The Liebherr R 9400 powered by a D9812 Liebherr engine is getting tested on a cement plant in Héming in the Northeast of France. It is the first large hydraulic excavator equipped with a Liebherr engine.
This 300 hectare quarry, operated by EQIOM, a CRH company, has an annual production of around 600,000 tonnes of clinker and more than 700,000 tonnes of cement. The two cement kilns have a capacity of 1000 t/day each.
Vertical integration
Liebherr‘s vertical integration practice means that parts are designed specifically by and for Liebherr equipment and components, keeping mining customers’ needs in mind. This allows for optimal availability, longer service life and superior productivity.
The Liebherr D9812 engine has been specially designed for mining applications and is, therefore, built to withstand the tough conditions of global mining. With outstanding performance in all applications, it can be adapted to comply with a range of emission standards: Tier 2 or even USA/EPA Tier 4 final. The V12 engine reaches a power output of up to 1,500 kW for hydraulic excavators and can reach up to 2,013 kW for mining applications. The engine architecture and high system integration with all key components developed by Liebherr allow the D9812 to achieve a very high efficiency.
Liebherr, a trusted partner
Yannick Lauras, project manager at EQIOM in Héming appreciates working with Liebherr. The proximity, the full maintenance service as well as the performance of the machines, have contributed to a strong exchange of experience over the years.
In fact, the quarry in Héming operates 3 Liebherr hydraulic excavators: an R 994 with backhoe attachment since 1994, an R 994 with face shovel attachment since 1998 and an R 9250 since 2006.
The R 9400 with a backhoe attachment and a bucket of 9.5 m³ (12.4 yd³) is getting tested there since April 2018 and has worked around 350 hours in July / August.
Y. Lauras says “we tested it on the hardest layers of material and we reached an extraction volume of 700 t/h. For the overburden, we reach a volume of 1,500 t/h, which is entirely corresponding to our needs. The R 9400 loads 90 t trucks in 5 passes.”
Concerning the feedback from the operators he says “they appreciate the smooth operation and the good and precise positioning of the bucket. Compared to the other machines they operated, they are very happy with the comfort of the cabin and the easiness to access it.”
As a matter of fact, all machine accesses have been optimized. The R 9400’s upper structure is accessible via a powered 45° stairway fitted with handrails. The large and spacious cab provides ideal working conditions and optimal operator’s comfort. Mounted on silent blocks, the cab design reduces vibrations and limits noise pollution to provide a quiet working environment.
This R 9400 with Liebherr Diesel engine will stay in Héming for another few weeks to further optimize its functionality.