Liebherr-Africa has strengthened its excavator portfolio with the introduction of the R 992, a next-generation 92-t crawler excavator designed to meet the evolving demands of the mining and quarrying sectors. Replacing the R 976, the R 992 is engineered to reduce operating costs, maximise uptime and deliver greater productivity in demanding applications.
The R 992 is part of Liebherr’s new-generation crawler excavator range, first unveiled at Bauma 2022, the world’s leading trade fair for construction and mining equipment. The line-up comprises the 72-t R 972, 80-t R 978 SME, 92-t R 992 and 100-t R 998 SME, which replace the R 966, R 970 SME, R 976 and R 980 SME respectively.
As part of the update, Liebherr introduced a new naming convention for its 70-100-t crawler excavators, with the nomenclature aligning with the operating weight of the machines.
With an operating weight ranging from 85,8-t to 96,5-t, the R 992 is available with bucket sizes from 2 m³ to 6,8 m³. Powering the machine is a 420 kW Liebherr engine, representing a 20 kW increase over the 400 kW unit fitted to its predecessor, the R 976, providing the additional power needed to enhance productivity in demanding mining and quarrying applications.
Proven capabilities
According to Tendayi Kudumba, General Manager: Earthmoving at Liebherr-Africa, this offering underscores the company’s commitment to providing high-performance equipment tailored to the needs of customers across the region. He says the R 992 is ideally suited to contract mining and high-production quarrying operations, where reliability, efficiency and productivity are paramount.
The machine has already proven its capabilities in the field. The first two R 992 excavators in southern Africa were delivered in March this year to a South African contract mining company operating in the chrome sector, says Lavell Ruthman, Head of Sales: Earthmoving at Liebherr-Africa.
Having already accumulated around 2 000 trouble-free operating hours, the machines are making light work of the highly abrasive chrome ore, providing an early indication of the R 992’s performance and reliability in one of the most demanding mining environments.
Fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency was a key design priority for the R 992. This is particularly important for mining and quarrying operations, where fuel accounts for a significant share of operating costs. With fuel prices continuing to rise, the machine’s improved efficiency helps customers reduce running costs while maintaining high levels of productivity.
Through Liebherr Power Efficiency (LPE) – a patented engine and hydraulic control system that optimises powertrain interaction – customers can achieve up to a 10% reduction in fuel consumption on the R 992 compared with previous models.
Kudumba explains that the LPE mode reduces fuel usage by intelligently coordinating the diesel engine, hydraulic system and electronic sensors to automatically adjust engine speed and pump displacement according to real-time operating demands.
This optimisation minimises throttling losses and ensures the engine operates within its most efficient performance range, or ‘sweet spot’, delivering improved fuel economy without compromising productivity.
New assistance system
Another key highlight of the R 992 is Liebherr’s new Bucket Fill Assist system, an optional assistance feature that automates parts of the excavation cycle through semi-automatic bucket filling and an anti-stalling function.
“The Bucket Fill Assist is the first automation product in Liebherr’s hydraulic excavator portfolio. This optional feature enables easier bucket filling and delivers a more consistent bucket fill factor, particularly in blocky or hard digging conditions. As a result, overall productivity improves while operator fatigue is reduced,” explains Kudumba.
The system incorporates two main innovations: the anti-stalling function and the semi-automatic bucket filling function. The anti-stalling function prevents the bucket from becoming jammed during the breakout phase. Once activated, the operator continues operating the machine as normal, with the system automatically optimising excavator responses when it detects that the bucket is beginning to stall against the digging face.
The semi-automatic bucket filling function provides an automated filling cycle to accelerate loading operations. Using only the left joystick, the operator can initiate the bucket-filling process, while the machine automatically controls bucket and boom movements until the operator resumes normal manual operation.
According to Ruthman, the Bucket Fill Assist system delivers several important benefits, including increased bucket service life through reduced wear and improved material penetration. “The system enables higher bucket fill levels, reduces cycle times by up to 10% and helps lower fuel consumption. It also reduces vibrations, contributing to improved operator comfort,” he says.
New operating modes
The R 992 comes standard with Liebherr’s Modetronic function, a proven feature across the company’s Generation 8 excavator range. This hydraulic control system allows operators to customise machine performance according to specific applications and individual operating preferences. It optimises key functions, including rotation and travel, as well as boom, stick and bucket movements.
The Modetronic system offers four selectable working modes: Fine, Efficient, Dynamic and Custom. In Dynamic mode, operators can achieve more responsive machine behaviour, while Efficient mode enhances machine balance and stability. Custom mode enables easier execution of precision tasks by allowing performance parameters to be tailored to specific requirements, while Fine mode allows operators to adjust machine movements via the display, to suit their personal preferences.
Operator comfort
The R 992 also introduces several cab enhancements aimed at improving operator comfort and productivity. According to Kudumba, a comfortable working environment is essential for reducing fatigue, maintaining concentration and ensuring safe, productive operation throughout long shifts.
“The R 992 builds on the cab design introduced with our Generation 8 excavators,” he says. “The main display has been enlarged from 7-inch to 9-inch, while new joysticks and foot pedals provide more precise machine control and an improved operating experience.”
Reinforced for demanding applications
Designed for harsh mining and quarrying environments, the R 992 incorporates several structural reinforcements to enhance durability and maximise uptime. These include a heavy-duty (HD) undercarriage, cast steel-reinforced welded structures and robust protective plates beneath the boom and stick.
“The heavy-duty protective plates fitted to the underside of both the boom and stick protect the machine against falling rocks and the rigours of block handling,” explains Ruthman. “Piston rod guards also shield the hydraulic cylinder rods from flying debris, dust and direct mechanical damage.”
To further improve structural integrity, the upper and lower frames are strategically reinforced with cast steel components that absorb high-stress impact loads. An optional continuous track guide system helps maintain track alignment and integrity during intensive side-loading and operation on uneven terrain, further enhancing reliability in demanding applications.
