Press releases | 2025-09-10

Liebherr R 978 SME crawler excavator: impressively low fuel consumption and precise operation

R 978 SME used in direct excavation
New generation of Liebherr crawler excavators over 70 tonnes
SME series designed for large-scale excavation
Long-standing partnership between SAB and Liebherr

The R 978 SME crawler excavator, developed and manufactured by Liebherr France SAS in Colmar, France, has quickly proven its value at the Beynon sand quarry. Weiging in at 78.5 tonnes, the machine has been engineered for the most demanding environments and is currently being used for direct excavation of highly abrasive rock. To prepare for this specific task, teams from SAB/Ets PIC and Liebherr France SAS collaborated to develop a reinforced bucket with a width of just 1,450 mm and a capacity of 2 m3, equipped with crusher-grade protective wear plates. Drawing on the customer’s experience, the PIC sales team was able to define precise specifications for the production of this custom bucket.

Despite the harsh operating conditions, the operator enjoys a comfortable working environment which combines spaciousness with low noise levels. Personal settings can be adjusted with the support of a trainer provided by Liebherr France SAS. This training, provided by sales partner Ets PIC as part of the handover, helps operators familiarise themselves with the advanced technologies featured in the new-generation machines. ‘What most impressed me was the machine’s precision. And the fuel consumption – at around 40 litres per hour, it’s very low,’ explains Cédric Rouison.

New Liebherr crawler excavators over 70 tonnes

With numerous enhancements, Liebherr’s new 70- and 100-tonne class crawler excavators—including the R 972, R 978 SME, R 992, and R 998 SME—set new standards in performance, comfort, and energy efficiency. These models offer a high level of operator comfort, advanced assistance systems, and significantly reduced fuel consumption. A key innovation is the patented Liebherr Power Efficiency (PE) - Engine Control system which complements existing working modes (P+/P/E) and reduces fuel consumption by 10–15 per cent compared to previous models.

All machines in the range are also equipped with the Modetronic control system, already proven in Generation 8 excavators. This system allows the operator to tailor the hydraulic characteristics of the excavator to the respective application and to the personal preferences of the operator, enhancing both comfort and productivity. It controls key functions such as rotation, travel, boom, stick and bucket movements.

‘SME’ Stands for Super Mass Excavation

Liebherr crawler excavators bearing the acronym ‘SME’ (Super Mass Excavation) are purpose-built for high-volume excavation and are ideally suited for quarry operations. In the 70-tonne and above category, the R 978 SME and R 998 SME models feature a reinforced undercarriage that incorporates components from larger machines—such as the R 992—into the standard product range. These machines are also equipped with an enlarged counterweight, providing additional stability and enabling the use of larger-capacity buckets. Thanks to the special kinematics of the working attachment and reinforced cylinders, they deliver exceptional digging and breakout forces − unmatched in this machine class. All of these features contribute to enhanced performance and efficiency on site.