The versatility and performance of LiuGong wheel loaders is expanding its workplace experience across Australia, including into the yards of scrap metal recyclers.
Immix Integrated Metal Management has built a strong history in the scrap metal sector in Melbourne and regional Victoria, as well as into New South Wales.
In addition to Melbourne, the family-owned business has sites at Shepparton, Wangaratta, Hallam, Wodonga and Wagga Wagga.
The company has contracts with regional councils, helping to reduce scrap metal loads in landfill, has bins placed with numerous building and mining industry organisations, and collects scrap metal from the farming sector.
Most typical scrap metal is processed and exported, while recycled, non-ferrous material is generally sold locally.
At its Wodonga site, Immix recently invested in a LiuGong wheel loader for the first time as part of its fleet renewal.
A high-spec 835H model was selected by the company to join the working rigs at the site, which include excavators and material handlers.
The LiuGong loader works with a mesh screen to sieve dirt out of scrap metal collections before processing, while a large bucket with grab also assists to push up and tidy the scrap metal piles.
LiuGong wheel loaders are renowned for their build quality, featuring Cummins engines, German-engineered transmissions, simple operation – particularly in relation to their electrical systems – as well as their performance and comfort.
The turbocharged and air-to-air intercooled, six-cylinder, Stage III Cummins engines offer speeds up to 40 kilometres per hour, while the countershaft, power shift transmissions provide four forward speeds and three reverse speeds.
The 160-horsepower 835H model at the Immix site at Wodonga offers a 7.9-tonne tipping load and has chalked-up about 600 hours.
Comfort, visibility and safety have been other major focus areas for LiuGong with its wheel loaders and this has been recognised by the Immix team.
The 835H model has 360-degree surround handrails and anti-slip steps, leading into an ergonomic, fully pressurised cab with multi-adjustable arm rest, joystick and air-suspension seat. Cabs are similar on all loaders, also featuring curved, panoramic glass windows.
Branch Manager Tim Karpeles, who joined the business about 18 months ago after working in the defence industry, says there was some initial hesitation about jumping in a LiuGong loader from some of the company’s operators, but this was short-lived.
“They are certainly happy to get behind the wheel,” Tim says.
The LiuGong wheel loaders also incorporate easy-to-access service points that allow for fast maintenance checks. Wide-opening engine hoods reveal the easy service points, while hydraulic hoses and air, diesel and oil filters can all be easily reached and quickly changed.
“We had to look into a few things with the setting up of the mesh screen and we re-routed some of the hydraulics to keep them out of the way, but otherwise we have had no issues or complaints,” Tim says.
Immix purchased the wheel loader through Pacific Machinery Group. Tim says the dealer completed the 500-hour service and had provided good support with the machine. All other services are completed by the Immix team.
LiuGong’s high-spec wheel loaders offer a range of extra features in addition to the standard models, including reversing fans, variable hydraulic transmissions, radial tyres, ride control, rear view cameras, larger buckets on some models, air suspension seats and auto lubrication.
Tim says Immix is considering further LiuGong machines to support a system for farm clean-ups it was hoping to progress into 2025.
For more information, visit: www.mcintoshdistribution.com.au