World premiere at IFAT: New Generation 8 material handlers

The world premiere of the new Generation 8 material handlers exemplify the Liebherr Group’s technology-neutral approach to tailoring different drive concepts specifically to the respective application requirements. Both machines are ideally suited for waste management and recycling and, when combined with the appropriate attachments, guarantee maximum machine utilisation and efficient material handling performance. At IFAT, Liebherr is therefore showcasing two drive concepts: the electrically powered LH 22 M Industry E and the conventionally powered LH 18 M Industry, which will also be available with an electric drive in the future.

High-performance material handlers with improved performance and ergonomic operation

The LH 18 M Industry and the LH 22 M Industry E impress with their high loads and long reach—optimised kinematics and robust construction enable more material-handling performance. Pipe-burst protection on the lift and stick cylinders ensures maximum safety in every application. In addition, the new electric servo control system integrated into the uppercarriage allows the operator to customise settings. This also enables end-of-travel damping for the equipment. Thanks to the intelligent arrangement of components requiring maintenance, operating costs can be reduced through lower downtime due to optimal service accessibility. In addition, both machines will be equipped as standard in the future with a sliding door for cabin entry and a fully glazed cabin floor.

Liebherr emCAB: More comfort, improved ergonomics, and enhanced all-around visibility

Both Generation 8 material handlers are equipped with the new Liebherr emCAB. This combines a spacious interior with ergonomically optimised control elements, allowing the operator to work in a relaxed yet highly focused manner. The redesigned cab structure also features enlarged glass surfaces—with 15% more glass—which provide significantly improved all-around visibility. The generous glazing ensures the best possible overview in all directions, thereby contributing significantly to safety in the work environment. In addition, the improved legroom and headroom enhance working comfort—especially during long shifts. This is complemented by individually adjustable control elements and high-quality seats that provide optimal support for the operator. Precisely adjustable electro-hydraulic adjustments support intuitive machine control. This allows the operator to tailor the machine’s handling and performance exactly to their requirements.

INTUSI: Intuitive, modern, and user-friendly operating environment

Another key feature of the new generation is the INTUSI (Intuitive User Interface) operating concept, which is integrated as standard in the emCAB. It allows for customisable function mapping, offering maximum flexibility in daily use. Thanks to the intelligent layout within the cab, all relevant control panels and joysticks are optimally accessible and intuitive to operate. INTUSI organises the various function categories thematically or contextually into so-called widgets, reminiscent of smartphone operation. This allows the operator to continue working safely and comfortably with the growing number of functions. The new operating concept offers a high degree of customisation for the operator: the arrangement of functions can be individually adjusted and saved across all operator profiles. This allows higher-level functions to be stored for direct access. With the newly designed user interface, these can be operated directly for the individually defined, priority functions, providing additional convenience.

Maximum flexibility for electric material handlers thanks to the Mobility Kit

The 8th-generation electric material handling machines can operate in mains and battery mode. This requires the optional Mobility Kit. This enables mains-independent operation and ensures maximum flexibility at changing operating locations. In the long term, the Mobility Kit will be available in a small (50 kWh energy capacity) or large (100 kWh energy capacity) version. Additionally, the machine can be charged independently of operation and while in use. Downtime is thus minimised, and available working time is used efficiently. In addition to off-grid operation, Liebherr also offers various versions for direct grid connection, including a winding system, a trailing cable, or a plug connection on the undercarriage. This allows the machine to be precisely adapted to the respective operating conditions and on-site infrastructure. With the new Generation 8 of material handlers, magnet operation is now possible for the first time in battery mode as well. The new electrical concept and the associated newly developed magnet system make it possible to use the electrically powered G8 material handlers efficiently in magnet mode in mains and battery operation.