Liebherr is introducing a pair of new local zero-emission excavators for quarrying and mining extraction customers.
The R 976-E electric crawler excavator and the R 980 SME-E replace the ER 974 B machine. The latest electric excavators to be developed and produced by Liebherr-France SAS in Colmar are not just converted diesel machines. The models and their electric power system were designed and produced entirely by Liebherr.
Robustly designed and capable of withstanding extreme conditions, the R 976-E and R 980 SME-E weigh 90 and 100 tonnes, respectively, and are available in backhoe and shovel versions. They stand out for their low noise level, optimum versatility and zero CO₂/greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
In recent decades, Liebherr has demonstrated the quality and reliability of its electric technology with the success of its dedicated product ranges for mining, dredging and materials handling applications.
The electric system in the new Liebherr R 976-E 400kW crawler excavator is supplied with 6000V power via a cable connection, with the cable inlet in the centre of the undercarriage or on the sides if requested. A motor cable drum is also available as an option—a high voltage 6000V current collector powers the machine. A switch cabinet transformer (high voltage/low voltage) and a low voltage cabinet for power distribution and control of 690V, 230V and 24V networks are located on the upper carriage.
The technology used in the R 976-E and R 980 SME-E is said to offer a host of advantages. Thanks to its constant speed, an excavator with an electric engine has a longer service life, whatever the load. Also, the high availability of transient power for complex machine movements enables very high productivity. The R 976-E’s low-voltage electric squirrel-cage engine drives the hydraulic system. The engine features heat shielding on bearings and motor windings. Integrated into a frame with a reinforced flange, it enables safe, soft starting. The two robust electrical cabinets are assembled by welding into a structure specifically designed to withstand extreme working conditions.
Furthermore, the R 976-E's lockable watertight (IP 65) doors are fitted with safety switches and an emergency stop. The high voltage cabinet is a dedicated contact for power connection and voltage transformer, while the low voltage cabinet is used for power connection monitoring.
Liebherr says its excavators stand out in the market for their high performance. They are the end-product of robust design based on experience gained in mining applications. Their reliability has been tested in extreme conditions. In line with its commitment to ecology and sustainability, Liebherr guarantees zero pollutant gas emissions. Also, to ensure quality, the electric power system was designed and produced entirely by Liebherr-France SAS.
Reduced maintenance and lower operating costs make an electric excavator more cost-effective than a diesel-engine machine, says Liebherr. For greater comfort, the R 976-E and R 980 SME-E are extremely quiet. The robustness, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of the R 976-E and R 980 SME-E units make them products of choice for environmentally friendly extraction applications.
The R 976-E and R 980 SME-E offer users comfort and safety. They feature a spacious cab equipped with an automatic permanent air-conditioning and heating system, while the exterior has a 270° camera system plus an armoured windscreen and roof window. The operator’s platform features many additional monitoring functions and a standard large 9” screen.
