Liebherr has advanced its material handling equipment for the waste industry, recently introducing two new revolutionary machines.
Liebherr develops and produces a range of high-performance equipment for demanding waste management applications from material handlers, wheel loaders to telescopic handlers, dozers and many more.
The product range is complemented by a wide selection of working tools and customer-focused services for handling waste, timber, bulk and general cargo.
Handling equipment must meet the highest standards – powerful, durable, and reliable – capable of operating efficiently both day and night.
Liebherr continuously refines its machines to meet evolving industry needs, as demonstrated by the recent addition of two advanced models in the telescopic handler category, along with the launch of various new electric models in the material handler category.
Material handlers
Liebherr offers customised material handling machines designed for efficient processing of a range of materials including waste paper, waste wood, rubbish, used tyres, construction waste, bulk goods, general cargo, timber, recyclable materials and mixed scrap.
With both diesel and electric drive options, as well as a variety of undercarriages and attachments, these machines combine stability, mobility, and high performance to ensure reliable and efficient operation across different environments.
Liebherr’s new electric material handlers such as LH 26 M E, LH 26 C Industry E or LH 40 M E are part of the company’s commitment to sustainability and low-emission technologies.
These models offer the same performance and lifting capacities as their diesel counterparts, but operate with significantly lower noise levels and zero local emissions.
This makes them ideal for use in indoor facilities, noise-sensitive areas, and operations looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising productivity.
The electric machines also benefit from lower maintenance requirements and reduced operating costs, contributing to long-term efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Mobile handlers with wheeled undercarriages provide excellent flexibility and mobility for transporting heavy loads over long distances, while crawler machines deliver exceptional traction and stability on challenging terrain for safe, smooth operation.
To enhance versatility, Liebherr also provides a comprehensive range of specialised attachments, including clamshell buckets for handling bulk materials, sorting grapples for precise recycling and separation tasks, and wood grapples specifically designed for timber handling.
These tools maximise productivity, making Liebherr machines reliable, future-ready partners for modern material handling operations.
Telescopic handlers
Launching in 2025, Liebherr’s Generation 6 telescopic handlers build on a proven platform. They have maintained core technologies, like the hydrostatic drive, while introducing enhanced features for greater precision, durability, and performance.
The Generation 6 Telescopic Handler brings improved ergonomics, increased lifting capacities, and enhanced safety systems.
Paul Findlater, National Business Development Manager (Waste and Recycling) for Liebherr, says the new Generation 6 telescopic handlers deliver improved performance.
“This model builds on the proven strengths of the previous series and introduces advanced assistance systems that enhance both capability and safety,” says Paul.
“A load capacity of up to 4.2 tonnes increases up to nine per cent for the Generation 6 model, a large step forward for the machines in this class.”
For job sites prioritising sustainability, Liebherr also offers electric drive options.
“The electronic pilot control of the operating hydraulics, already successfully used in larger models, is now also being introduced for the Generation 6,” says Paul.
Features of the New Assistance Systems (NAS) include the bucket shaking function which helps operators efficiently empty buckets and augers by automatically shaking them, saving time and effort.
The NAS also features improved fine control of the operating hydraulics, enabling more precise and efficient operation, particularly in demanding or intricate tasks such as sorting waste materials.
All-round visibility of the machine has been further improved with the external Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS)/ Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) grille and offers the driver an unrestricted overview of the surrounding work area.
Paul says the cabin area has been extensively redesigned to lighten the working load.
“New features include improved floor mats, a more ergonomic brake pedal and closer matching of the door elements,” he says.
“Operators have reported that the swinging joystick integrated in the driver’s seat is a standout feature. It is mounted directly on the driver’s seat and equipped with electronic pilot control for operating the hydraulics, offering more precise control of the machine.”
Liebherr engineers ensured safety was a top priority in the development of the machine.
New features include LED spotlights bright enough to illuminate surroundings, warning flashing lights in different colours and an acoustic seat belt warning.
Entering the 8-Metre class
The T 48-8s telehandler is the first Liebherr telehandler in the eight-metre class. Based on the proven design of the T 55-7s, the T 48-8s offers stronger power for heavy-duty industrial applications.
It has all the features that Liebherr customers value in telehandlers, with some new additions.
The maximum lifting height of eight metres expands application capabilities, while the higher dumping height provides distinct advantages for loading trucks.
With an operating weight of up to 10,600 kilograms and maximum light capacity of 4800 kilograms, the T 48-8s is suitable for heavy waste operations.
“The T 48-8s could be used across a range of waste management operations, including landfill sites and waste yards,” says Paul.
“When stacking or loading using the fork or lightweight bucket, the T 48-8s wows operators with a high load capacity and a great view of the load.”
Liebherr’s reputation for durability and consistent performance across its telehandler range have made them indispensable in waste management operations around the world.
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