Liebherr will launch its “Generation 8” line of crawler excavators starting in January 2019 and throughout the remainder of the year, with a big splash to come at Bauma in Munich, Germany (April 8-14, 2019).
The initial launch will include six models: the R 922, R 924, R 926, R 930, R 934, and R 938. The R 922 and R 924 will be available for highly regulated emissions countries only, and the next four models will be available for higher- and lower-regulated countries.
Generation 8 will have operating weights between 22 and 45 metric tons and ranges from 163 to 299 horsepower.
According to Martin Schickel, managing director, Sales, Liebherr-France SAS/Colmar (where the machines will be produced), the company will release the smallest models in the range, the R 922 and R 924, first. Schickel and Liebherr previewed the units during a press event in Canada last week.
“For the two brand new models, numerous specific improvements have been integrated,” says Schickel. “The R 922 and R 924 crawler excavators, with a Liebherr engine that conforms to Stage V, deliver a power increase of almost 10 percent in comparison with the former generation.”
The engine does not have an EGR valve, but is fitted with a diesel oxidation catalyst, an SCR system, and DPF. “With such a system, there are no productivity constraints in case of a malfunctioning exhaust gas recirculation valve or eventual over-consumption of gasoline caused by EGR,” Schickel says.
On top of the power increase, Liebherr says the excavation forces, traction force of the undercarriage, and swing torque of the uppercarriage, have been increased from 5 percent to 25 percent over the previous generation.
The machines will come with a standard heavy counterweight and will have higher bucket capacities available.
A number of other improvements will span Generation 8 as a whole.
For enhanced safety during maintenance, the side access to the uppercarriage and maintenance platform will be extended. The access platform on the side of the machine is positioned so it does not displace the track. It also serves as a lockable storage compartment.
In addition, the platform allows ergonomic filling of the DEF tank, Schickel says, and all components and cables at the platform will be covered and protected. With the set of countersunk fastening screws, there is no risk of tripping or stumbling. Handrails at the side flanking the platform edge enable continuous safety on the platform, including at the back of the cab.
Generation 8 will also feature a new lighting concept. “We have replaced the halogen lights with state-of-the-art LED technology,” Schickel says. “This solution allows longer life, reduced electrical consumption, and obviously more powerful lighting. This supports the overall performance of the machine, as well as safety and comfort.”
