A 193-Hour Report on the LiuGong CLG836

[MikePhua]

The LiuGong CLG836 is one of LiuGong's flagship models, highly trusted by numerous users. In this report, we present the experience of one such user, "Aguang," who purchased the LiuGong CLG836 for ¥204,000 in 2012. After nearly 200 hours of usage, the machine primarily handles earthmoving tasks at a brick factory, with operations at the steep mountain site where raw materials like clay and gravel are excavated.
Working Environment and Usage
The LiuGong CLG836 typically works in a high-load environment. It is used for approximately 1-2 hours a day to load dirt, fulfilling the brick factory's daily production requirements. In nearly a year of operation, the machine has accumulated only 193 hours, a testament to its durability and reliability in a high-intensity work environment. Despite the low operational hours, its performance remains outstanding thanks to regular maintenance.
Equipment Configuration and User Feedback

• Bucket and Tooth Design: The machine is equipped with a 1.7m³ bucket and features LiuGong’s unique rectangular pin design for bucket teeth. While this design allows for easier replacement, users have noted that it tends to loosen over time, reducing its practical durability.
  
• Bucket Wear Resistance Improvement: To enhance the bucket's wear resistance, Aguang welded a layer of wear-resistant rod onto the bucket edge. This modification has significantly increased its durability.
  
• Bucket and Boom: The bucket’s edge plates are relatively thin, requiring reinforcement by the user. The boom design is robust, with the extended version offering an unloading height of 3211mm, 50mm higher than the standard model. This makes it ideal for high-clearance operations.
  

Hydraulic System and Steering

• Steering System: The LiuGong CLG836 is equipped with a dual-cylinder fully hydraulic steering system, which is stable, though the steering wheel is somewhat heavy. There is slight oil leakage from the two hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic system is well-organized, with hoses in the articulated parts that are not prone to friction wear. The widened articulation system makes the machine well-suited for heavy-duty mining and construction, providing excellent overload resistance. Users have suggested that LiuGong could improve the material used in the articulation plates for better durability.
  
• Grease Injection: The steering cylinders and articulation system are designed to make grease injection more convenient, with centralized grease fittings for easy maintenance.
  

Transmission System and Drive Axle

• Transmission System: The LiuGong CLG836 uses the BS305 planetary transmission system, which provides two forward gears and one reverse gear. It also includes a low brake air pressure protection feature, ensuring the transmission automatically shifts to neutral when air pressure drops below 0.4MPa, improving safety during emergency stops.
  
• Drive Axle: The drive axle is custom-designed by LiuGong, ensuring high reliability and strength for heavy-duty applications.
  

Braking System and User Experience

• Braking System: The machine uses a hydraulic brake system with four-wheel disc brakes. The brake system uses LiuGong’s custom ZL50C2.2 wheel-edge brake calipers, which are located inside the tire steel rims to prevent mud and debris from damaging the brake components, improving both braking performance and lifespan. However, the brake system requires tire removal for maintenance.
  
• Cab and Operation: The cab provides a good working environment, with a clear view and comfortable seating, including a suspension seat for long working hours. However, users report that the handrails inside the cab are too high and positioned awkwardly, creating a potential safety hazard when entering the cab. The steering wheel is heavy, and there is a concern about the unclear gear positions, which could lead to accidental gear shifting and potential transmission damage.
  

Engine and Fuel Consumption

• Engine: The LiuGong CLG836 is powered by the Weichai Deutz TD226B-6 turbocharged diesel engine, meeting EURO I emissions standards. The engine is easy to start in cold weather and provides strong power. However, users have noted slight oil leakage from the fuel pump, though this hasn’t affected the engine’s performance. After the first service, users found oil leakage from the engine’s oil return pipe due to overfilling during the oil change, but this was corrected.
  
• Fuel Consumption: The machine’s fuel consumption is relatively high, averaging 10 liters per hour, which is a point of concern. The fuel tank has a capacity of 150L but lacks a clear viewing window, making it difficult for users to check the fuel level.
  

Cooling and Battery Systems

• Cooling System: The cooling system is highly effective, with the radiator water temperature and torque converter oil temperature never exceeding 80°C, ensuring reliable performance during long hours of operation.
  
• Battery System: The battery box is located to the left of the counterweight and is secured with four screws. Users have applied grease to prevent rust, and it can be easily opened for maintenance. The machine is equipped with two 12V90AH maintenance-free dry batteries, which are known for their excellent quality.
  

Maintenance Practices
Users conduct regular maintenance on the LiuGong CLG836, with the first engine service performed at just over 60 hours. Key maintenance practices include:

• Greasing the parts of the bucket that are prone to sand and dirt entry.
  
• Draining water from the air tanks every 50 hours.
  
• Regularly lubricating the bucket pins and applying grease to the battery terminals to prevent corrosion.
  
• Ensuring that the radiator, engine oil, and hydraulic lines are checked periodically.
  

Summary
Advantages:

• Attractive design, clear visibility, and a comfortable driving environment.
  
• Reliable and durable brake system.
  
• Engine powered by the Weichai Deutz TD226B-6 turbocharged diesel engine, and the transmission and drive axle are designed for high strength and reliability.
  

Disadvantages:

• The bucket teeth design could be improved as they tend to loosen.
  
• The gap between the bucket pin and the boom is too wide, requiring additional protection.
  
• The bucket edge plates and articulation plates need reinforcement.
  
• The handrails inside the cab are positioned too high, posing a safety risk.
  
• The gear shift system could be clearer to avoid accidental gear shifting.
  

Overall, the LiuGong CLG836 performs well in high-demand working conditions, especially when properly maintained. Despite some areas that could benefit from design improvements, it remains a reliable choice for heavy-duty tasks in various industries.