Industry recognises rise of LiuGong

Orginally published in Farm Weekly June, 2023

LiuGong wheel loaders were put to the test by industry operators during the recent Dig, Ride and Drive Day in Perth. All Excavator Hire secured a LiuGong 856H wheel loader, similar to that pictured, following the event and says it cannot fault the quality of the machine.

Ongoing demonstrations of LiuGong construction and materials handling equipment are continuing to underpin the brand’s strong market penetration, as more and more operators across a range of industries recognise the high performance and superior value with the machines.

A recent Dig, Ride and Drive Day in Perth attracted a strong crowd of genuine enthusiasts from across the metropolitan and regional areas, and already has resulted in the sale of more than 10 machines.

It has been followed by another event held yesterday (Wednesday) near Albany, one of the thriving regional hotspots in the State for construction and development.

Johnny Inferrera, with the national distributor for LiuGong, said the Perth ‘Dig Day’ showcased the manufacturer’s wheel loaders, rollers and graders, as well as its large, compact and mini excavators, and allowed operators to drive the machines and talk with product support staff.

Johnny said some operators who already had a LiuGong machine decided to get another after the event, while some fellow industry operators of those who were able to attend had since followed-up further and also purchased.

“These events have presented a great opportunity to extend awareness and understanding of the brand as well as the performance and value of the machines, and we will be looking to hold similar events in the future in WA and across the country,” Johnny said.

He said a number of regional shires also had recently secured machines, while LiuGong wheel loaders remained popular with various farmers across the agricultural region and the manufacturer’s excavators and graders were now finding a home on farm properties as well.

“Shires have got wheel loaders and graders, and we have also got rollers going out.”

“Farmers are buying 25 and 30-tonne excavators as well as the smaller compact machines, and rather than using contractors for significant jobs, they are buying graders to do the work themselves.”

Johnny said WA was one of the biggest markets for LiuGong wheel loaders in the 10-20t range and their ongoing product improvements had been lauded.

“The key attraction is that they work and are a lot more affordable than some of the other established brands.’’

“Operators like the reliable Cummins engines and related support, and with the sheer volume of machines in the market now, they can have confidence knowing they have got very strong backup and support for their machines.”

Johnny said the growing number of return buyers was another great indication of operator satisfaction with the brand.

“Some farmers are buying second machines for nearby properties and some are on their fourth and fifth machine.”

WA equipment hire business, All Excavator Hire, recently added a LiuGong 856H wheel loader to its fleet after an impressive test drive during the ‘Dig Day’ event.

Based in Landsdale and Gingin and run by the Chapman family, the business has about 40 equipment items including excavators and loaders offered for mainly wet hire and also dry hire to all parts of the State, including the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. The equipment is used for a wide range of civil, construction and mining works.

Matt Chapman said his father, who commenced the business in 1991, rarely changed equipment brands, however the 856H was the first LiuGong wheel loader added to their fleet.

“We actually helped shift the LiuGong gear into the site for the Dig Day and the old man jumped into the 856 to give it a demo. He was very happy with how easy it was to operate, also with no Adblue or DPF (filter) and without so many electrics that can cause issues,’’ Matt said.

“It’s equivalent to other brands in the market that would have cost another $280,000. We can’t fault the quality of the machine. I could pull the (LiuGong) stickers off it and put others on and you wouldn’t know.’’

He said the 856H wheel loader already had clocked more than 100 hours and was currently working near Geraldton, loading road trains with gravel for roadworks and pushing up stockpiles.

“One operator has said it has more power than other equivalent machines.’’

Matt also gave the ‘Dig Day’ the big thumbs-up.

“A salesman can sell you the dream, but the ability at the ‘Dig Day’ to put machines to work in similar conditions to what we experience was great,’’ he said.

Civil industry operator Cathal Gilchreest has been using a LiuGong 848H wheel loader in his business and also cannot fault the machine.

Gilco Civil, which has been operating for about five years, carries out various jobs including water, sewer, stormwater, rail, trenching and pipe laying works throughout the greater Perth region.

Cathal said Perth dealer McIntosh & Son had provided excellent service and support via Glen Campbell with other machines in his business, and when he noticed the Cummins engine and ZF running gear and then took the LiuGong loader for a test, he was thoroughly impressed.

He said on one job it had to quickly shift three semi-trailer loads of material to help provide access and he was “well impressed”.

“It is the same as other machines and at around half the price, you can’t go wrong,’’ Cathal said.

“For someone like myself with not big production works for a loader, it’s ideal.

“A construction company I work with is also now buying a second machine.”

A full range of LiuGong machines are available for delivery prior to June 30, also providing instant asset write-off and tax savings benefits to operators.

For further information on the LiuGong equipment range, view the LuiGong range here.