Liugong to build excavators and loaders in Europe

Liugong has unveiled a new range of Stage IIIB-compliant excavators at Intermat. The company plans to start production of the 22 tone class 922E at its factory in Poland this year, along with the 154 kW 856 wheeled loader. Both machines feature Stage IIIB-compliant engines.

Speaking at the launch of the E-series excavators at Intermat, vice president of research & development, David Beatenbough said,"The real skill in the excavator business is integrating the components together and this is what we've been focussing on. It needs to feel right to the operator and it needs to be efficient."

Mr Beatenbough added that the company had focussed on fine control, operator comfort and the quick change of attachments to meet the needs of European customers. He also said the machine's cab was one of the largest in the industry. The machine on display at Intermat features a ROPS/FOPS cab.

He said that improvements in fuel efficiency and the introduction of a Stage IIIB engine had reduced fuel consumption by as much as 20% compared to previous models. The 922E is powered by a Cummins QSB 6.7 engine and features hydraulic pumps by Kawasaki.

Currently built in China, manufacture of the 922E will begin in Poland later this year at the factory Liugong added with the acquisition of dozer manufacturer HSW at the start of this year.