Liebherr R 978 SME Excavator Combines Precision and Efficiency

The R 978 SME crawler excavator from Liebherr France SAS has been deployed at the Beynon sand quarry for direct excavation of highly abrasive rock. Weighing 78.5 tonnes, the machine is designed for large-scale, high-volume excavation and features reinforced components, a custom 2 m³ bucket with crusher-grade wear plates, and advanced hydraulic systems. Part of Liebherr’s new generation of crawler excavators over 70 tonnes, the R 978 SME provides improved operator comfort, low noise levels, and adjustable settings through the Modetronic control system, allowing operators to tailor movements and performance to both task and preference.

Purpose-built for Super Mass Excavation, the SME series combines a reinforced undercarriage, enlarged counterweight, and optimized working attachment kinematics to deliver exceptional digging and breakout forces. The machines also include the Liebherr Power Efficiency (PE) Engine Control system, which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent compared with previous models, alongside working modes that further adapt performance to operational requirements. Training programs from Liebherr and its partners support operators in leveraging these capabilities efficiently on site.

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