TEST DRIVE
and a 3D big screen. Even slight jitters
couldn’t prevent me from operating the
joystick that controls all functions of the
boom. The operator really only needs
one of his right-hand fingers to touch
and operate the sensitive joystick. Even
forward and reverse direction can be
selected on the joystick. This means the
driver can always keep one hand on the
steering wheel and the other on the
joystick. Any nervous driver needs only a
few minutes to settle in and enjoy the ease
of operating what initially looks quite an
intimating undertaking.
On the outside
Because it is driven by a hydrostatic
system and not a torque converter, the
machine boasts an almost infinite range
of gears. In addition, it utilises the same
amount of power whether at full throttle
or in idling mode. The interaction of
the tried-and-tested drive components
with the diesel engine and the hydraulic
system reduces the fuel consumption at
maximum performance, and operators are
not as hard on the brakes, which results
in less downtime and ultimately in overall
operational cost benefits. Speed is reduced
by pressing the inch-brake pedal. Pressing
further down activates the brake function.
The operator controls the engine and
working speeds with his right foot using
the accelerator pedal.
The fuel tank is positioned underneath
the cab for optimum protection from
possible damage. The fuel tanks’ location
makes it possible to refuel comfortably
from ground level. It has a holding capacity
of 150 litres. According to Kudumba,
Liebherr has placed a lot of emphasis on
the ease of maintenance and therefore, all
service points on the machine are readily
accessible for daily inspection.
Liebherr’s new T 32-7 Telescopic Handler
can reach heights of about six metres.
The T 32-7 is a compact, robust machine.
The T 32-7 is ideal for working in confined
spaces and is able to turn quickly and in
addition, it can manoeuvre in a crab like
motion even in the tightest of spaces. The
operator can choose one of four different
steering modes: front wheel steering,
all-wheel steering and crab steering. The
fourth steering mode allows the rear axle
to be locked in any position, whereby front
wheel steering is engaged on full wheel
lock. All steering modes can be selected
comfortably via an operating lever. An LED
keeps the driver updated on the neutral
position of the wheels.
In terms of comfort and the ease of
operating, Liebherr’s T32-7 telescopic handler
is a market leader. The package comes with
bells and whistles, but without sacrificing
efficiency and comfort. Liebherr has once
again not disappointed, and its new offering
of telescopic handlers is sure to provide its
owners with a competitive edge when it
comes to handling material in the agriculture,
mining and the industrial space.
THE T-32-7 IN A NUTSHELL
Lift height: 7.0m
Lift capacity: 3.2t
Engine power: 100KW/136HP
Hydrostatic travel drive: with
electronic control
The machine runs off a Tier 4 Deutz diesel engine at 100KW/136HP capacity.
www.equipmentandhire.co.za
Thanks to Tendayi Kudumba, general
manager Earthmoving at Liebherr-Africa.
OCTOBER 2019
23