Combs Materials moves approximately 2,500 to 6,000 tons (2,270 to 5,440 t) of material from its facility in a normal week and needed a good dependable loader to support a project in Huachuca, Ariz.

Mitch Earhart of Earhart Equipment in Tuscon presented Rick and Mike Combs of Combs Materials with a new alternative brand for material handling — LiuGong.

“At the end of the day, a contractor needs to have reliable equipment that will get the job done” said Earhart.

Rick and Mike Combs of Combs Materials said they were originally attracted to the LiuGong 856III wheel loader because of its value.

After a couple of weeks on the Huachuca job, Combs Materials found out that the LiuGong 856III was a real workhorse.

Rick said that the 856III’s limited slip front and rear differentials are a great upgrade over locking axles.

Rick said that he also liked the extra safety on the LiuGong 856III start up, which requires the operator to hold down two buttons to start. This kind of attention to safety can help save lives over the course of a machine’s life.

When asked about the comfort of the cab on the LiuGong machine, both Mike and Rick said the cab was extremely comfortable with its air ride seat.

Rick added that “visibility from the operator’s station is excellent.”

Easier access to maintenance is another feature on the LiuGong 856III machine. The engine hood rises electrically for ground level service for fuel and hydraulic fluids. The Vogel Auto Lube system is standard equipment on the CLG856III and keeps the machine running smoothly as well.

When asked about the overall value of the LiuGong 856III, Mike summed it up in one statement: “Why do those other tractors cost so much more?”

For more information, visit www.liugong.com or www.earhartequipment.com.