TEST DRIVE
experience. The attention to detail in Liebherr’s
cab is astounding, and just sinking into the multi-
adjustable sprung driver’s seat would make any
menial task something to look forward to. I had
to slightly adjust the seat to give my legs space,
which can be a laborious effort in most other
cabs. Liebherr’s steering column swivels without
much effort to the appropriate position using foot
activation as a standard. The seat height can also
be adjusted as an additional option.
One of the first things I frantically searched
for after I engaged the start button and the
cabin started shaking as the powerful Tier
4 Deutz diesel engine gradually ran through
the revolutions, was the outrigger button
for balance. But as I watched the boom and
bucket effortlessly lifting into the clear blue
August sky, Tendayi Kudumba, general manager
earthmoving at Liebherr-Africa, informed me
that this was not necessary and that the
machine is designed in such a way to ensure
safe handling of material without the additional
stabilisers and support. And looking at the
compact machine from the outside after my test
drive, it made sense (outriggers are generally
not common in the six- and seven-metre class).
One joystick controls all boom
functions.
The steering column can be adjusted
according to the needs of the operator.
Safety first
The Liebherr T 32-7 is a powerful, yet extremely
balanced machine, and as sturdy as the most
robust telescopic handlers around. A newly
designed frame and balanced wheelbase
ensure a low level of gravity, which enables
the telescopic unit to perform with impressive
stability when loading and stacking.
Its lifting capacity is of course much higher
for a machine of this size because of the
absence of outriggers. The T 32-7 can lift up to
3 200kg without any effort and it is as safe as
any other piece of yellow metal, machine, car or
truck I have ever sat in.
A warning system constantly informs the
driver of the load status of the unit. Even before
it can tip forward, hydraulic lifting movements
are slowed down right until standstill (at this
The windscreens’ slight curve and the see-through roof window allows the
operator clear vision when controlling the boom.
Tendayi Kudumba, general manager earthmoving at Liebherr-Africa.
www.equipmentandhire.co.za
point a sufficient margin of safety is
still retained). Beyond this point, only
movements of the attachments, which
reduce the risk of tipping, can be made.
To enable efficient filling of the bucket,
stockpiling mode can be selected. In this
setting, boom movements are not limited
even if overload is detected, as long as the
machine keeps moving forward.
The parking brake is automatically
electronically activated when the machine
stops to prevent it from rolling away. A seat
contact switch automatically detects that
the parking brake must remain activated
when the driver exits the cabin.
For those first-time telescopic handler
operators with sweaty palms and trembling
fingers like myself, you shouldn’t fear.
Sitting in the T 32-7 is like any modern
gaming experience with bells and whistles
OCTOBER 2019
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