Low consumption and high comfort

Rostock (Germany) August 2020 - The port of Salerno in southern Italy has been an important trading centre since ancient times. Salerno Container Terminal SPA has been active in the Port of Salerno since 1977 and is today one of the leading terminal operators in Italy. SCT relies on Liebherr Port Equipment for the efficient handling of its customers. In 2018, Liebherr ordered two LHM 600 high rise and shortly afterwards one LHM 800 high rise into the Gulf of Salerno. Another LHM 800 high rise has recently been in operation. To ensure smooth container transport, SCT also relies on six Liebherr LRS 545 reachstackers, which have also been in operation since 2018.

After a test phase, the reachstackers convinced those in charge not only with their overall quality but also with their low diesel consumption and high driving comfort. "Liebherr is a very good partner and after testing the machines we came to the conclusion that they are really good. We chose Liebherr because Liebherr guarantees a high quality of the machine, and we are very happy about that," says Gianni Di Stasi, Vessel and Yard Manager at SCT. He also describes the concrete savings potential that has resulted from operating the Liebherr reachstackers. "After one week of testing we had around 40% saving in diesel consumption."

Hydrostatic drive makes the difference

Thanks to its innovative hydrostatic drive system and the resulting smaller engine size, the Liebherr reachstacker offers enormous potential for fuel saving. The hydrostatic drive also eliminates the need for heavy and maintenance-intensive components such as torque converters, drive axle, transmission and differential. A further advantage is the hybrid character of the hydrostatic concept compared to the mechanical drive type, which is common and at the same time outdated on the market for reachstackers. The drive installed in the Liebherr reachstacker recovers the braking energy and uses it for hydraulic braking, while mechanical drives leave the applied power mostly unused. In addition, mechanical drives of competing devices have increased wear and torque loss.

Ride comfort and safety

In addition to low diesel consumption, the hydrostatic drive also has a major influence on the general driving comfort of the Liebherr reachstacker LRS 545. The machine's drive train reacts quickly to the driver without any power loss, thus ensuring very agile handling. The individually driven wheel sets ensure excellent manoeuvrability and a reduced turning radius. Properties that are gaining enormously in importance, especially on narrow terminals.

In addition, the cab of the LRS 545 is oil-bearing, which means that vibrations and shocks can be absorbed very well. This ensures a lower noise level inside the cab and prevents driver fatigue. In addition to the very well balanced ergonomics inside the cab, the LRS 545's main advantage is the good view to the outside. "The cab - I find it very comfortable thanks to the air conditioning and thanks to the rear view camera, which guarantees excellent visibility," says Danilo Rippa, reachstacker driver at SCT, describing the cab of the LRS 545. "The visibility is much better than with other reachstackers I drive, and gives us a better overview of the containers and the surroundings, so we can work more safely", Danilo Rippa adds.