LiuGong 220L Excavator User Review

[MikePhua]

I purchased the LiuGong 220L excavator in May 2006 for 620,000 RMB, and it has now accumulated nearly 8,000 working hours. Most of its work has been in earthmoving tasks, and I’ve followed the recommended operation and maintenance protocols. Below is a summary of its performance, which may serve as a reference for those considering purchasing this model.
Advantages

1. Powerful Engine, Reliable Performance
   The excavator is equipped with a Cummins engine that produces 147 horsepower. Even when the throttle is fully opened, fuel consumption does not exceed 20 liters. While I stopped using original engine oil a long time ago, the engine has remained trouble-free.
   
2. Stable Hydraulic System with Minimal Issues
   The rotary pump is from Japan's Kawasaki brand, and I’ve only replaced the gear oil once. The hydraulic main pump is also from Kawasaki, and I regularly replace the pilot and hydraulic filters. The hydraulic system has performed reliably without any major issues.
   
3. Impressive Digging Power, Surpassing Imported Brands
   In terms of digging power, the LiuGong 220L is unbeatable within the 220-series excavators. Even when compared to the Caterpillar 320C, the LiuGong 220L has superior digging force.
   
4. Fast Rotation Speed, Engaging to Operate
   The LiuGong 220L offers exceptional rotation speed, providing a thrilling experience for operators. However, due to the lack of hydraulic cushioning, operators who are not familiar with the machine might find it challenging to control at first.
   
5. Excellent Climbing Ability
   When working alongside other brand excavators on construction sites, the LiuGong 220L consistently demonstrates remarkable climbing ability. It easily ascends areas where European and Japanese brand excavators struggle, especially on steep slopes and rugged terrain.
   

Disadvantages

1. Low Quality of Original Bucket
   After 4,000 hours, the original bucket had been patched up multiple times and was no longer usable. I had to replace it with a new 1.1-cubic-meter bucket, which cost me 12,000 RMB.
   
2. Insufficient Track Hardness
   Although the tracks are imported, they lack the necessary hardness. After 2,000 hours of use, the tracks started dragging frequently, and by 4,000 hours, the gear had worn down significantly. Therefore, not all imported parts are of high quality.
   
3. Unreasonable Toolbox Design
   The toolbox is too small, making it difficult to store an 18-liter grease bucket. The real toolbox is only large enough to fit inside the cabin, which makes it inconvenient to access and often causes damage to the seats and interior.
   
4. Rotation Bearing Prone to Cracks (Related to Operator Error)
   After 3,000 hours of use, the rotation bearing developed a significant crack, which had to be welded. The high rotation speed of the LiuGong excavator, combined with inexperienced operators frequently over-rotating and hitting obstacles like tree stumps or working on steep slopes, contributed to the damage.
   
5. Frequent Fuse Failures
   Fuses burn out regularly, requiring frequent replacements. However, operators often don't keep track of the correct number of fuses, leading to further damage to the machine.
   
6. Limited Cabin Space and Poor Comfort
   The cabin is relatively cramped, making it uncomfortable when carrying a helper. After sitting for a while, it becomes tiring. Additionally, the side windows, modeled after Japanese brands, have steel bars that obstruct the operator’s view, creating a safety hazard.
   
7. Poor Sealing, Radio Becomes Useless
   The cabin has poor sealing, allowing dust to easily enter. With operators neglecting cabin upkeep, the result is a dusty and uncomfortable environment. The radio, which was supposed to provide some comfort, didn’t work at all when I first received the machine.
   
8. Simplistic Control Panel with Limited Information
   The control display is very basic, with no audible alarms. It only shows a red light indicator with minimal information, making it easy to overlook important alerts.
   
9. Need for Improvement in Details
   Small issues, such as the air conditioning control and windshield wiper switch breaking due to poor quality buttons, are frequent. Some parts, like the iron wire used to secure the control box, are temporary fixes that should not be necessary in a machine of this caliber.
   

Conclusion
Overall, the LiuGong 220L excavator has performed well among domestic brands, with performance and features that are not far behind foreign brands. However, there is still a noticeable gap in design philosophy, manufacturing quality, and attention to detail. As the domestic market continues to grow, I hope that local manufacturers can improve their products by focusing more on these finer aspects, which are often the key to success.