LBX introduces new material handler and scrap loader

LBX Co. of Lexington, Kentucky, has introduced the new Link-Belt 250 X4 Material Handler (MH) and 250 X4 Scrap Loader/Handler (SL) for the U.S. and Canada. Both feature an electronically controlled 177-horsepower Isuzu engine that meets EPA Final Tier 4 requirements without the need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The 250 X4 MH and 250 X4 SL are built for material handling and demolition applications, featuring a two-piece attachment with hose burst check valves. The MH configuration has a curved boom and straight arm, while the SL has a straight boom and droop-nose arm. The hydraulics package features Spool Stroke Control (SSC) technology designed to achieve maximum control and productivity.

Preset hydraulic motor and pump for a 15-kilowatt, hydraulically driven generator with a controller installation mount comes standard on the 250 X4 SL.

“The new hydraulics package delivers up to 7 percent faster cycle times than its predecessor,” says LBX Product Manager Adam Woods in a press release. “This performance increase is largely due to a new proprietary control valve with a 30 percent larger hydraulic passage area. But we didn’t stop there. We increased the size of arm, boom and auxiliary spools to reduce pressure loss and distribute oil more smoothly. Two electrically controlled Kawasaki pumps and one Kawasaki gear pump assure that hydraulic flow gets delivered precisely when and where it’s needed. The end result is more smoothness, maneuverability and precision across all operating modes.

“All of these performance enhancements don’t compromise fuel efficiency, either,” Woods continues. “A 3 percent DEF consumption rate, combined with a large DEF tank, gives it the longest DEF refill interval in the industry.”

The X4 cab features a standard air suspension seat with +/- 5-degree tilt. Armrests move proportionally with the console, which means that the distance and angle between joysticks and operator remain the same no matter how the seat is adjusted. Full bar guard, hinged bar guard and mesh guarding packages are available.

The hydraulic cab riser features an operator view of 16 feet 10 inches at eye level height. A new in-line drift valve and shockless cab riser are designed to improve operator comfort and control.

A 7-inch LCD color monitor allows the operator to easily navigate a full menu of user-friendly controls to take full command of the excavator and attachments. The standard rear-view camera is accessible through the monitor, displaying a panoramic view of the worksite from the rear of the machine, with sight guidelines that can be turned on or off by the operator. Rear and side lights can also be added to the camera system. An under-cab camera option provides all-around visibility and safety.

For more visibility, the Wide Angle Visual Enhancement System (WAVES) can be added. “WAVES is an exclusive, award-winning feature for Link-Belt X4 material handlers and scrap loaders,” Woods says. “The system is easy to use and includes three closed-circuit, high-resolution cameras that provide a seamless 270-degree viewing envelope with no blind spots.”

Other notable cab features include dual LED cab lights; a cup holder and storage areas for cell phones and other small items; newly designed joysticks with easy-to-hold grip and radio mute buttons; and an MP3 audio input with Bluetooth capabilities for hands-free communication.

RemoteCARE GPS telematics system allows round-the-clock remote monitoring and security. The system allows daily fuel economy and machine performance tracking with ease. If potential failure conditions arise, flashing diagnostic codes on the monitor quickly alert the operator to potential trouble and an e-mail alert is automatically sent. The system also provides machine location in real time for better job supervision and remote security monitoring. A lifetime subscription is included at no extra charge.

Both machines feature a heavy-duty high-wide undercarriage, oversized turntable and larger drive motors. As with all Link-Belt products, the bearing tub extends down through the top plate of the x-pattern car body and is welded to the bottom and top plates of the car body for strength and durability.

Both models also feature ground-level access to all routine service points, including sample ports for engine and hydraulic oil. All service ports are easily accessed via hand-turn knobs.