Founder of the company and some historical curiosities
The company Liebherr has been present on the market since 1949 and as it indicates, it originates from the invention of the first self-propelled tower crane. The founder of the company, Hans Liebherr, collaborated on the design of the device.
For the then small construction company from Kirchdorf, this was a milestone that directed the development from a family construction company to a manufacturer of construction machinery, which later turned out to be one of the leading ones in the world. The further history of Liebherr is the development of the range of excavators, cranes, loaders, or articulated dump trucks.
The company offers a wide range of these machines from small wheel excavators to powerful 800-ton crawler excavators serving the needs of the mining industry. One of the more important technological achievements of Hans Liebherr was the construction of the first hydraulic excavator in Europe.
Another example of technical innovation is the design of a crane that can move both on roads and difficult terrain from 1977. One could continue to present the next stages of the company's development, but this is not a historical essay.
It is therefore not surprising that the machines of the German manufacturer often make up a larger part of the fleet of many a construction entrepreneur or even the only device in the smaller plant.
Excavators and loaders, as well as cranes and bulldozers, are particularly popular in Poland. In response to growing needs in terms of component replacement and machine service, we would like to present the rich experience of Wibako in working with this manufacturer's products.
Internal combustion engine and its work in the machine - example of a crawler excavator and its engine overhaul
The most popular construction device is definitely an excavator. There is no doubt that we will see a specific construction with an arm and a bucket on every construction site. Liebherr offers a wide range of equipment in this category and also a common case in our company is the repair of the engine from this brand's excavator.
The internal combustion engine in a crawler excavator, as in other types of construction equipment, is the basic source of power for this type of machine. It serves to provide mechanical energy needed for vehicle movement and drive of various hydraulic and electrical systems.
Internal combustion engines used in crawler excavators are usually high-pressure engines, operating on the principle of burning diesel fuel (e.g. diesel). They include many cylinders that work in a four-stroke cycle (suction, compression, work, exhaust).
The size of the internal combustion engine in a crawler excavator depends on its dimensions and application. Below we present an example of a typical overhaul of an internal combustion engine pulled out of one of the Liebherr family excavators.
Hydraulic system in construction machines - a critical system and its heart, the hydraulic pump
It is hard to imagine the smooth operation of individual machines without a hydraulic system. It is an important element responsible for such vehicle functions as, among others, drive and control, lifting heavy loads, in some cases controlling the blade (bulldozers), braking and stabilization.
Depending on the type of machine, this mechanism will be responsible for efficiently performing the work dedicated to them. The principle of operation of this system is the use of hydraulic oil. For example, in excavators, hydraulics is used to transfer force and control various elements.
To be precise, it is about the hydraulic pump generating pressure pushing the hydraulic oil through the system. As a result of the appropriate setting of the valves, the liquid goes to the hydraulic motors or cylinders. The pressure exerted on the latter causes their elongation or shortening. The result is the movement of a specific part of the excavator - the lift, arm or bucket.
A characteristic feature of Liebherr bulldozers is their comprehensive hydrostatic drive. This means that the running gear is based on the principle of using the flow of hydraulic fluid to control speed and torque.
The design is based on the work of two hydraulic pumps and two engines - the hydraulic pump takes hydraulic fluid from the tank and transfers it to the hydraulic engine, and the engine drives the wheels or tracks of the bulldozer.
The use of hydrostatic drive is intended to provide the user with precise control of the machine's movement, high efficiency and the ability to work in adverse terrain conditions. The German manufacturer has been designing this type of machines continuously since 1954 and is constantly developing the capabilities of hydrostatic drive.
At Wibako, we deal with comprehensive overhauls of pumps and hydraulic engines. Our specialists have many years of experience in working with power hydraulics elements, and also access to professional tools enabling their repair and service.
Thanks to these advantages, we have successfully carried out many repairs and achieved customer satisfaction. Below we present a specific case of such an overhaul on the example of a Liebherr brand pump.
Wear of components and parts in construction equipment - what to pay attention to when using?
The natural consequence of using any equipment is its wear and tear. The hard work to which the vehicle is subjected often ends with the fact that some component, larger or smaller, is worn out.
Among the many elements of our machine, those that should be subject to special observation and maintenance are all kinds of filters, as they ensure the maintenance of the correct efficiency of the machine and contribute to its extended lifespan, drive belts, which are subject to constant tension and load, felts and seals (they wear and deform, which can lead to leaks of hydraulic oil), bearings, as they are key components in construction machines - they carry loads and enable rotational movement.
Also brake discs and pads should be subject to attention. It is worth observing the hydraulic pump and any symptoms of its improper operation, such as loss of power, oil leaks, elevated oil temperature, noises and vibrations.
Problems with the internal combustion engine can manifest themselves in various ways - ignition problems, power drops, oil and other fluid leaks, increased fuel consumption or uneven engine operation. These should be warning signals for the user that something bad is happening.
If the equipment has already experienced a failure and we realize which system is not working, or even better, a specific element, it is helpful to look into the technical documentation of the manufacturer and find out what is the identification number of the part or look for the nameplate directly on it.
Thanks to such knowledge, we can speed up the diagnosis and carry out the necessary repairs faster and avoid unnecessary, additional downtime of the machine.
We rely on customer needs
Based on the experiences of Wibako customer advisors and service technicians, we can say that the most popular in our offer are parts for Liebherr machines.
In response to this demand, we have a large number of products of this brand in stock - used, new and regenerated. We are constantly increasing stocks and trying to meet customer requirements.
That's why our website has a special section on components for excavators, loaders and bulldozers of this production. Depending on the type of machine, our advisors provide professional help in identifying the necessary element.
In conclusion, we remind you that care for regular inspections and compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations are basic activities guaranteeing effective and trouble-free operation of the machine.