Intermat 2009: Liebherr's new Generation 6 tracked excavators

Intermat was the first opportunity to see Liebherr's new generation of excavators. Chris Sleight, editor of Construction Europe and International Construction magazines, spoke to Kory Kruse, product manager at Liebherr's Colmar facility about the new machines. The machines on show from the Generation 6 range covered the 21 to 28 tonne categories in the shape of the R 906, R 916 Litronic and R 926 Litronic. Each is powered by a four cylinder Liebherr engine, with CAN-BUS control to optimise engine speed and power, and optimise fuel consumption. The machines are available as a ‘Classic' version for basic earthmoving work, or in ‘Advanced' configuration, with more options on offer for different types of application. Advanced machines also feature a new spacious cab. Another key feature is Liebherr's new ‘Positive Control' hydraulic system, which optimises oil flows when the excavators are using several hydraulic circuits at once - for example when grading on the go or while turning.