IM 2020 March 20 | Page 49

LOADING TOOLS productivity, efficiency and reliability. This followed the R 9150B general launch in January 2019. With an operating weight range of 128-148 t, depending on the type of wear packages and attachment the customer requires, the new Liebherr R 9150B is a good match for 50 t up to 100 t dump trucks. Abie Kriel, Technical Manager Mining at Liebherr Africa, said the launch of the new B model is in line with the company’s strategy for the 100-150 t class excavators, which has been identified as one of the major growth drivers for Liebherr’s Mining Division. Tom Munch, Director of Mining at Liebherr Africa, said the contract mining market is a major driver of the 100 t class. “We are working in a contract mining market. If you look at the type of equipment this group of customers requires currently, it’s mainly 100 t class excavators and 100 t dump trucks. This is due to the mobility they require, given that their contracts are limited to 3- 5 years at most,” says Munch. The R 9150B’s productivity hinges on the machine’s fast cycle times, precise machine motions, high digging forces, power-oriented energy management and an exclusive EVO bucket solution. With fast cycle times in mind, like all other Liebherr mining excavators, the R 9150B uses a closed-loop swing circuit. The main hydraulic circuit comprises a combination of three main valves fed by three working pumps, providing flexibility of attachment control and force distribution, while allowing full oil flow integration for fast movement and fast cycle times. “All Liebherr Mining excavators are equipped with a closed loop swing circuit. Kinematic energy is recovered when the swing motion is used during deceleration, to drive the main and auxiliary pumps, reducing fuel consumption and allowing faster boom lift motion,” explains Kriel. The R 9150B integrates the Litronic Plus electronic control system, allowing for easy control even when simultaneous movements are I nt rod duc in g Ne em isy ys y ® S y s t e m f o or Wheel L o ad a er s The Liebherr R 9150B integrates the Litronic Plus electronic control system, allowing for easy control even when simultaneous movements are required required. The patented Liebherr electronic bucket cylinder damping system provides controlled end- cushioning for smooth attachment motions, thus increasing machine productivity. The integration of the electronic control system also enables maximum machine versatility and the use of various long reach attachments and specific tools.