Two UK debuts from Liebherr-Great Britain at Hillhead 2012

New R 950 SME excavator and Mobilmix 2.5 concrete batching plant to be premiered at UK show

Liebherr are exhibiting at Hillhead once again and will also be demonstrating at the working face and in the recycling area. The company is at its usual location – stand number Z9 overlooking the north face of the quarry – where visitors will be able to see plant and equipment from all the Liebherr ranges involved in mining and quarrying, materials handling and recycling, concrete production and transportation.

On demonstration will be the R 964 C SME Litronic excavator in full quarrying configuration, together with Liebherr’s biggest wheel loader in the comprehensive range – the hydrostatic drive L 5862plus2.

Being premiered in the UK is the new generation R 950 SME excavator and also making its UK debut is the new Mobilmix 2.5 concrete batching plant, which is displayed with two of Liebherr’s hydraulic truckmixers, the successful HTM 804P.

Also on static display will be an L 5662plus2 loading shovel, a PR 734 LGP fully hydrostatic low-ground-pressure bulldozer and, representing Liebherr’s versatile range of industrial rehandlers for the recycling industry, a wheeled long-reach A 924 C with a hydraulically elevating cab.

Liebherr’s hospitality complex this year also includes a separate suite dedicated to the ever-popular Liebherr Shop where scale models, clothing and other promotional items can be viewed and ordered.

R 950 SME excavator

The R 950 SME hydraulic excavator will be on show for the first time in the UK at Hillhead. With an operating weight of approximately 44 tonnes, it is positioned between the standard version of the R 946 and the next larger model, the R 956 – both of which are also newly developed models complying with Stage IIIB / Tier 4i exhaust emission standards.

The R 950 SME has been developed specifically to increase productivity in tough quarrying applications; the ‘SME’ acronym stands for ‘Super Mass Excavation’. The machine on display is equipped with a reinforced undercarriage featuring crawler-track components from the larger R 956. In combination with a heavier counterweight, this ensures higher stability and allows the use of a larger bucket. The equipment on the R 950 SME has been optimized for higher digging and breakout forces.

Compared with the standard version, the R 950 SME has an increased engine output and the new Liebherr six-cylinder common-rail diesel engine delivers 220kW. Complying with Stage IIIB/Tier 4i exhaust emission standards, the engine specification includes an external exhaust gas recirculation system and a diesel particulate filter with active regeneration.

What distinguishes the R 950 and all the new-generation models from their predecessors is the increased productivity and reduction in fuel consumption. This is achieved by optimized interaction between hydraulic and electronic components – Liebherr’s ‘Integral Excavator System’ technology. This is an intelligent system that guarantees smooth, fast and effective cycle movements with the technology based on a positive control hydraulic system and specific control logic. Two independent hydraulic circuits allow components to be controlled in the most efficient way, particularly when combining several operations or movements. Depending on the nature of the task, energy efficiency can increase by up to 20% and fuel efficiency can improve by up to 15% on the new-generation machines.

The higher dynamic performance of the R 950 SME is not just derived from the increased engine power and the new hydraulic system. Travel speed is 20% higher and, coupled with a 7% increase in drawbar pull; this new excavator is even more manoeuvrable across rough terrain. Working cycles are improved by a 7% increase to 211kN in digging force, and a 9% increase to 255kN in breakout force. The innovative new profile of the Liebherr tooth system permits deeper penetration and also boosts excavator productivity.

The maintenance concept on the new R 950 SME has been revised to shorten the daily maintenance process. Service points are easy to reach and the machine also has a fully automatic central lubrication system as a standard feature.

For the operator, the new generously sized cab creates a sense of space. For maximum comfort and convenience, there is a standard air-suspension operator seat and an ergonomic control layout. The high-resolution touch screen is suitable for video display and can be used for various tasks, such as checking, adjusting and monitoring. The image from the standard rear-view camera can also be displayed on the screen. Another standard feature is the automatic air-conditioning system, with 13 air outlets to ensure a pleasant working climate even in high-temperature working conditions.

Mobilmix 2.5 mixing plant

Liebherr’s new Mobilmix 2.5 mixing plant is a container-mounted system primarily intended for mobile use on large construction sites and civil engineering projects such as airports, bridges, tunnels and roads. The Mobilmix 2.5 has a maximum output of 110m3 of compacted concrete per hour. The integral DW 2.5 twin-shaft mixer is also from Liebherr’s successful range of mixing equipment.

The main components of the Mobilmix 2.5 are housed in strongly constructed containers designed for exceptional ease of assembly, with all modules ready to plug in so that the complete plant can be ready to operate in just a few days. Elaborate foundations are not required and the container modules can be supported on steel foundations. Templates in different colours are supplied to align the steel foundations quickly and accurately.

Once installed, the container modules form a complete weather-protecting housing and additional insulation can be specified as an optional extra for extremely severe climatic conditions. All sections of the plant are easily accessible from broad gangways.

The design of the new Mobilmix 2.5 allows tandem operation if required, with an output rate of approximately 220m3/h. In this configuration, both mixing plants can be operated conveniently from a single control point with the mixer systems run alternately.

As with all Liebherr mixing plants, an extensive range of optional extras is available for the Mobilmix 2.5, including: admixture weighers, high-pressure mixer cleaning, dust filter systems or water tanks.