"In order to minimise CO2 and noise emissions at our local recycling centers, we have decided to switch our wheel loaders to electric drive," explains Casper Schwartz Glottrup, Waste & Tender Consultant at ARC. "After an intensive selection process, we decided in favour of battery-electric wheel loaders L 507 E from Liebherr. This model convinced us and our operators the most and fulfils our requirements perfectly."
For the purchase decision, ARC defined a catalogue of requirements for the new wheel loaders. In spring 2024 the company organised a one-week test assignment, which was carried out for Liebherr by its Danish sales partner Johs. Møllers Maskiner A/S. The employees who work with wheel loaders at ARC's recycling centers were just as competent to evaluate during the selection process as the purchasing department from the company headquarters. The L 507 E was already able to prove its strengths during the test run.
Liebherr L 507 E wheel loaders impress at various ARC recycling centers
The positive impressions from the test week were immediately confirmed in everyday working life after the purchase: "Our eight new wheel loaders have now been in operation for around six months. The battery-electric drive concept works perfectly. The battery life of the wheel loaders is sufficient for a full working day at our recycling centers without intermediate charging. We are very satisfied with our investment, which we financed with our own funds and without state subsidies," emphasises Glottrup.
The machines are in operation at several locations in the greater Copenhagen area. One wheel loader works in each recycling center during opening hours in single-shift operation, usually seven days a week. Charging processes, for which ARC utilises the existing energy network at the recycling centres, generally take place at night. The wheel loaders process a wide variety of waste with shovels and forklifts. They load containers and feed sorting systems. They also carry out cleaning work with a sweeper. "For local residents as well as our customers and employees, it is pleasant that the wheel loaders do not emit any exhaust fumes on site and that they work very quietly," emphasises Glottrup.
Wheel loader driver Mille Braunstein from the recycling center in Vermlandsgade is also convinced by the battery-electric wheel loader input: "The machine has enormous thrust - especially when stockpiling waste. It clearly outperforms our previous wheel loader." She also mentions another plus point: "Waste and bulky waste is constantly being delivered to our yard. We often have little space for our work. The Liebherr wheel loader is very manoeuvrable - tight spaces are no longer a problem." The stereo steering developed by Liebherr ensures the enormous manoeuvrability of the L 507 E. It is a combination of articulated steering and a steered rear axle. As a result, it combines the advantages of different steering systems in one machine. The stereoloader has already proven itself for many decades in conventional Liebherr stereoloaders.
Second lithium-ion battery for Liebherr wheel loader at packaging plant
The modular battery concept of the L 507 E makes it possible to install a second lithium-ion battery for even longer runtimes at the customer's request. ARC has chosen this option for one of its new wheel loaders. The machine works in the company's own packaging plant in Amager, where the recycling company processes around 200 tonnes of plastic and cardboard waste into bales every week. The L 507 E masters the challenging job with ease and feeds the waste compactor continuously for up to ten hours a day using conveyor belts. This is possible without intermediate charging thanks to the additional battery pack.
Plant manager Esben Møhl is delighted with his new machine: "The lively handling and high thrust are impressive. I also like the manoeuvrability and low noise level of the wheel loader. It's very comfortable to work with." This is also ensured by various equipment details that were decisive for ARC. In addition to the LED headlights, these include the ergonomic operator's cab with its intuitive control elements, such as the display with touch function. In general, the operation of the L 507 E hardly differs from a conventional wheel loader, so that even less experienced employees can work safely and efficiently with the machine.
