Being technologically distinct seems to the most important advantages of Indian market over the other developing markets including China.
Dr. Gerold Dobler, Head-Corporate Communications at Liebherr-International Deutschland GmbH

 India is no more a market for cheap products! Keeping pace with technological developments, construction equipment industry (CE) in India has matured immensely. Today project developers and contractors are ready to pay for the advanced technology and solutions that can enhance quality and reduce project execution time.

“Being technologically distinct in an important advantage of Indian market compared to other developing markets. The industry is open to appreciate and accept hi-tech, high performance, and durable equipment,” said Dr. Gerold Dobler, Head – Corporate Communications at Liebherr-International Deutschland GmbH. He felt, “This is the reason why global players like Liebherr are optimistic about Indian market.” 

The Liebherr Group is represented in India by a sales and service company and two manufacturing companies representing the activities of several Liebherr divisions. These divisions are earthmoving, mining, tower cranes, concrete technology, mobile cranes, maritime cranes, machine tools and domestic appliances. At the recently concluded EXCON, Liebherr displayed wheel loader L 550 and popular flat-top tower crane model 85 EC-B 5i.

The wheel loader L 550 is powered by a 147 kW / 200 HP diesel engine and its exhaust emissions are below the limits in Stage IIIA / Tier 3. “Due to the hydrostatic driveline, L 550 is fuel efficient, consuming up to 25 per cent less fuel compared with conventional wheel loaders under the same conditions,” the company claims.

For increasing productivity at construction site, Liebherr installed the engines in the rear of the machine, transverse in the L 550 with the output shaft facing backwards. Therefore the diesel engine and the variable displacement pump counterbalance each other. The centre of gravity shifts to the rear of the machine. Liebherr does away with additional ballast and achieves lower operating weights and higher tipping load potential. The high tipping load of the machine increases the productivity at work, because larger buckets can be used to handle more material with each loading cycle.

Limited space is a major problem when working in towns and cities. The new 85 LC tower system has a cross-section of only 1.2 x 1.2 m, which simplifies both transportation and erecting work if the inner-city site is small or access is difficult. The 85 EC B 5i City Crane can be erected quickly and safely in just about every gap in the building line.

Future roadmap
Though some of the crane models are being assembled at Liebherr’s Pune plant since 2012, the company is manufacturing its wheel loaders for the Indian market in Dalian, P. R. China. Commenting on whether Liebherr would like to increase its manufacturing footprint in India, Dr Dobler said, “Wherever our capabilities match with need of the market, we will keep committed.  In other point of view, we will see the potential of the market and move towards to get into the position that we are capable of delivering for market need. Especially if it matches our core business Liebherr will consider means and take steps to even enhance availability and proximity for our clients in India.”