LiuGong’s Australian mining revolution

LiuGong is accelerating its push into the Australian mining industry by delivering equipment that meets operational demands and sustainability goals.

LiuGong, in partnership with McIntosh Distribution, is boosting its presence in the Australian mining sector through a fleet of purpose-built machines engineered for performance, value, and a low-emissions future.

Long recognised in civil construction, agriculture, and local government, LiuGong is now bringing its proven capabilities to mining with a clear aim to deliver decarbonised productivity without the premium price tag.

“Tier 1 miners have well-documented decarbonisation goals,” McIntosh Distribution mining and ancillary services Nick Groenenberg said.

“With the growing demand for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), LiuGong, with the support of McIntosh Distribution, has become uniquely positioned to offer highly relevant mining solutions.”

LiuGong operates across more than 170 countries with over 10,000 employees and more than 30 product lines from 20 manufacturing facilities. This scale allows for rapid innovation and adaptation to local needs.

“Our manufacturing facilities are responsive and agile, able to accommodate design changes and customer-specific requirements,” Groenenberg said.

“We routinely take customers and prospective operators to LiuGong’s Global Research and Development Centre in Liuzhou, and the feedback has been unanimously positive.”

Having built its Australian presence over two decades, LiuGong has earned a reputation for machine durability, serviceability and local support.

Its footprint is particularly strong in Western Australia, where its wheel loaders are category leaders.

“LiuGong wheel loaders have claimed pole position in the 10–30-tonne market segment, outselling global market leaders,” Groenenberg said.

“With that trusted foundation, LiuGong is making a confident push into the mining sector with purpose-built products and proven performance.”

The company’s expansion into mining is underpinned by its partnership with McIntosh Distribution, which provides local compliance expertise, engineering input, and after-sales support. This ensures LiuGong’s equipment is not only compliant but tailored for Australia’s often remote and rugged mine sites.

LiuGong’s BEV range is a standout in development and affordability. The company has spent more than 15 years refining its electric platform, resulting in a suite of machines, including 40-tonne loaders and 90-tonne excavators, engineered from the ground up as BEVs.

“LiuGong’s solution is simple: full decarbonisation without the green premium,” Groenenberg said. “Our BEV range leads the market in development and cost-efficiency, representing a reliable and accessible electric option.”

Proprietary battery systems offer up to 12 hours’ runtime and one-hour charging, enabling a shift on a single charge without compromising power or reliability.

Lower operating costs are a key appeal of LiuGong’s BEVs. By eliminating idle fuel use, often 30–40 per cent of diesel consumption, BEVs sharply reduce energy waste and maintenance demands.

“BEVs stop energy draw 30 seconds after activity, reducing excess usage and operational costs,” Groenenberg said. “This provides a lower total cost of ownership and a smoother transition to sustainable operations.”

BEVs also reduce the need for common diesel components like diesel particulate filters (DPF) and AdBlue systems, streamlining servicing and boosting uptime.

These benefits are enhanced by local charging support, a 10,000-hour battery warranty, and over 30,000 hours of proven electric field performance.

While electrification gains momentum, diesel remains essential for many operations. LiuGong’s diesel line-up is engineered with this in mind, using robust Tier 3 Cummins engines specifically designed to avoid complex emissions after-treatment systems.

“A significant advantage of LiuGong’s diesel fleet is its ability to offer machines built to country-specific needs,” Groenenberg said. 

“In Australia, diesel models feature the robust Cummins Tier 3 engine, no DPF, and no AdBlue, avoiding the common maintenance pitfalls associated with emissions after-treatment systems in remote areas.”

The new T Series wheel loaders and F Series excavators demonstrate LiuGong’s commitment to innovation. Enhanced ride control, auto-dig functions, and reinforced structures are standard, with factory compliance reducing the need for post-delivery modification.

“The T Series wheel loaders have been upgraded with advanced ride control systems, improved bucket geometry for better material retention, and factory-integrated payload scales and auto-dig functions, all of which contribute to increased cycle efficiency and uptime,” Groenenberg said.

“Meanwhile, the new F Series excavators come with a reinforced heavy-duty boom and arm, a powerful latest-generation Cummins engine, and high-standard factory compliance for mining.”

LiuGong’s performance in global mining operations helps to underscore its reliability.

In Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, the company’s equipment has withstood the harsh operating conditions of the PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP).

“An excellent example of LiuGong equipment demonstrating its global capabilities can be seen in IMIP’s demanding mining operations,” LiuGong Australia director of sales and marketing Oceania at Shannon Bethe said.

“LiuGong’s robust machinery, including wheel loaders and excavators, operates continuously in challenging conditions, involving high humidity, abrasive ore handling, and round-the-clock productivity demands.

“Specifically, LiuGong’s CLG890H wheel loader has been pivotal at IMIP, significantly enhancing operational efficiency through its powerful engine, rapid cycle times, and advanced hydraulics system.”

Closer to home, McIntosh and LiuGong have conducted on-site demonstrations across WA’s Pilbara, Goldfields and Mid-West, including loaders and excavators working on iron ore and lithium projects.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from these projects, particularly around charge times, cycle efficiencies, and the level of factory integration already present in the machines, reducing the need for costly aftermarket upgrades,” Groenenberg said.

Backed by a responsive national support network, McIntosh ensures machines are commissioned on-site, operators are trained, and critical parts are dispatched rapidly from local depots.

Equipment also comes fitted with iLink telematics, offering real-time diagnostics and remote monitoring free of charge.

“For both LiuGong and McIntosh, every machine delivery is a long-term partnership and we build, supply and support each machine with that in mind,” Groenenberg said.

“We have local parts depots, product support and service capabilities in key areas around the country.”

The drive towards decarbonisation is accelerating, with Tier 1 miners and contractors seeking practical, lower-emission solutions.

“We’re seeing growing interest in BEVs from both Tier 1 miners and contractors who want to align with ESG (environmental, social, and governance) goals, reduce running costs, and simplify service requirements,” Groenenberg said.

“With proven platforms, local support, and a readiness to innovate, LiuGong is perfectly positioned to help mining customers make this shift seamlessly.”

Whether diesel or electric, LiuGong’s mining machines offer a compelling mix of performance, affordability and adaptability, backed by one of the world’s largest equipment manufacturers and a trusted local partner.