Granite mining in the Bavarian Forest: Liebherr’s 10,000th XPower wheel loader joins BERGER's fleet

At the Schlag quarry, BERGER Rohstoffe GmbH processes around 200,000 tonnes of Bayerwald granite annually into high-quality chippings for concrete and road construction. Since May 2025 the L 580 XPower has been a standout addition to the fleet: as an anniversary machine, the L 580 XPower wheel loader rolled off the production line at the Liebherr plant in Bischofshofen in spring 2025. "We are proud to have the 10,000th XPower wheel loader in operation. It reflects the strong collaboration between the three companies BERGER, Liebherr and Beutlhauser," reports Michael Gruber, Technical Operations Manager at BERGER Rohstoffe GmbH. He particularly values the close cooperation with Liebherr and the Beutlhauser Group in Passau, as well as their excellent service and expert advice. “Spare parts supply and service are simply outstanding,” Gruber adds.

Powerful XPower drive: Maximum durability and efficiency in granite mining

The L 580 XPower feeds coarse rock into crushing plants, stockpiles the processed material and loads finished products onto lorries. Working alongside it is a Liebherr R 934 crawler excavator equipped with a hydraulic breaker, which pre-crushes large rocks. In dusty, uneven terrain, the anniversary machine proves to be a powerful and robust performer with high handling capacity. "The XPower impresses with its productivity, low diesel consumption and ease of use. Our operators are genuinely enthusiastic and enjoy using it to complete their daily tasks efficiently," confirms Gruber.

The XPower travel drive seamlessly combines the advantages of hydrostatic and mechanical drive, automatically adapting to the task at hand. The hydrostatic drive is ideal for short loading cycles, while the mechanical drive excels over longer distances and uphill travel. This ensures optimal acceleration, maximum power and high efficiency for all loading operations – even over extended distances. As a result, the anniversary machine delivers top performance and efficiency at BERGER Rohstoffe GmbH's quarry.

Robust and reliable: Technology for demanding daily use

Beyond its efficient drive system, the XPower wheel loader also stands out for its strong handling performance. The powerful Z-kinematics deliver high torque in the lower lift arm area, allowing the bucket to be filled quickly and easily – ideal for heavy rock handling in quarry environments. Durable Liebherr components and a well-engineered design ensure reliable operation, even under intensive use. The ergonomically designed cab with generous glazing provides excellent all-round visibility, enhancing both safety and operator comfort during granite extraction.