The Liebherr R 978 SME crawler excavator, weighing 78.5 tonnes, has demonstrated exceptional performance and fuel efficiency at the Beynon sand quarry. Engineered for heavy-duty excavation of abrasive rock, the machine operates with a customised 2 m³ reinforced bucket, developed in collaboration with Liebherr France SAS and sales partner Ets PIC.

Despite harsh conditions, operators benefit from a quiet, spacious cab and personalised settings, supported by hands-on training during commissioning. “What most impressed me was the machine’s precision. And the fuel consumption – at around 40 litres per hour, it’s very low,” said operator Cédric Rouison.

Part of Liebherr’s new 70- and 100-tonne crawler excavator range—including the R 972, R 978 SME, R 992, and R 998 SME—the model incorporates the patented Liebherr Power Efficiency (PE) system, reducing fuel consumption by 10–15 per cent. The Modetronic control system further enhances comfort and productivity by allowing operators to fine-tune hydraulic functions.

The ‘SME’ (Super Mass Excavation) designation highlights models designed for quarry operations, featuring reinforced undercarriages, enlarged counterweights, and powerful breakout forces. SAB, a long-term quarrying partner of Liebherr, praised the machines’ reliability, low fuel use, and the strong after-sales support of Ets PIC.