Whitnell Plant has added the Liebherr PR 736 G8 dozer to its fleet, strengthening its ability to deliver versatile and efficient earthmoving across civil engineering and bulk earthworks projects. The decision reflects the family-owned company’s focus on combining traditional expertise with modern construction technology.
Founded on decades of hands-on experience, Whitnell Plant is led by father-and-son team Lionel and Matt Whitnell. Known for their specialist knowledge of motor scrapers and earthmoving operations, the Whitnells carefully assess every equipment investment to ensure long-term value and performance.
When the company began searching for a new dozer in early 2021, the machine needed to handle a wide range of tasks, from fine trimming and precise grading to heavy pushing in challenging ground conditions. Trials were conducted between Liebherr and another leading manufacturer, with fuel efficiency, performance, and operator comfort all closely evaluated. Following the assessment, the Liebherr PR 736 G8 emerged as the preferred choice.
The selected machine was customised to suit Whitnell Plant’s operational requirements. It features a 4.84 m³ six-way PAT blade with foldable corners to reduce transport width and LGP tracks that lower ground pressure to 6.1 psi, making it well suited to soft-ground applications. A five-tine ripper adds further versatility, while additional LED lighting and a 360-degree camera system enhance visibility and safety on site.
Powered by a 7-litre diesel engine producing 238 hp, the PR 736 G8 uses a hydrostatic transmission that automatically adjusts speed and drawbar pull to match working conditions. Inside the Generation 8 cab, operators benefit from excellent visibility, ergonomic controls, and compatibility with Trimble or Leica GPS systems. Liebherr’s Operator Assistance Systems, including Active Blade Stabilisation and Active Blade Positioning, support accurate grading with reduced operator effort.
The dozer’s first project was a land remediation job near Ipswich for Sirius Group, where it was used to spread cut-and-fill material across a wide site to precise levels. According to Matt Whitnell, the machine delivered smooth, consistent performance and enabled an efficient, high-quality finish.
With initial servicing provided by Liebherr and ongoing maintenance handled in-house, Whitnell Plant is confident in the long-term reliability of the PR 736 G8. The investment underlines the company’s commitment to efficiency, precision, and sustainable earthmoving, while continuing a strong family tradition in the construction industry.
