\u201cPart of the reason we went for the 9150 was the specification and capacity of the machine, its hydraulic system and the additional power you are pulling in that unit \u2013 it has 565kW.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blue Cap pairs the excavators with haul trucks in the 100-tonne class, a match that been a strong fit for the designs of the pits at the gold sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another key factor that helped the R 9150 stand out for Blue Cap was the technology Liebherr included on the machines, Allen continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was (at the time) more about some of the newer technology that Liebherr embedded around productivity and fuel efficiency,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are seeing around 15-20 per cent more efficiency out of this digger compared to some competition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the success of Blue Cap\u2019s R 9150 excavators, Allen has taken a keen interest in the updates incorporated on Liebherr\u2019s updated models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The B-version excavators were launched in January and the first machine in Australia will be received this month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Liebherr senior product manager \u2013 mining excavators George Barturen backs the new excavators to drive productivity at mining operations, whatever the environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSuch systems are robustly designed and will be very well suited to the Australian mining environment from our extensive experience over the last five decades,\u201d Barturen says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe B series machines, as was the R 9100 are suited to all mining and quarrying operators as the machine brings a competitive advantage regardless of the mined commodity with a reduced cost per tonne.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stepping up operations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Liebherr\u2019s updated hydraulic excavators have been developed to provide a step forward in performance and reliability, while lowering the cost per tonne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both models have received upgrades across the machine, including the latest generation of Liebherr\u2019s D9512 engine, which offers an increased lifetime target of 15,000 hours, and other features that support maintenance efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The B versions include the exclusive EVO Bucket Solution, maximising loading capacity and ensuring optimal penetration efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With contoured sidewalls and augmented depth, the EVO Bucket has a 7.5m3<\/sup> capacity on the R 9100 B and 8.8m3<\/sup> and 9.6m3<\/sup> on the R 9150 B, the latter being available on machines configured with a shorter boom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The buckets match the excavators with the Liebherr T 236 truck, as well as other articulated and rigid trucks in the 50\u2013100-tonne class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Liebherr has positioned the R 9150 B directly between the 100-tonne and 200-tonne class machines with its bucket capacities. The R 9150 B begins to challenge the productivity of larger machines in the 200-tonne class with 12m3<\/sup> buckets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barturen says incorporating the patented EVO Bucket design to the new machines is the most significant advance that increases productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis has brought about an increase in bucket payload with a reduction in bucket weight, whilst maintaining the same fast cycle time,\u201d Barturen says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAdditionally, the EVO Bucket for backhoe machines Liebherr is introducing several patented innovations together with machine functional control systems to provide the operator with semi-automatic functions increasing the overall efficiency and productivity of both machines.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barturen, a Liebherr employee since 1991, has worked closely with the company\u2019s mining excavator team on the development of the B versions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alongside fellow Liebherr product manager Michel Runser, Barturen has guided the excavators through their final stages of development before launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe main drivers in the development process were to improve the machine as a whole, enhancing machine safety, improving reliability and productivity KPIs and introduce operator comfort options, both active and passive.\u201d Barturen says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Australian mining industry drives continuous improvement of the machines through the different standards, guidelines and mining industry associations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAdditionally, Liebherr has an internal global reporting system, which brings feedback directly into the factory from the field, speeding up the implementation and introduction of suggested improvements to suit the market, which is continuously driving improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Updated Liebherr engine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This series of Liebherr excavator was the first to introduce the OEM\u2019s own diesel engines, a milestone reflected in the B versions. The R 9100 B and R 9150 B are equipped with Liebherr\u2019s latest D9512 V12 diesel engine, which exists in Tier 2 and USA\/EPA Tier 4 final version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Liebherr Australia executive general manager, customer service, Tony Johnstone says the company\u2019s service team has updated its skillset to support the new engine since its introduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Johnstone believes this has led to a new approach for the team, which has previously serviced and maintained engines from other OEMs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor us the challenge has been the development of our service technicians to be ready to work on the machines, understand the systems and be able to provide the best services that are required for customers,\u201d Johnstone says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019ve also had the challenge of upskilling our technical trainers so that we could train all of our service technicians in the Liebherr engine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Liebherr\u2019s Australian-based technicians completed training on the engines in the company\u2019s Switzerland engine factory certified training centre, with focus on control systems, maintenance and diagnostics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, customer training will be provided by Liebherr certified trainers at the new technical training centre at the Para Hills West facility in Adelaide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company has also ensured it has widespread availability of the unique service and maintenance parts for the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe had to stock appropriately for parts and for the future which we are working on now; we are enabling our remanufacturing centre to rebuild and run the D95 series engine,\u201d Johnstone says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt has been a ground up approach because it was the first Liebherr engine in a Liebherr mining excavator.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Liebherr\u2019s preparation for the change of engine has the services team well placed to support the B versions once they arrive in Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.australianmining.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Liebherr-9150-small.jpg\")
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