The new R 964C Litronic excavator makes its UK debut, as does the world's largest fully hydrostatic bulldozer - the PR 764. Also on show and demonstrating for the very first time in the UK is Liebherr's biggest wheeled loader in the comprehensive range - the L 586. Another UK premiere is the new Compactmix 1.0 concrete batching plant displayed on the stand with two of Liebherr's hydraulic truckmixers.

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

UK Show Debuts

The New R 964C Litronic Hydraulic Excavator

In a continuing programme of machine development, Liebherr announces the arrival of their latest generation hydraulic excavator, the new 70+ tonnes class R 964C Litronic - available in both backhoe and shovel configuration. As successor to the best-selling R 964B Litronic, this new excavator features numerous innovations for improved performance, greater power output, improved stability through new undercarriage design and construction and an even more superbly appointed operator's cab.

The R 964C Litronic is displayed at the show as an SME (Super Mass Excavation) version for "extreme" applications. This model shares undercarriage components with the much larger R 974C Litronic and an array of extra protection specifications are available to suit all applications. Rock bucket capacity is increased to 4.5m3 in this configuration to ensure maximum productivity and quick truck loading.

Operating weight on backhoe configuration is 65.7 - 76.9 tonnes and 67.3 -76.4 tonnes on face shovel. Backhoe bucket capacities are between 2m3 and 5m3 and shovel capacities are from 3.4m3 to 5m3. Two gooseneck boom lengths are available - 7m and 8.2m. Stick options are 2.6m, 3.4m and 4.2m. Maximum digging depth is 9.9 metres, maximum reach at ground level is up to 14.35 metres; dump height is up to 13.2 metres. Digging force is a maximum 308kN while the breakout force is 335kN. Ground pressures are between 0.92kg/cm2 and 1.39 kg/cm2 depending on pad width, HD (heavy-duty) or HD-SL (heavy-duty extra-long) undercarriage, attachment and bucket size. In its shovel configuration, maximum crowd force is 500kN and maximum breakout force is 370kN. Reach at ground level is up to 8.79m and maximum dump height is 7.25m. Ground pressure is between 1.16 and 1.42kg/cm2, again depending on pad width and HD or HD-SL undercarriage.

The new Liebherr made V8 engine (model D9508) is the same power unit that is fitted to the larger R974C (80T+ class) but is de-rated in the R964C, producing 320kW at 1800RPM which represents 13% more output than its predecessor. The engine complies with Level 3A/Tier III emission standards and the new common rail fuel injection technology optimises the fuel combustion process, whilst improving engine operating characteristics and reducing emissions. Individual engine components are precision actuated through Liebherr's newly developed LIDEC Electronics for enhanced performance and reliability. Sensor controlled engine idling is standard.

All "C Series" excavators from Liebherr feature a new temperature controlled cooling system, which is regulated by the working temperature of the hydraulic oil, water and charge air. Two hydrostatic drive fans produce an optimum cooling capacity.

Improved stability and stress reduction have been achieved by the introduction of a new concept undercarriage centrepiece in bowed X-form. New one-piece track roller guides, double supported track idlers, new traction drive and standard angled trackpads all contribute to better stability, greater drawbar pull, reduced turning resistance and improved durability on even the most arduous of tasks.

Liebherr now provides the ReGenerationplus function on the boom cylinder as standard. Pressureless lowering, regeneration and safety check valves are thereby consolidated, producing increased steering precision, great energy conservation and a higher safety level. Improved hydraulics enhance the machine's performance during simultaneous movements. Stick and bucket cylinder development has increased digging and breakout forces.

The operator's cab is typically comfortable, functional, spacious and equipped with comprehensive instrumentation. Vibration and noise dampened, the cab construction provides improved stability through the pipe profile supporting structure. Automatic heating and air conditioning are standard, as is armoured glass for the windscreen and sunroof. The electro-hydraulic "pilot controls" provide faster response time between joystick and control valve for speed and accuracy.

The New L 5862plus2 Articulated Wheeled Loading Shovel

The L 5862plus2 is the largest in a range of 16 models with an operating weight of 31.4 tonnes, a 20.50 tonnes tipping load and can be equipped with a 5.50m_ nominal bucket capacity. Lifting force is 360kN and breakout force is 253kN. Dumping height at maximum lift height and 45º discharge is 3.31m. Power is provided by a new generation Liebherr engine, type D936L A6, which develops 250kW at 2000 rpm. Standard features include cab air conditioning, ride control, an air-sprung seat, "inch" brake system, electronic crowding force control and "creep" speed.

The L 5862plus2 is a versatile, hydrostatically driven, all-wheel drive wheeled loader specifically developed for the quarrying and mining industries, featuring a state-of-the-art operator's cab and impressive fuel economy for a machine of this size. The hydrostatic drive produces excellent agility, manoeuvrability and a great turn of speed, with smooth operation. The hydrostatic drive-line features automatic and stepless speed changes without interruption of the forward drive, automatic limited slip differentials in both front and rear axles to provide maximum traction for optimum climbing ability and a hydrostatic braking action for virtually zero brake maintenance. An articulated body and oscillating rear axle combine to produce minimal cab tilt and the generous ground clearance allows operation in all working conditions and ground types. The isolated cooling system, with high-level air inlet/outlet, temperature dependent fan speed and optional fan reverse function, avoids dust ingress. An automatic greasing system is standard and this contributes to the reduction of maintenance intervals by lubricating pins and bushes while the machine is working.

For the operator, the L 5862plus2 features a high spec air suspension seat and the cab is sound-proofed, vibration damped and air-conditioned. Power steering and simple joy-stick controls make the loading shovel very easy to operate, reducing driver fatigue whilst increasing productivity. The wide-view safety glazing gives superb all-round visibility and the precise steering, attachment operation and hydrostatic braking mean that accurate control is really easy. ROPS and FOPS are standard.

The New PR 764 Litronic Bulldozer

Heralded as the world's largest fully hydrostatic bulldozer, the new PR 764 Litronic weighs in at 52.50 tonnes. Featuring state-of-the-art electronic drive control, the PR 764 is powered by a Liebherr V-8 engine type D 9408 TI-E, which develops 310kW at 1800RPM.

The ergonomically designed cab, which is even more spacious than before, features twin joystick levers and the operator's view of the surrounding area and working equipment is ideal. The instrument panel, with its built-in information display for all major machine functions, is positioned in the driver's central field of vision, but does not obstruct his view of the blade. The cabin lining has been optimised for better noise absorption and the hydrostatically driven engine cooling fan only runs when needed, keeping noise down to a particularly low level.

The successful Litronic control system provides an integral operating-data memory that can be read out on the multifunction display, Litronic is now capable of matching the vehicle's steering response to its travel speed, which increases working efficiency even further when a curved path has to be followed.

The New Compactmix 1.0 Concrete Batching Plant

New to Liebherr's extensive range of batching plants is the Compactmix 1.0, which makes its UK debut at Hillhead. This compact plant is capable of a maximum output of 60 m2 set concrete per hour and the space-saving design and flexible 180° truck mixer approach angle to the discharge chute enables the plant to be erected in a relatively small area. Despite the compact construction, all components are within easy and convenient reach. Most of the steel parts are zinc-coated, ensuring excellent corrosion protection and prolonging its working life.

Quick and easy to erect and comprising easily demountable sub-assemblies and an optional steel anchoring system, the Compactmix 1.0 is designed particularly for use as a mobile plant, but can also be operated without any difficulty on construction sites, prefabricated concrete or readymix facilities as a more static installation.

The new Compactmix 1.0 is equipped with the tried-and-tested Liebherr RIM 1.0 ring-pan mixer with 1m_ rated volume (1,500 litres capacity). The mixer itself is available with either a mechanical or a hydraulic "whirler" system, which is especially beneficial if there is a need for particularly high concrete quality specification or if additives or colouring agents are part of the mix. This is why the new Compactmix 1.0 is also ideally suited to the prefabricated concrete products industry.

The basic format of the Compactmix 1.0 can, if required, be combined with in-line silos, pocket silos or star silos. The in-line silos are available in various sizes and configurations, giving storage volumes of between 70m3 and 300m3.

As with all other Liebherr concrete mixers, many useful options are available for the new Compactmix 1.0. These include additive scales, high-pressure mixer cleaning equipment, housings and winter fittings. There is also an optional extension to the mixer's lift path, meaning that the silo can be positioned lower, thereby reducing the need for ramping facilities.

The HTM 704P Hydraulic Truckmixer

The Liebherr HTM 704P mixer assembly features a lightweight drum constructed from special high wear-resistant steel with wear-caps on the mixer spiral blades for extended working life. The high quality steel allows a drum to be produced that complements 7 cubic metres operation. A further and important factor in extending the working life of both mixer drum and its carrier chassis is the Liebherr developed high-quality steel frame and U-clamp fixing method.

Drum support pedestals are secured to the substantial U-channel sub-frame at the "underlay" by stirrup bolts that accommodate flexing. These are fitted close to the frame to avoid stress transference and to distribute loads uniformly to the truck chassis. The design, coupled with the side plate fixing arrangement, enables the mixer sub-frame to be rigidly attached at regular intervals over its entire length. This forms a composite strength with the chassis while still allowing the body to flex as necessary to avoid stress damage and/or misalignment occurring within the mixer superstructure. This, in effect, produces such a rigid and stress-free fit that problems of cracking or distortion on either mixer frame or truck chassis are avoided. The result is a considerably extended operating life for both mixer assembly and host vehicle.

The Liebherr HTM 704P has a "set" concrete capacity of 7m3 and a geometric air volume of 12.34m3. The drum assembly is manufactured by Liebherr in Germany to the highest quality management controls and the paintwork is factory-finished.