Press releases | 10/24/2022 The Liebherr R 950 Tunnel-E: an electric crawler excavator with cable and battery-powered mobility kit

the R 950 Tunnel-E crawler excavator features an electric power system that can be connected to the power supply directly with its own cable or via an optional cable reel. For greater flexibility, a battery-powered travel kit is available as an option, to ensure improved temporary mobility without a cable connection to the mains. This newest innovation from Liebherr-France SAS in Colmar is a model perfectly tailored to underground sites.

Zero on-site emissions

Using this new crawler excavator leads to cleaner sites, as there are no on-site emissions. Environmental impact is reduced because there is less risk of the soil pollution that used to be caused by engine oil or fuel. In addition, using this machine guarantees zero CO, CO2, NOX and particulate emissions. The air exhaust system has also been simplified.

Another goal of the R 950 Tunnel-E is making customers’ sites easier to manage, by increasing excavator availability while at the same time reducing energy costs.

To provide a pleasant working environment and comfortable conditions, the R 950 Tunnel-E has also been designed to produce less noise and heat.

A robust electric excavator

The machine’s hydraulic and structural components have already been tried and tested in the diesel version of the R 950 Tunnel. For optimal tunnelling performance, the equipment, undercarriage, crawler tracks, cab and bodywork have been reinforced.

This excavator comes equipped with a 100% electric, water-cooled synchronous engine. The power supply is three-phase 400 V, frequency 50 Hz, while the engine provides 150 to 190 kW power output, with a cutting option. A water-cooled battery pack with NMC technology, similar to a car battery, is available as an option. It has 64 kWh energy capacity provided by two 32 kWh batteries allowing 30 minutes’ travel at 2 km/h. With the machine operating in cable mode, a battery pack at 20% charge takes just 2.5 hours to reach 100% charge.

An ideal model for underground sites

Inside a tunnel, extreme working conditions prevail. Narrow and confined spaces, large amounts of equipment, and dust are factors that make work difficult.

The R 950 Tunnel-E crawler excavator is ideally suited for underground use.

The lift height limitation automatically restricts machine movements in order to reduce the risk of collision to a minimum. This minimises impacts on the equipment, hoses and piping. The small swivel radius and the side and rear cameras also reduce the risk of collision with walls, equipment or site personnel.