In June 2022, Liebherr-Africa made its local debut in the highly-contested ADT market in southern Africa by launching its first ADT model, the 28-tonne (t) payload Liebherr TA 230. Since then, the company has deployed a sizeable number of units in the market.
One of the companies running several units in its fleet is a well-known construction, plant hire and contract mining entity based in the Limpopo province of South Africa. In less than 18 months, the company has grown its fleet to four TA 230 units.
Proving their mettle
According to Papa Olifant, key account manager at Liebherr-Africa, the machines have been deployed at a major platinum mine in Limpopo, where the client is executing one of its major mining contracts. While the 28-t payload was initially a concern for this type of application, the client has offset this limitation with the truck’s quick cycle times and fuel efficiency in tough underfoot conditions, thus driving maximum productivity at a lower cost of operation.
From the onset, says Olifant, the deal was a combination of “luck and opportunity”. In late 2023, the client went into the market for two ADTs, and one of the previous preferred suppliers did not have any stock available.
At the time, Liebherr-Africa had several units in stock and the client opted to take one TA 230 on a trial basis in November 2023. Within two weeks of operation, the client decided to buy the demo and also placed an order for the second TA 230 unit, which was delivered in January 2024. During the course of last year, the client added a further two units, bringing to four their total TA 230 fleet.
“In fact, during the past 16 months, the client has grown not only their TA 230 fleet, but their Liebherr fleet at large. In less than two years, the client now operates a large number of Liebherr machines, including excavators, wheel loaders and dozers,” explains Olifant.
Beyond expectations
Feedback from the customer, says Oliphant, suggests that they have been impressed by the Liebherr machines’ performance to date, which explains the rapid expansion of the fleet. In addition, he says, this demonstrates the importance of relationships in any capital equipment buying decision.
“While the client had never run Liebherr machines before, they were at ease making the decision to purchase because of their longstanding relationship with the supplier. While the equipment has proven its mettle, the complementary support has also been central to the client’s decision to expand their fleet of Liebherr machines in a short space of time,” says Oliphant.
Based on the recent discussions with the customer, Oliphant tells Quarrying Africa that there is an indication that they will ‘beef up’ their Liebherr ADT fleet significantly in the near future. This will also be complemented by a large number of Liebherr excavators.
While size has been a limiting factor for Liebherr-Africa in the ADT market, currently offering only the 28-t payload model, Oliphant is encouraged by the increased uptake of the TA 230 in southern Africa. “We are aware that the ADT market is currently driven by the 40-t and 45-t model sizes, and we are glad that Liebherr will soon be competing in that market segment, which will allow us to address the local market’s needs,” says Oliphant.
TA 230 in detail
Several customers running the TA 230 to date have expressed satisfaction with Liebherr’s new machine concept, which has been developed especially for challenging off-road applications. Modern designs in the front-end area create maximum ground clearance for greater off-road performance.
The newly designed articulated swivel joint creates sound off-road capability; it allows independent movement of the front and rear ends, thus ensuring maximum manoeuvrability. The positive-locking swivel joint with tapered roller bearing is perfect for the shear stresses associated with tough underfoot conditions, while it also withstands maximum loads and provides optimal force distribution.
The front and rear axles of the machine are secured using sturdy A-rods at the articulated swivel joint and at the rear end. On front, the truck uses hydro-pneumatic suspension for maximum comfort, which is key to the smooth driving. The shock absorbers at the articulated swivel joint and the position of the separate and oscillating A-rods of the rear axles at the rear end, provide maximum ground clearance.
Powered by a 265-kW 6-cylinder Liebherr engine with a 12-litre displacement, the TA 230 Litronic is driven by an automatic 8-speed powershift transmission which ensures optimal force distribution. The machine impresses with great driving performance and massive pulling force, even in the most difficult ground conditions and on challenging gradients.
A combination of balanced weight distribution, permanent 6 x 6 all-wheel drive, solid, flexible mounting and large bank angle as well as the machine’s high ground clearance, enable the TA 230 Litronic to deliver unparalleled performance on uneven terrain.
The actively controlled inter-axle differential locks mean that the Liebherr TA 230 has automatic traction control. As soon as one axle experiences wheelspin, it is decelerated, and the traction is intelligently redistributed to the other axles. In addition to maximum forward drive, this reduces the power requirement and therefore translates into lower fuel consumption.
Efficiency is further enhanced by the smart gear selection, which enables the machine to adjust automatically to its current speed and load to ensure optimum torque and fuel consumption at all times. The machine therefore automatically reduces its fuel consumption per tonne of transported material.
With productivity in mind, the optimised trough ensures that more material can be moved in a short time. The front of the trough – designed for the effective transport of a 28-t payload – is straight and the sills are low so that loading with a wheel loader, for example, is easily possible across the entire length of the truck.
A standard Liebherr weighing system shows the current payload during loading on the display in the operator’s cab, helping eliminate guesswork in loadout processes. An optional loading light on both sides at the back of the operator’s cab shows the loading level outdoors.
“In order to accelerate the release of the material during unloading, the inner edges of the new trough are tapered. The two tipping cylinders at the side give the TA 230 Litronic high tipping pressure. The load can be tipped against the slope easily and quickly,” concludes Oliphant.
