LiuGong lifts market profile

A new wheel loader series and expanded national distribution and support are set to underpin LiuGong's growing strength in the Australian loader market.

LiuGong Equipment products have been further rolled out into the national McIntosh Distribution branch and dealer network, providing local after-sales support and service, and with three main parts warehouses located in Perth, Adelaide and Tamworth.

McIntosh Distribution's Andrew Johnston said LiuGong, one of the largest wheel loader manufacturers in the world, was focused on becoming a top 10 supplier to the global construction market and had appointed approved dealers with demonstrated ability to support its products.

Mr Johnston said McIntosh Distribution initially gained traction with LiuGong loaders in the agriculture market, which was a natural fit for the business, but it had since captured increasing interest from the civil construction, local government and quarrying industries.

"Our expanded support, which is critical for operators, coupled with the reliability and longevity offered by the LiuGong machines is making them attractive for a range of industries and applications," Mr Johnston said.

"They are suitable for grain, fertiliser, lime, silage, cotton and other materials handling in agriculture, but also to various civil construction operators; and they are a very good fit for local government works. A number of regional shires have added them to their fleets.

"We have one customer who owns 38 LiuGong loaders, which has been a great experience for product development and fleet management."

Mr Johnston said customer feedback had strongly contributed to the development of LiuGong's new H Series wheel loaders, which continued to deliver the manufacturer's high performance at a most competitive price.

The first model of the three-loader series to hit Australian shores recently was the larger LiuGong 856 H machine, powered by the bigger 162kW (220hp) 9.3L Cummins engine offering better torque and efficiency, and including a 3cum bucket and 12.5t straight tipping load.

Other key features include closed circuit pumps for hydraulics and steering, larger cab with improved visibility, forward-hinged hood for improved access, stack cooling pack for better cooling and ground level access for easy maintenance.

A smaller 835 H model is set to arrive toward the end of the year and a 842 H loader is on target for late 2016.

Mr Johnston said LiuGong's latest loaders reflected a manufacturing shift from multiple loader lines to one platform with additional specification options.

"There is now the benefit of one production line, common spare parts and only one standard machine per model," he said. "This machine can be built from standard through to high-end spec, where all the extras are added."

He said the release also coincided well with McIntosh Distribution's expanded support and its plan to strategically target the demanding production market.

"We have a solid product and technical support from a manufacturer that is focused on end users and, ultimately, a machine that works well within required parameters at a very competitive price."

The latest LiuGong 856 H wheel loader can be inspected at some of the upcoming agricultural machinery field days.