The České Štěrkopísky sand and gravel plant specialises in the extraction of high-quality gravel sand and aggregates for construction and infrastructure projects. Operating conditions on the extensive site are challenging: varying terrain, uneven access roads and consistently high loads. The four Liebherr machines are put to the test in daily operation amongst extraction areas, conveyor systems and material stockpiles. XPower wheel loaders and mining trucks work together to ensure that extraction, transport and loading mesh seamlessly.
Two L 576 XPower wheel loaders feed various types of rock into crushing plants, stockpile the material sorted by grain size and load it onto lorries. These high-performance machines are also used for working with overburden and for maintenance work on the site – for example, clearing snow in winter. The Liebherr fleet is complemented by two TA 230 Litronic mining trucks, which handle material transport within the quarry and reliably move large quantities of sand and gravel between the extraction site and the processing plant.
XPower wheel loaders: Efficient travel drive for varying operational requirements
At the heart of the XPower wheel loaders lies the power-split drive system. It automatically and continuously combines the advantages of hydrostatic and mechanical drive systems within a single machine, thereby ensuring maximum performance and efficiency across all operating conditions. The hydrostatic drive is the most efficient type of drive for short loading cycles, whilst the mechanical drive is the most powerful and economical over long distances and when driving uphill. This enables the two L 576 XPower machines to handle the varying demands at České Štěrkopísky – on the one hand, short loading cycles during loading operations, and on the other, longer travel distances within the gravel plant – with the utmost efficiency.
The machines also impress in terms of operator comfort during demanding continuous operation. The ergonomically designed cab and the intuitive operating concept of the XPower wheel loaders noticeably reduce the strain on the operators – particularly during long shifts and on uneven ground. “The cab offers excellent visibility, the controls are intuitive and simple, and the comfort is outstanding,” reports machine operator and deputy manager Vítězslav Vans. Individual adjustment options for the seat and steering wheel, as well as practical storage spaces, further ensure a comfortable working environment.
Quartz-bearing sands and crushed rock place high demands on the machines. Their abrasive effect takes its toll on the steel structure and components – particularly on the bucket and its attachments, such as the bolt-on cutting edge. Liebherr addresses these challenges with a particularly robust machine design and low-wear components. These help to significantly reduce wear and tear and ensure high availability in demanding operating environments. “For us, it is crucial that the machines deliver consistent performance even under difficult conditions. The Liebherr wheel loaders impress with their robustness in demanding applications,” explains Thomas Nguyen, mine manager at the Velká Černoc and Straškov sites.
Intelligent loading boosts productivity
To further enhance efficiency in the loading process, České Štěrkopísky relies on the optionally available weighing system with “Truck Payload Assist” for its XPower wheel loaders. It assists operators in loading lorries and mining trucks by calculating the optimum bucket fill and the required number of loading cycles for a consistent and precise loading process. This eliminates the need for time-consuming checks or reweighing, allowing the work process to proceed without interruptions. This makes the drivers’ work easier, reduces downtime and contributes to efficient operation that minimises wear and tear on the machinery. Overall, using the weighing system saves time and costs and significantly boosts the productivity of both the driver and the machine.
Mining trucks: Reliable transport over uneven terrain
The two TA 230 Litronic mining trucks also demonstrate their strengths on the sand and gravel quarry site. With their power-efficient drivetrain, permanent 6×6 all-wheel drive, reliable traction control and robust axle suspensions, they prove to be particularly stable machines. They handle uneven, loamy ground conditions with ease. The powerful engine also delivers high tractive forces, enabling gradients and terraced extraction areas to be tackled safely and efficiently. This allows for short cycle times and a continuous flow of material.
Another advantage in day-to-day operation is the well-designed body geometry: the conical inner surfaces facilitate unloading – particularly with damp or sticky materials – and reduce material build-up. This shortens unloading times and reduces cleaning requirements. Furthermore, the robust construction of the mining trucks ensures consistently high performance even with frequently changing routes and heavy loads. The machines are designed to withstand the heaviest loads and ensure high process stability as well as reliable operational planning.
Stronger together: a partnership that makes a difference
It is not just the wheel loaders and mining trucks that form a well-coordinated team; Liebherr and its customer, České Štěrkopísky, also work closely together in a spirit of trust. The company has relied on Liebherr earthmoving machines since the 1990s – particularly due to the combination of high machine quality, innovative technologies and customer-focused service. “For us, alongside performance, fuel consumption and the long-term quality of the machines are the key factors. With Liebherr, we have a partner we can rely on in our day-to-day operations,” explains Nguyen.
