Liebherr has developed a specialist crawler loader in its fully hydrostatic range, specifically designed and built for slag handling in steel mill applications. The LR 634 STM Litronic incorporates numerous safety and operating features for the efficient handling and loading of hot slag in extreme temperatures.
The somewhat unusually arduous application for which this machine is designed requires highly specialised features - not only to withstand direct heat radiation but also high temperatures from heat transfer by direct contact through both the bucket and the undercarriage. Additionally, the safety and comfort of the operator is also a priority. Liebherr has equipped the LR 634 STM Litronic with a complete package for heat and abrasive dust resistance.
For the operator, the spacious cab is a comfortable, functional and safe work station for maximum performance. The ROPS and FOPS cab is glazed with 8mm thick toughened safety glass and fitted with a front guard device which comprises an additional window, a tight meshed net against heat radiation and a massive protection grid; an extra cover on the roof prevents material from getting between the window and the guard and, as an option, there is also an additional roof guard with integrated headlights available.
Employing the science of ergonomics, the cab is lightly pressurized to prevent dust and odour incursion and is fully air-conditioned. An air-suspended and adjustable seat, with ventral safety belt, includes twin joystick controls integrated into the armrests - one for travel speed and direction, the other for attachment movements; Liebherr also offers an option of steering pedals via V-pattern travel control.
Two extra warning lights are included for fuel reserve and diesel temperature and an hydraulic oil thermometer is also installed. There is even a lockable storage space under the armrest, a cup holder, coat hook and an optional 12v electric coolbox.
And who knows in 25 years time it may end up looking like this old Caterpillar 977L which was recently spotted by fellow CMN member Martyn Williams in Finnings yard at Llantrisant, this machine had spent all it's working life in the Corus steel works in South Wales but is now starting it's second life in Africa.
Comments (2)
Nick the photo of the Liebherr in the Slag Mill takes me back to when I was a Demonstrator with Blackwood Hodge who were at the time the John Deere distributor. I commissioned a John Deere 855 Hydrostatic traxcavator full mill specification was added to make it safe for the operator and machine as the heat from the slag was so intense that if you didnt empty the slag from bucket quickly it would build up between the teeth when cooling.
They were the first to manufacture the Hydrostatic crawler loader and Dozer the 855 was delivered to Brtish Steel Lakenby works inTeeside it replaced a Cat 977 power shift. I do have some photos of the John Deere at work in the mill & will dig them out and forward them on to you .
Regards Tom Aspin
Posted by Tom Aspin | March 1, 2009 11:41 AM
Posted on March 1, 2009 11:41
That's great Tom,
I look forward to seeing them, thanks for your valuable input here.
Posted by Nick Drew
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March 1, 2009 12:56 PM
Posted on March 1, 2009 12:56