Doyle Shipping Group has taken delivery of a new Liebherr LRS 545 reachstacker for its Dublin Port container operation predominantly for the loading and unloading of containers to and from trains at the port.
The Liebherr LRS 545 has a low front end for this kind of operation, which allows for increased visibility for the operator when placing the containers onto the train, with the inclusion of a hydrostatic drive system making it possible to reduce the front profile of the machine.
Each wheel is independently driven by a hydraulic motor, reducing tyre scrubbing and increasing tyre life and removing the need for a front drive axle and mechanical gearbox.
By removing the mechanical gearbox element, the drive of the machine from acceleration to braking is smooth and stepless, which provides added sensitivity at low speeds and increases driver comfort.
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Liebherr’s highly efficient hydrostatic drive system also makes a reduction in engine size possible. Fitted with a four cylinder 230 kW engine that meets Tier 4f requirements, fuel consumption as low as 14 l/h can be achieved.
By using one closed loop hydraulic circuit for all operations, the recovery of energy from other parts of the system is made possible. Whether this energy is recovered during braking or lowering of the load, it is transferred to other parts of the system as required.
The LRS 545 was produced at Liebherr’s manufacturing facility in Sunderland, UK, and was shipped by road to Dublin, Ireland, where it was unloaded and prepared for operation by Liebherr service engineers based at Liebherr’s Irish headquarters in Dublin.
Glen O’Connor, Director of Doyle Shipping Group, commented: “The Reachstacker is a hugely important tool in our Terminal Operations. It is used for day-to-day container movements – loading and unloading transport and trains.
“We are also heavily involved in project work and the machine is vital in the movement of deliveries for wind turbine components, project cargoes, and out of gauge lifts.”
