Liebherr Debuts New R 976-E & R 980 SME-E Zero-Emission Electric Crawler Excavators

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Liebherr recently announced two new zero-emissions electric crawler excavators, the R 976-E (pictured above) and the R 980 SME-E, which replaces the ER 974 B for mine and quarry extraction. (Photo courtesy of Liebherr.)

Liebherr recently announced two new electric crawler excavators, the R 976-E and the R 980 SME-E, which replaces the ER 974 B for mine and quarry extraction. The manufacturer says the 100-ton (90-metric-ton) R 976-E and 110-t (100-mt) R 980 SME-E come in backhoe and shovel versions and produce very little noise in addition to emitting zero greenhouse gas.

Under The Hood

The 536-horsepower (400-kilowatt) R976-E receives 6000 volts of power through a cable that connects to the machine at the center of the undercarriage (the inlet can be located on the side if requested), and Liebherr makes a motorized cable drum available as an option. The upper carriage has a switch cabinet transformer (high voltage/low voltage) and a low-voltage cabinet for power distribution and control of 690-, 230- and 24-V networks. The machine’s low-voltage electric squirrel-cage engine with heat shielding on bearings and motor windings drives the hydraulic system for transient power and high productivity.

Safety & Comfort

The two electrical cabinets have lockable, watertight doors filled with safety switches and an emergency stop. The high-voltage cabinet is for power connection and voltage transfer. The low-voltage cabinet is for power connection monitoring. Both excavators have a spacious cab with air conditioning and heating, an armored windshield and roof window, and a 270-degree exterior camera system. The company says these features, combined with their reduced maintenance and lower operating costs, make the electric excavators more cost-effective than diesel machines.

Source: Liebherr