MUDGUARD ISSUE

The high-specification Liebherr A910 Compact model has an Achilles heel, as Liebherr does not offer mudguards. Alan said, “We looked for aftermarket versions, but couldn’t find anything suitable. Speaking to Paul Whyte at DGR Fabrication, he said he could make a set of four brackets to bolt on a set of proprietary plastic, half-round mudguards. We left the machine with him and within a couple of days we had it back looking exactly how we wanted it.”

While the installation looks a simple affair, there were several factors to consider in producing a practical solution, not just to ensure that the mudguards were sturdy enough for daily site use.

Operator Gary said, “We had to take into account the oscillation of the axles and allow for sufficient clearance over the tyres. Also, we needed to ensure that the mudguard didn’t foul the bodywork as the machine slewed with an axle at its full lean. What DGR has come up with is perfect. They are flexible, mounted on stainless steel brackets and do just what we expect them to do.”

The triple-articulated boom Liebherr A910 Compact is fitted with wide, super single flotation tyres, along with cab top and counterweight MittX light bars from S Type X. Alan commented, “I wanted the Liebherr to stand out and be a little bit of a flagship for us. We are really pleased with the service and quality of the product from Pat Bulcock at S Type X. That also goes for the installation of the lights and tilt-rotator, which was done by Gareth at Evans Engineering.” delivering the timber frame kits. The task would usually be assigned to a 13-tonne tracked excavator, rather than a physically smaller wheeled machine.

Using a Scandinavian-style bucket on the tilt-rotator, Gary set about reducing the ground by approximately 500mm. While the soils easily flowed in and out of the bucket, the occasional large rock needed to be picked out by the corner of the bucket. As Gary and the A910 rubber duck ploughed through the reduced dig, Alan commented, “For a small machine, she will dig.”

What is surprising is just how quiet the Liebherr is: even when Gary was digging hard just a few metres away, we could hold a conversation without raising our voices, as Alan explained, “We do have some occupied properties on the site and,