Liebherr introduces zero CO2 emission excavators

12 Apr 2021 CW Staff

Liebherr announced that the R 976-E and R 980 SME-E electric crawler excavators will be developed and produced by Liebherr-France SAS in Colmar, France.

The company stated that these excavators aim to withstand extreme conditions, they weigh 90 and 100 tonne respectively and are available in backhoe and shovel versions. They contain low noise level and zero carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions during operation.

The electric system in the Liebherr R 976-E 400 kW crawler excavator is supplied with 6,000 V power via a cable connection, with the cable inlet in the centre of the undercarriage. A motor cable drum is also available as an option. The machine is powered by a high voltage 6,000 V/50 Hz current collector. A switch cabinet transformer (high voltage/low voltage) and a low voltage cabinet for power distribution and control of 690 V, 230 V and 24 V networks are located on the upper carriage.

The technology used in the R 976-E and R 980 SME-E offers constant speed, whatever the load. According to the company, the high availability of transient power for complex machine movements enables high productivity. The R 976-E’s low-voltage electric squirrel-cage engine drives the hydraulic system. The engine features heat shielding on bearings and motor windings. Integrated into a frame with a reinforced flange, it enables soft starting. The two robust electrical cabinets are assembled by welding into a structure specifically designed to withstand extreme working conditions. The lockable watertight (IP 65) doors are fitted with safety switches and an emergency stop. The high voltage cabinet is a dedicated contact for power connection and voltage transformer, while the low voltage cabinet is used for power connection monitoring.

The company says that these two cabinets contain lower operating costs and are extremely quiet. The R 976-E and R 980 SME-E promise environmentally friendly extraction applications. They feature a spacious cab equipped with an automatic permanent air-conditioning and heating system while the exterior has a 270° camera system plus an armoured windscreen and roof window.

The operator’s platform features a large number of additional monitoring functions and a standard large 9 screen.

The Liebherr Group is a manufacturer of construction machinery.

Written from a company news release.

Liebherr announced that the R 976-E and R 980 SME-E electric crawler excavators will be developed and produced by Liebherr-France SAS in Colmar, France. The company stated that these excavators aim to withstand extreme conditions, they weigh 90 and 100 tonne respectively and are available in backhoe and shovel versions. They contain low noise level and zero carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions during operation. The electric system in the Liebherr R 976-E 400 kW crawler excavator is supplied with 6,000 V power via a cable connection, with the cable inlet in the centre of the undercarriage. A motor cable drum is also available as an option. The machine is powered by a high voltage 6,000 V/50 Hz current collector. A switch cabinet transformer (high voltage/low voltage) and a low voltage cabinet for power distribution and control of 690 V, 230 V and 24 V networks are located on the upper carriage. The technology used in the R 976-E and R 980 SME-E offers constant speed, whatever the load. According to the company, the high availability of transient power for complex machine movements enables high productivity. The R 976-E’s low-voltage electric squirrel-cage engine drives the hydraulic system. The engine features heat shielding on bearings and motor windings. Integrated into a frame with a reinforced flange, it enables soft starting. The two robust electrical cabinets are assembled by welding into a structure specifically designed to withstand extreme working conditions. The lockable watertight (IP 65) doors are fitted with safety switches and an emergency stop. The high voltage cabinet is a dedicated contact for power connection and voltage transformer, while the low voltage cabinet is used for power connection monitoring. The company says that these two cabinets contain lower operating costs and are extremely quiet. The R 976-E and R 980 SME-E promise environmentally friendly extraction applications. They feature a spacious cab equipped with an automatic permanent air-conditioning and heating system while the exterior has a 270° camera system plus an armoured windscreen and roof window. The operator’s platform features a large number of additional monitoring functions and a standard large 9 screen. The Liebherr Group is a manufacturer of construction machinery. Written from a company news release.

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..