Waste firm in major electric Liebherr wheel loader order

Photo: Liebherr

The move is part of ARC’s ongoing strategy to reduce CO₂ emissions and environmental impact across its operations in the Greater Copenhagen area.

The company, which already operates more than 200 electric refuse collection vehicles, is now electrifying its wheel loader fleet as the next step in its sustainability journey.

“In order to minimise CO₂ and noise emissions at our local recycling centers, we have decided to switch our wheel loaders to electric drive,” said Casper Schwartz Glottrup, Waste & Tender Consultant at ARC.

“After an intensive selection process, we decided in favour of battery-electric wheel loaders L 507 E from Liebherr. This model convinced us and our operators the most and fulfils our requirements perfectly.”

Before purchasing, the company conducted a week-long test in spring 2024 in cooperation with Liebherr’s Danish distributor, Johs.

Møllers Maskiner A/S. Operators and the central purchasing team evaluated the machines based on a catalogue of technical and operational criteria.

Following the trial period, ARC has now deployed the eight wheel loaders across several recycling centres in single-shift operation, typically seven days a week.

Charging takes place overnight using existing infrastructure, with the electric loaders operating throughout the day without the need for intermediate charging.

“Our eight new wheel loaders have now been in operation for around six months. The battery-electric drive concept works perfectly. The battery life of the wheel loaders is sufficient for a full working day at our recycling centers without intermediate charging,” Glottrup added.

“We are very satisfied with our investment, which we financed with our own funds and without state subsidies.”

Each loader is used for a range of tasks, including loading containers, feeding sorting systems, and sweeping. According to ARC, the absence of local emissions and reduced noise levels has been well received by employees and nearby residents.

The L 507 E’s stereo steering system, which combines articulated steering with a steered rear axle, contributes to its agility. The design builds on decades of Liebherr experience in stereoloaders.

One unit has been fitted with a second lithium-ion battery for extended runtime at ARC’s packaging plant in Amager. There, the loader feeds a compactor with plastic and cardboard waste for up to ten hours per day without charging breaks.