A brace of high reaches from Liebherr

Two new high reach excavators have joined the Liebherr range with the introduction of the 85.5 tonne R 954 C with a 34 m (112 ft) reach and the larger 131 tonne R974 VH-HD with a maximum reach of 41 m (135 ft).

Both machines feature a tilting cab (30º) and additional removable counterweight when in demolition configuration. A key feature of the new machines is the Liebherr Demolition Control system, (LDC) that ensures that the machine stays within a safe working envelope no matter the deployment of the boom. It provides real-time information concerning tool position and machine angle and automatically activates the electronic reach limitation should a critical value be exceeded. This, together with other design features, provides all Liebherr machines with a 360º working radius around the tracks, says the company.

Liebherr is also introducing a new modular boom quick coupler system that, it told D&Ri, should allow boom changes to be carried out in less than 30 minutes. The hydraulic connections for the lines on the boom are carried in modular housings that provide connect/disconnect for the four lines in each housing through a single lever mechanism. This means that there is no need for manual disconnection of hydraulic couplings, greatly reducing the time required to carry out boom change-overs. D&Ri understands that the new coupling system will be introduced on all of the company's new high reach machines over the next few months.