Already the third machine

A completely new log handling machine by Liebherr, produced in Kirchdorf an der Iller (Germany), has recently joined the saw mill and pallet factory Konrad Brunner in Zwettl (Austria). The two companies are already working together since 2003: The new LH 26 M is now the third „yellow“ log handling machine at Brunner. „Previously we had other brands, with which we weren‘t happy anymore. Therefore we switched to Liebherr,“ explains the Brunner Managing Director Walter Minihold on a visit of Holzkurier. Not only the machines are working perfectly: „We are also very pleased with the service and repair work. These are important points for us,“ says Minihold. That’s why there was no alternative for him when he purchased a new log handling machine. The two drivers were also involved in the decision and declared themselves in favour of Liebherr.

The predecessor machine worked in two-shift operation at Brunner for nine years, thus a total of around 30,000 hours in operation. „The Machine was still running perfectly. However, we manage the entire log handling process with only one driving machine. In order to prevent possible breakdowns, we have decided to invest in a new machine,“ explains Minihold.

Customized

One of the reasons for this was that Liebherr had developed a customized special machine for his sawmill, which did not exist in this form before. “We delivered this combination of uppercarriage and undercarriage for the first time”, says Jürgen Lindner, Regional Sales Manager for Material handling equipment at Liebherr Kirchdorf. „Despite the size of Liebherr (at the end of 2018, the group had 46,169 employees worldwide) we are nevertheless a family-run business and can cater to customer requirements up to a certain extent“, underlines Lindner. The undercarriage of the new LH 26 M log handling machine has width of 3 metres and is therefore extremely stable without additional outriggers. This is particularly advantageous for the Brunner sawmill, as the driveways between the stacks and at the sorting line are very narrow.

In addition, the new log handling machine has special heavy-duty axles. Another special feature of the LH 26 M at Brunner is that it can work while driving. „The machine does not need to be supported when lifting the logs. This saves time“, says Herbert Kreillechner, Liebherr sales representative.

Efficient Powerhouse

The operating weight of the LH 26 M is 24 to without a grapple or attachment tool. The outreach of the equipment including the 1 m² grab is 12 m. This means that the log handling machine can easily reach a stockpile height of 9 m. „Liebherr is a full-liner in the timber industry, even the attachment tools are produced in Kirchdorf. We deliver the machines from the tire to the grapple - everything out of one hand,“ Lindner emphasizes. In addition, Liebherr has the expertise for the drive technology in house. Apropos drive: The LH 26 M at Brunner has a 115 kW strong engine in exhaust gas stage IV/ Tier 4f and needs about 6.5 l per hour in this special application. „Significantly less than it’s predecessor,“ confirms Minihold. Less diesel consumption also means less nitrogen oxide emissions. The new machine is equipped with the Liebherr-Power Efficiency (LPE) system: This optimizes the interaction of the drive train components in terms of efficiency.

During the visit of the LH 26 M Lindner points out some other special features: The driver’s cab and all LED headlights are protected by a robust grid. The log handling machine has a trailer coupling, which can be can be adjusted in height. Since Brunner is using a trailer for faster wood handling, this is particularly advantageous. The maximum total weight of trailers with load is 40 t. In addition to the steering wheel, the machine also has a joystick steering system. Liebherr has set new standards in machine design in terms of comfort and maintainability, as well as safe accessibility for maintenance work. „Due to the combination of uppercarriage and undercarriage, the new LH 26 M is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized sawmills with limited space“, clarifies Lindner. This becomes even clearer during operation: If the driver swivels the uppercarriage, it does not extend above the undercarriage, even at the steepest angle.

Brunner cuts 55,000 cubic metres of large diameter logs per year, which is cut with a gang saw and a circular saw into sawn timber for industry and construction. The second main pillar is pallet production. Minihold figures this at 700,000 pieces per year. „We only manufacture special pallets and boxes for the export-oriented large-scale industry.“