First prototype from ZF-Liugong joint venture

The new joint venture announced last September by ZF and Liugong has produced its first prototype. The AP3000 axle can be assembled with dry or wet brakes, and is designed for 5 and 6 tonne capacity wheeled loaders. Liugong’s 855N will be the first machine to be produced using the new axle.

The two companies set up their second joint venture, ZF Liuzhou Axle, with the aim of producing components for the Chinese market. Their first joint venture, Liuzhou ZF Machinery was set up in 1995 and still continues production, making components for Liugong’s exclusive use.

ZF Liuzhou Axle is targeting a volume of 30,000 axles by 2018. “Liuzhou ZF Machinery has been a win-win example in the industry for years. Today, we come to another milestone with our new JV company, ZF Liuzhou Axle. “I am very pleased to be here to unveil the brand new AP3000 axle. It marks a new level of our excellent cooperation with ZF, the world’s leading automotive industry supplier, demonstrating our determination in the heavy machinery industry,” said Liugong chairman Wang Xiaohua.