TOUGH ALL-ROUNDER

“If it can be done with an excavator, we can make it happen,” says Mike Kätzel, Site Manager for Baggerbetrieb Roy Bohlke, a contracting business based in Hohenberg-Krusemark, Germany. To cover demolition, earthmoving, construction, recycling works and more, any equipment in this company’s fleet needs to be adaptable and reliable.

The business needed premium upgrade options which could do any job and provide plenty of power to each project, including the demolition of a decommissioned nuclear power plant. Specialising in quality construction machinery rental, dealer Baumaschinen Hoffmann recommended the LiuGong 939F excavator. With a tough, customer-driven design, it was soon a top performer in Baggerbetrieb Roy Bohlke’s fleet.

MANAGING MULTIPLE TASKS, EASILY

Around 18 months before the demolition project, the team took two 939F, a 930F and 926F LiuGong models into their fleet. The 939F is a 39 tonne excavator with plenty of power and efficiency to tackle this particular job, which involves breaking up high volumes of concrete.

"WE HAVE LESS FUEL CONSUMPTION, LOTS OF POWER WITH A GOOD ENGINE FROM CUMMINS AND REALLY LOW SERVICE COSTS."

"IT’S NOT JUST THE 939 BUT I’D RECOMMEND ANY LIUGONG MACHINE WITHOUT HESITATION. THE VALUE FOR MONEY IS EXCELLENT."

An improved six-cylinder Cummins VGT technology engine delivers 5% more torque and a 20% increase in slew torque. Fuel consumption is also reduced by 10% and enhanced by auto idle and auto shutdown functionalities. Its three new work modes (Power, Standard and Eco) match the engine speed, pump flow and system pressure so drivers get sufficient performance for the task at hand.

As Philip Kunz, [After Sales Manager] from Baumaschinen Hoffmann explains, “The feedback about the machines is really really good, we have less fuel consumption, lots of power with a good engine from Cummins and really low service costs.”

TOUGH AND ADEPT DELIVERY

Electro-hydraulic controls from Kawasaki also help operators achieve better precision and maximise the available engine power. A larger pump has increased flow by 11%. Plus, there are smart functions such as adjustable flow control, adjustable pressure control and 10 attachment settings.

Mike explains that these features have been invaluable on-site, “The 939s are mostly used for demolition work. We often put six tonne attachments on them, and they handle most of the heavy lifting. We also use a range of attachments like pulverisers, sorting grabs and magnetic scrap shears. These machines manage them all really well. I’ve been genuinely impressed.”

The durable design also means the machine can handle tough demands and conditions. Its heavy duty undercarriage is longer and has bilateral supported upper rollers that offer strength and reduce wear. Deeper side beams resist greater impacts, counterweights have increased and a stronger boom and arm design mean stress is reduced by 25%. Plus, 100% flaw detection means every weld meets our stringent standards.

KEEPING DRIVERS HAPPY

A driver protection system means the front and top of the LiuGong 939F cab is reinforced to keep operators safe from falling rocks and debris. To help them see their entire surroundings, a 360 degree camera has been installed to ensure there’s a complete panoramic view with no blind spots. Anti-slip tread plates and guard rails plus ground-level emergency stop switches and daily maintenance points minimises driver risk as they get in and out of the cab.

The F-Series ergonomic cab design also means when operators are in their seat, they are set up to work better for longer. Non-slip pedals, multi-functional joysticks and a range of seat options (standard, comfort and luxury), plus an intuitive interface, helps drivers get through a day’s tasks comfortably. The sound insulation and pressurised environment also makes it a clean and quiet workspace.

It’s features like these which prompted Mike to say, “It’s not just the 939 but I’d recommend any LiuGong machine without hesitation. The value for money is excellent.”

RELIABILITY ACROSS THE BOARD

Having had these machines for a year and a half, the Baggerbetrieb Roy Bohlke team has enjoyed low maintenance and high uptime. Synchronised engine oil filter replacement cycles, grouped greasing points, a 5,000 hour long life hydraulic oil and 1,000 hour air filter cycle have helped the business deliver the reliable service it is known for.

Even when put through the demands of various projects and tasks, LiuGong has helped the team deliver. “We’ve already clocked up about 2,000 hours on the machines and I have to say we’re really satisfied,” Mike explains. “Compared to other brands, LiuGong holds up really well. We can definitely keep pace with the competition.”

Alongside a quality machine, the dealer support has been indispensable for Mike. “Service from Hoffmann has also been excellent,” he says. “Honestly, there’s nothing to complain about. Anytime we’ve needed help, they’ve responded immediately. With Philipp as our contact at LiuGong, the service is top-notch. You can call him anytime and he always follows up and listens.