Posted by Brooke Just
LiuGong North America, headquartered in Katy, Texas., has launched the first of its new F-series excavators. The 9018F is a 1.8 metric ton mini-class excavator. It has been designed to meet or exceed North American market design specifications, and to be a fit for the rental industry and smaller job applications.
The 9018F represents the smallest of the efficient line of LiuGong F-Series excavator models. Its compact dimensions, foldable dozer blade and retractable undercarriage make it suitable for working in tight spaces and provide flexibility for multiple applications. The company expects the 9018F to be especially useful in the utility and landscape markets.
The unit is available with both a FOPS-rated closed and pressurized cab, featuring heater and window defroster, as well as a TOPS-rated canopy design. The closed cab 9018F version stands 7 feet 7 inches tall, resulting in a lower height that all but eliminates headspace concerns while traveling in restricted spaces or while being transported.
The 9018F’s short stature combined with a retractable undercarriage give its operator access to restrictive workspaces. Its 51-inch outside tread to outside tread measurement retracts to 39 inches, allowing it to pass between onsite obstructions and through almost any bay door.
“Its versatility is not solely a result of its compact size,” said Christopher Saucedo, vice president and general manager, LiuGong North America. “The 9018F is a powerful, robust base unit for a variety of attachments, and supports the installation of consumer-requested aftermarket add-ons.”
Back-filling or dozer operation no longer require the operator to remove his or her hand from blade control to change travel speed. By simply pressing the top of the handle, an operator can now select high or low speed travel. Standard 9018F features include a low-speed, high-torque, Tier 4 Final Yanmar engine rated at 18.0 gross hp, as well as auto-idle and auto shutdown.
Better fuel consumption is achieved through a more efficient hydraulic system using 15 to 20 percent less engine power than that of its predecessor. An improved load-sensitive hydraulic system with 14.5 gpm main pump displacement utilizes a proportional control valve for better management of flow distribution for all attachments. Flow rate for the hammer-shear and hydraulic thumb is set right from the operator’s monitor.
A LiuGong hydraulic thumb bucket grabber comes standard with the unit. Travel pedals and joysticks give an operator hydraulic control for machine functions: travel, boom swing, arm and bucket. Auxiliary hydraulic functions are controlled by electrical, proportional solenoids for precise control.
For more information about the 9018F mini-excavator, please visit www.liugongna.com or contact your nearest LiuGong dealer.
