Liebherr has been developing railroad excavators since 1967 and, as an original equipment manufacturer, is the global market leader in this specialised sector. At InnoTrans, the company is expanding its portfolio with the launch of the new RE 22 M Litronic, marking Liebherr's first entry into the 22 to 25.7-tonne operating weight class. Designed to deliver high levels of performance and versatility, the RE 22 M is powered by the 120-kW engine from the A 922 Rail and benefits from Liebherr's renowned hydraulic system, providing the precision, efficiency and reliability required for demanding rail construction and maintenance applications.
While retaining the proven technology that has established Liebherr as the market leader in railroad excavators, the new RE 22 M Litronic introduces a number of advancements. The machine features a standard rear swing radius of 2,000 mm, increasing to 2,110 mm with an optional heavier counterweight package, subject to approval. A completely redesigned dual cab and the latest INTUSI operating concept further enhance operator comfort, ergonomics and ease of use, helping to maximise efficiency on site.
RE 22 M Railroad excavator with an innovative undercarriage design
A key innovation of the RE 22 M is its newly developed rail undercarriage, which is fitted as standard across the new generation and is currently the subject of a patent application. Thanks to the hydrostatic rail-wheel drive system, the machine can travel with the undercarriage lowered and the boom raised (Category 9A). Alternatively, when equipped with road tyres, the RE 22 M can operate with the undercarriage raised and the tyres running directly on the rails (Category 9C), generating the traction required for travel while helping to protect rail infrastructure.
This unique concept allows the machine to both travel and work in different operating positions, providing greater flexibility and efficiency on site. The capability is made possible by a completely redesigned rail undercarriage mounting and suspension system.
Further enhancing performance, the oscillating axle automatically adapts to operating conditions. When the machine is working, the axle locks into position to maximise stability. During travel, it remains free to oscillate, ensuring optimum traction and ride quality. The newly developed rail axle delivers a tractive force of 50 kN and, subject to country-specific approval, enables travel speeds of up to 40 km/h. In emergency situations, the machine can also be towed at speeds of up to 60 km/h.
For applications requiring even greater lifting and load-bearing capabilities, the RE 22 M can be equipped with an innovative centre-mounted two-point support system. Despite its increased stability, the design remains exceptionally compact, preserving visibility around the machine and allowing efficient operation in confined working environments. Thanks to its patent-pending kinematics, the support system remains close to the machine even when fully extended, adding minimal overall width while delivering maximum versatility on site.
The upper structure impresses with its low-maintenance design
The RE 22 M builds on the proven design of its predecessor, the A 922 Rail, retaining the well-established upper structure that provides excellent ground-level access for routine maintenance and servicing. A range of counterweight options allows the machine to be tailored to specific operating requirements, ensuring optimum performance across a variety of rail applications.
Operator comfort has also been enhanced with a redesigned dual-cab concept, featuring a dedicated driver's position in the upper cab section. The RE 22 M is equipped with a Comfort seat as standard, providing a high level of ergonomics throughout the working day.
Thanks to the new INTUSI adaptive operating concept, the control panel previously mounted on the steering column beneath the steering wheel is no longer required. Instead, these functions are fully integrated into the INTUSI display, creating a cleaner cab environment while ensuring an unobstructed view of the working area.
Proven components: The hydraulic system and engine ensure maximum performance
With both the hydraulic system and the engine, customers can rely on Liebherr’s tried-and-tested quality in the new railroad excavator. The new machine’s innovative hydraulic system comprises a Liebherr variable-displacement double pump with independent control circuits and a flow rate of 2 x 220 l/min. This enables powerful hydraulic attachments to be operated independently of the Liebherr railroad excavator’s working and travel movements. In addition, a second high-pressure circuit allows three hydraulic functions on specialised attachments to be controlled directly.
