New Liebherr Stereoloaders® as general-purpose machines in the fight against snow and ice

With their proven stereo steering, a combination of articulated steering and a steered rear axle, Liebherr Stereoloaders® are reliable winter service partners. Their manoeuvrability is particularly useful if snow drifts are a hindrance to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Thanks to the stereo steering, even inner courtyards, narrow parking areas or narrow alleyways in residential areas can be easily and reliably cleared of snow and ice by machine operators.

Safe, powerful and at up to 40 km/h in winter service

As part of the statutory obligation for clearing and gritting, municipalities and service providers need powerful vehicles for winter services. With their proven and powerful hydrostatic driveline, Liebherr Stereoloaders® can meet these demanding requirements. They accelerate smoothly, without interruption to the traction power and without discernible gear changing. The damping-assisted, articulated oscillating bar also contributes to the high degree of comfort and safety.

As a customer option, Liebherr offers the new Emission Stage IV / Tier 4f-compliant L 514 and L 518 Stereoloaders® as “Speeders”. In this version, they can achieve a top speed of 40 km/h. This enables municipalities and service providers to deliver quick and reliable winter services over long distances quickly and efficiently

Liebherr has developed the robustness of the new models in various ways. For example, in the axles, where automatic self-locking differentials provide a high degree of traction on snowy and icy surfaces. In addition, the use of snow chains enable stable driving characteristics. The stereo steering also provides safety: The steered rear axle enabled Liebherr engineers to reduce the articulation angle of the Stereoloader® from the customary 40° to 30°. This resulted in improved stability and security against tipping, as well as higher tipping loads.

Versatility at the cold time of the year

In winter, the selection of the correct attachment depends on the weather situation and local conditions. Most commonly, municipalities and service providers use Liebherr Stereoloaders® for winter services with a light material bucket, snow chains and a grit spreader. Equipped in this way, these manoeuvrable machines become especially versatile. The light material bucket is suitable for simple clearance tasks, as well as to load snow onto an HGV for removal.

With a hydraulically swivelling snow blade, the Stereoloaders® can clear roads and tracks of compacted snow. Using a sweeper, they can move smaller amounts of loose, powdery snow. Larger amounts of snow can be dealt with using a snow blower. Thanks to the new Z-unit bar linkage and powerful operating hydraulics, the L 514 and L 518 can operate effectively with these and other attachments. In addition, a newly constructed hydraulic quick hitch makes equipment changing more efficient. In the winter operators really appreciate such convenience!

Comfort and safety are key features in winter service

In the winter the comfort and safety of the machine and operator are paramount. For high standards of safety, a range of equipment is available as optional extras for the L 514 and L 518 Stereoloaders®. For the coldest times of year, items such as the heated external mirror or powerful LED headlights are recommended. An auxiliary heater, or electrical coolant preheating prepare the Stereoloader® for winter operation. The powerful air conditioning system defies the low external temperatures. For improved air circulation, the machine operator can open the hinged window by 180°.

The intuitive operation of the L 514 and L 518 Stereoloader® is very practical. Liebherr has positioned all the operating controls visibly and ergonomically in the spacious cab. Using the Liebherr control lever, integrated into the driver’s seat, the machine operator can work with precision and sensitivity. Additional hydraulic control circuits, required for activities such as using a snow blower are easily controlled using a mini joystick on the Liebherr control lever. These and other features increase the ease of operation and thus productivity in winter service.