This report summarizes the usage of a Liugong 220L excavator, purchased in May 2006 for 620,000 CNY, and currently has nearly 8000 operational hours. The machine has been primarily used for earthmoving tasks, and it has been maintained according to the standard operating and maintenance procedures. Below is a summary of its performance, highlighting both the advantages and issues encountered during its use, which may serve as a useful reference for those considering purchasing this model.
Advantages
Overall, the Liugong 220L excavator was a competitive option in the Chinese domestic market when it was first introduced. The excavator offers good performance in terms of power, hydraulics, and digging efficiency, making it comparable to international brands. However, it still has gaps in design, production quality, and attention to detail, which result in certain performance issues. While the machine is durable and efficient for many tasks, Liugong needs to improve in areas such as cab design, sealing, and component durability to be more competitive in the global market.
It is hoped that domestic brands like Liugong will continue to improve their products, address these gaps, and eventually offer machines that can compete directly with established international brands.
Advantages
- Powerful Engine and Excellent Engine Quality
The excavator is equipped with a Cummins engine with 147 horsepower, which performs well even at full throttle without exceeding 20 liters per hour in fuel consumption. Although the oil used is no longer the original brand, the engine has not experienced any major issues.
- Reliable Hydraulic System
The machine uses a Japan Kawasaki hydraulic pump and a Japan Chuanqi rotation pump. The hydraulic oil has been replaced only once, and the system has remained trouble-free. Regular maintenance, including changing the hydraulic and pilot filters, has kept the system running smoothly.
- Exceptional Digging Power, Outperforming Imported Brands
Among the 220-series excavators, the Liugong 220L boasts the best digging power. Compared to the Caterpillar 320C, the Liugong 220L has superior excavation strength, making it a clear winner in its class.
- Fast Swing Speed
One of the standout features of the Liugong 220L is its fast swing speed, offering excellent handling and a satisfying operator experience. However, the lack of a hydraulic damping system can make it challenging for less experienced operators to control the swing, particularly when turning sharply.
- Outstanding Climbing Ability
The Liugong 220L shows impressive performance when working on inclines. While European and Japanese brands may struggle in certain areas, the Liugong machine can easily handle these spots, showcasing its excellent terrain adaptability.
- Low-Quality Original Bucket
At around 4000 hours, the original bucket became worn and had to be repaired multiple times. Eventually, a new bucket was purchased, and the 1.1 cubic meter original bucket cost a staggering 12,000 CNY. The quality of the original bucket was deemed subpar.
- Track Durability Issues
Despite using imported tracks, the track hardness was insufficient. After about 2000 hours, the machine began experiencing frequent track dragging issues, and by 4000 hours, the gears showed significant wear. This reveals that even imported parts may not always meet high standards.
- Inefficient Toolbox Design
The toolbox design is poor, with limited space. For instance, even storing an 18-liter grease barrel is challenging. Furthermore, the actual toolbox must be placed inside the cabin, making it inconvenient to access, and it often causes damage to the seats and interior.
- Swing Bearing Prone to Cracks
After 3000 hours, the swing bearing developed a long crack that had to be welded. The primary reason for this damage is the high swing speed of the Liugong excavator, coupled with the inexperienced operation at the beginning. The machine is often used for clearing tasks in rough terrain, where the swing hits tree stumps and other obstacles. This combined with frequent work on steep slopes puts substantial strain on the swing bearing.
- Frequent Fuse Blowouts
The excavator has experienced frequent fuse blowouts, requiring regular replacements. This issue stems from the operators' failure to adhere to proper fuse specifications. Replacing the fuse without addressing the underlying cause has led to recurring damage to the equipment.
- Cramped Cabin Space, Poor Comfort
The cabin of the Liugong 220L is quite cramped, especially when accommodating additional personnel. Long working hours lead to discomfort and fatigue. Additionally, the side windows, mimicking Japanese brands, have added steel pipes that obstruct the operator's view, which could pose safety risks during operation.
- Poor Cabin Sealing and Faulty Radio
After 4000 operational hours, the cabin's poor sealing allowed dust to enter easily, creating an unpleasant environment for the operator. Moreover, the radio provided with the excavator was non-functional upon delivery and has remained useless ever since.
- Basic Operator Interface
The control panel lacks critical features, including alarm sound indicators, and provides very limited information. It only has basic red light indicators, which makes it easy to overlook important operational feedback.
- Minor Design Flaws
Several small issues include the air conditioning controls and wiper control buttons, which have quality problems. The buttons are prone to cracking after only a few uses, causing the wiper to stop working. To remedy this, the operator has had to use metal wire to secure certain control panels.
Overall, the Liugong 220L excavator was a competitive option in the Chinese domestic market when it was first introduced. The excavator offers good performance in terms of power, hydraulics, and digging efficiency, making it comparable to international brands. However, it still has gaps in design, production quality, and attention to detail, which result in certain performance issues. While the machine is durable and efficient for many tasks, Liugong needs to improve in areas such as cab design, sealing, and component durability to be more competitive in the global market.
It is hoped that domestic brands like Liugong will continue to improve their products, address these gaps, and eventually offer machines that can compete directly with established international brands.
