
Electric-powered heavy equipment is no longer a concept on the horizon — it's working on job sites right now. LiuGong's electric range is gaining serious traction with operators across Australasia, and for good reason. The numbers behind these machines make a compelling case that goes well beyond environmental credentials.
As LiuGong's exclusive New Zealand distributor, D&H Equipment is seeing growing interest from operators who want to cut costs, reduce emissions, and future-proof their fleets. Here's why the shift to electric is accelerating.
The headline figure that gets most operators' attention is the running cost. A mid-size LiuGong electric wheel loader costs roughly $3 per hour to operate, compared to approximately $16 per hour for its diesel equivalent. Over a five-year ownership period, LiuGong's data from more than 200 customer job sites shows that BEVs can reduce operational costs by up to 70 per cent and maintenance costs by up to 50 per cent.
For a mid-size wheel loader, that translates to roughly $210,000 in fuel and maintenance savings over five years. Electric drivetrains have far fewer moving parts than diesel powertrains, meaning less servicing — typically every 1,000 hours instead of the more frequent intervals diesel machines require. No oil filter changes, no diesel particulate filter replacements, and significantly less labour time in the workshop.
One of the most common concerns operators have about electric equipment is whether it can keep up with a full working day. LiuGong's range puts that concern to rest. The larger wheel loaders in the lineup have demonstrated the ability to work up to 14 hours on a single charge during worldwide testing — more than adequate for most operations.
Charging infrastructure is straightforward too. Rapid charging capability means machines can go from 15% to 95% battery in under an hour, so a lunch break recharge can top you up for the rest of the day.
Beyond the financial case, operators consistently report that electric machines are simply more pleasant to work with. Significantly reduced noise levels, minimal vibration, and zero exhaust fumes create a less stressful working environment. For sites near residential areas or in enclosed spaces like warehouses and recycling facilities, the noise reduction alone can be a game-changer — both for operators and for community relations.
LiuGong's electric lineup covers machines of various sizes and applications. From compact loaders suited to tight spaces and light material handling, through to heavy-duty wheel loaders designed for quarries, mines, and large-scale operations, there's an electric option for most applications. The range also includes electric excavators for operators looking to electrify their digging fleet.
Every electric machine in the LiuGong range comes with a five-year, 10,000-hour battery warranty, giving operators confidence in the longevity of their investment.
D&H Equipment can supply the full LiuGong electric range to operators across New Zealand, backed by our nationwide parts and service support. Whether you're exploring electric for the first time or ready to make the switch, our team can help you find the right machine for your operation and walk you through the real-world cost savings.
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