Equipped with a 5,7m monoblock boom and a 2,9m dipper arm, as well as a 1,15m³ backhoe bucket, the 22t machine is ideal for earthmoving, digging and drainage applications.
Officially launched at bauma 2016 earlier this year, Liebherr’s 22-tonne R 922 crawler excavator, part of the three-model series whose diesel engines satisfy the emissions standards for developing markets, is now available for the local market, according to Tendayi Kudumba, Divisional Manager of Earthmoving Technology (EMT) at Liebherr Africa.
“The concept of the Liebherr R 922 is based on European standards and aims to improve reliability, increase productivity and lower fuel consumption,” says Kudumba. “The launch of the R 922 is accompanied by a complete regeneration of all crawler excavator models for developing markets between 20 tonnes (t) and 25t.”
The R 922 replaces the R 916. Compared with its predecessor, the biggest change to the R 922 is a shift from the Liebherr engine to a six-cylinder Cummins Tier 3 motor said to significantly lower the price of the machine. The Cummins engine also comes with an automatic fuel-saving idling system for greater fuel savings. This is complemented by its “Wastegate” turbo for enhanced performance at low speed and reduced fuel consumption. The electronic power control system allows the engine to be effectively and optimally converted, from an energy point of view, into hydraulic power. “This translates into greater forces, faster working speeds and lower fuel consumption,” says Kudumba.
Another key feature is the positive control hydraulic system. Two working pumps for maximum excavation, travel or swing, provide power to the components involved. Thanks to the positive control system, the combined movements are optimised for each different work operation, whether it be levelling, extraction, loading or lifting, with or without travel.
In line with Liebherr’s firm belief that a comfortable operator is a productive one, the R 922 cab comes with a mechanical suspension seat, an enlarged space and ergonomic working environment. Depending on the operator’s needs, the “Comfort” seat can be selected as an option. This option is said to offer maximum comfort thanks to its air suspension, several horizontal and vertical settings, as well as its adjustable pneumatic lumbar support.
With ease of maintenance in mind, the working areas of the R 922’s uppercarriage are covered with anti-slid material to guarantee safe and easy access. The swing gear is greased for life and requires no daily maintenance. The batteries, all filters and most centralised lubrication points are accessible from the ground level, ensuring that daily maintenance and checks are quickly and easily performed.
Equipment Africa says: New features abound on the R 922 to improve productivity and profitability for fleet owners. One of the interesting features is the LiDAT data transfer system which offers complete fleet management capabilities, all from one source. With this, reports on capacity commitment and the use of the machine park can be called up daily via the Web portal.
