LeTourneau L-2350 - the largest loader in the world

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LeTourneau L-2350 - the largest loader in the world
LeTourneau L-2350 - the largest loader in the world
Anonim

The front loader is probably the most popular piece of equipment in construction and quarrying today. He entered the modern world to such an extent and became an everyday car that any activity in this area is almost impossible without him. It may seem at first glance that this technique was invented in ancient times, but the first mention of it refers only to the last century.

LeTourneau L-2350 - the largest wheel loader in the world
LeTourneau L-2350 - the largest wheel loader in the world

History

The first front loaders appeared in the 30s of the XX century. By 1952, they could already lift 10 tons, but even then no one could have imagined that today they would reach such dimensions. Over the entire period of use, the machines have gone through a positive path of technical evolution and have gained a high rating in various fields. They are used in agriculture, cleaning summer cottages,as well as in highway construction and huge quarries. Various modifications of the loader are intended for different processes, but now the article will talk about an incredible, amazing, mesmerizing achievement of technology.

LeTourneau L-2350 - the largest wheel loader in the world
LeTourneau L-2350 - the largest wheel loader in the world

Feature and description

LeTourneau L-2350 - The largest front loader in the world, this "goliath" resembles a two-story house with big teeth and great strength. It is created in Texas, where people know how to enjoy work. A huge team is working on the creation of these monsters. It takes 16 weeks to produce one such loader. Everything is created from scratch.

The process begins in an electric arc furnace where steel is melted. Building the largest loader is a complex process, as the gigantic parts require equally huge steel plates to be cut and moved with equally impressive tools. These include, for example, a vise capable of moving and holding a scoop that can weigh up to 20 tons for a long time. The main difficulties of working with such equipment are related to its size. It is much easier for the welder to process if the object is under it, but sometimes the object is too large, so a manipulator was also invented that literally grabs the ladle and can turn it into position. As a result, welders do not have to work with parts placed above their heads.

LeTourneau L-2350 - the largestfront loader in the world
LeTourneau L-2350 - the largestfront loader in the world

Difficulties

Each tire for a loader weighs 7.5 tons, that is, it takes 30 tons of rubber for one car, and a forklift and a crane are needed to change the wheel. All equipment that is used in production is much larger than that found on the free market.

Transporting the world's largest loader is also a challenge, such as how to fit a 240-tonne giant onto a trailer. The following technology is used here: the machine is completely disassembled, that is, the body is divided in half, all tires, scoop and lifting elements are removed. These parts are placed on 8 separate trucks.

LeTourneau L-2350 - the largest wheel loader in the world
LeTourneau L-2350 - the largest wheel loader in the world

Workflow

When assembled, the largest loader is a huge earthmoving machine designed for very hard work. It can perform its functions almost non-stop. You drive up, pick up 50 tons and dump them into a truck, then turn around, come back and scoop 50 tons again, seven days a week from dawn to dusk.

There are more "horses" in the engine of such cars than at the Kentucky Derby. An electric motor with two thousand horsepower can move, lift, dig and destroy everything in its path. There is enough electricity here for a small town. But this machine is not just a mountain of iron "muscles". The loader is equipped with a sophisticated on-board computer, making it a combination of steel, rubber and computer chips. 17microprocessors support all the activities of the loader.

Previously, control was carried out using a large steering wheel and complex hydraulic levers. And the direction of movement changed 500 times a day, so the man in the cockpit had a hard time. The new largest loader is much easier to manage. The driver has two joysticks at his disposal: one steering, and the second is responsible for the scoop. He just sits in the cab and enjoys his work.

Drivers reviews of the world's largest front loader

  • The size of the giant really impresses them. It seems to them that they manage a three-story house. Being in the cockpit is, they say, an indescribable experience. At one time, such a "baby" lifts 50 tons of earth. While driving this monster, drivers feel like giants. It seems to them that people came up with this machine because everyone played in the sandbox as children, and such a loader does the same thing, although on a different scale.
  • To drive the biggest loader is every man's childhood dream. This model lacks only a rocket launcher - some drivers like to joke. For others, the loader is a cross between a rollercoaster and a go-kart. The speed is quite high, but you have to ride on uneven surfaces, so the seat belt is always at hand.

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