout force at lower engine speeds. Plus, hydraulic request signals detect activity, decreasing and increasing engine speed as required to only supply required power and optimise fuel efficiency.

However, it’s not just the performance Lorenz enjoys, “The six-cylinder sound is of course the very best,” he exclaims. “And yes, the work itself is fun. I have space in the cab. It’s nice to sit inside for a whole day.”

Alongside an ergonomic design, the F series cab has a high-strength Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS), ensuring operator protection and meeting ISO 121172:2008 safety standards. There is also the option of adding a Falling Object Protection System (FOPS).

The LiuGong 925 FCR offers plenty of options for auxiliary hydraulic piping, including bi-directional variable high flow line, an additional line for rotating attachments and also a single acting line. LiuGong also increased the flow capacity of the rotation lines to 70LPM, meaning it can efficiently power demanding hydraulic attachments. The quick coupler makes it easy to switch between a wide range of attachments to get the most from the machine.

Foerster has taken full advantage of these features to ensure the excavator can complete a variety of tasks more efficiently. As Lorenz explains, “Hoffmann Baumaschinen has customised the excavator according to our wishes with a MOBA excavator control system, work lights from TYRI Lights, an OilQuick tiltrotator and lots of other little things.”

TYRI INTELLilight – instantly adaptable

The TYRI INTELLilight system is designed to give the operator complete control over their machine lighting. With adjustable brightness, colour temperature and light groupings, it can adapt to changing needs quickly, making the switch between tasks or operators more efficient. With a wireless mesh platform that’s been rigorously tested, it’s also easy to install and retrofit for reliable performance. Overall INTELLilight improves visibility and reduces operator fatigue, contributing to a safer, more productive work environment.

The OilQuick OQTR-E26 tiltrotator also helps operators work more efficiently. Equipped with the sandwich solution, the driver can tilt, rotate or change the tiltrotator for a bucket or other attachment easily. They can also change hydraulic tools under the tiltrotator without having to leave the cab, making it more straightforward to choose the right tool for the job.

Fully backed by dealers

Although Foerster’s 925 FCR was the first of its kind, the team experienced minimal disruptions from day one of operations. This is because of LiuGong’s product quality and complete dealer support, says Phillip Wunsch, Aftersales Manager for Hoffmann Baumaschinen.

“Both the owner and driver are really happy with the machine,” he smiles. “We initially had to make some adjustments to the software and have been checking in to see if there’s anything else we need to change, but they’re all really pleased.”

Phillip Wunsch Aftersales Manager Hoffmann Baumaschinen

“LiuGong is so much better in terms of the machine price and quality. They’re also great in terms of their dealer support. We’re looking forward to this machine becoming available across the whole of Europe.”

This support has also made a huge difference to Lorenz and the team, who have complete trust in their dealer protecting operations from downtime. He explains, “The cooperation with Hoffmann Baumaschinen is wonderful. If you call someone or need something, then someone is immediately on the spot and available to help.”