Liebherr Mining recently introduced the 600-metric-ton (mt) R 9600 hydraulic excavator, which the company said will set new standards for the open-pit mining market.
The 600-mt R 9600 completed a year of field experience in Australia. The company said as many as eight units will be operating in Australia by the end of 2021.
The R 9600 is equipped with two QSK50 Cummins engines with advanced combustion technologies. To help control fuel costs, Liebherr has developed and implemented LPE solutions (Liebherr Power Efficiency). These proprietary management systems for the engine and hydraulic controls substantially reduce fuel consumption without compromising the overall productivity of the machine.
For emission regulated regions, a U.S. EPA Tier 4f/EU Stage V compliant version is available with the latest selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment technology. Complying with stringent emission regulations, the SCR system reduces nitrogen oxides by injecting a liquid reductant into the exhaust stream.
The R 9600 attachment makes use of smart component designs such as the patented “EVO” backhoe bucket, hydraulic cylinders, shift levers, bucket links and attachment pins. The result is an increased overall production rate without compromising component lifetime.
In standard backhoe configuration with a heavy-duty wear package, the R 9600 comes with a 37.5-m3 (49.1 yd3) bucket to deliver an ideal truck/shovel match with Liebherr mining trucks. It loads 190-ton trucks in three passes, 240-ton trucks in four passes, 300-mt trucks in five passes, and 375-mt trucks in six passes.
The excavator is also available in face shovel configuration equipped with a 37-m3 (48.4-yd3) shovel as standard with a heavy-duty wear package.
Designed to be used in all applications globally, the R 9600 is built to last more than 80,000 machine operational hours. Further improving machine reliability, the uppercarriage structure is a completely new development. The robust undercarriage with a fatigue resistant steel structure, is enhanced with a new hydraulic track-tensioning system. The standard sealed for life heavy-duty carrier and track rollers incorporate the patented roller-path design and registered track-pad design.
A new spacious cabin limits vibrations and noise, while offering a comfortable working environment for the operator. The operator’s seat has been positioned as far left as possible to provide the best visibility of the attachment and working area. Ambient and low-level LED lights make working at night easier and safer. The operator station is user-friendly and equipped with modern touch-screen displays.
The R 9600 offers a superior machine perimeter visibility system comprising of four cameras at strategic locations on the rotating upper carriage. The dedicated monitor inside the cabin provides continuous 270° vision around the machine.
Liebherr also offers its Bucket Filling Assistant, an adaptive or semiautonomous digging product, which is available as an option for the backhoe version. It allows for easier and faster bucket filling with a consistent bucket fill factor, load after load even in the toughest digging conditions. As a result, the overall productivity improves while the operator’s fatigue level is reduced.
Enlarged walkways with handrails and non-slip perforated steps allow for safe and convenient inspections and maintenance at all levels of the machine, including engine and powertrain components. All major parts have been designed and positioned to allow easy access and quicker maintenance.
The central service flap provides fluid and lubricant access to all components and systems, which reduces potential downtimes. Component and system refill and drain points of the R 9600 are accessible from ground level with quick couplings and depressurizing valves.
