Liebherr successfully converts diesel excavator to electric
Powerful R 9400 E mining excavator was Liebherr’s first diesel to electric conversionLiebherr and Australian mining company, Fortescue, has successfully repowered a 1675hp conventional diesel mining excavator to a zero-emissions electric excavator, thanks to Liebherr equipment's modular design.
According to Liebherr, this was the first time in the company’s 40 years of working with electric excavators that it has successfully repowered one of its excavators from diesel to electric configuration during the standard service life of the machine.
A hydrogen Offboard Power Unit (OPU) designed and developed by Fortescue will be used to power the newly converted R 9400 E and is currently undergoing site-based testing within Fortescue’s purpose-built zero emission testing area at Christmas Creek.
Experts from both Liebherr and Fortescue were involved in the project, which took place at Liebherr-Australia’s Perth branch in Western Australia.
“Liebherr is delighted that Fortescue has chosen to collaborate with Liebherr in our joint efforts to accelerate the pathway to a mining future without fossil fuels,” said Oliver Weiss, Executive Vice President of R&D, Engineering, and Manufacturing for Liebherr Mining.
“This repower project demonstrates that decarbonisation is also possible with Liebherr machines previously supplied with diesel engines.
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Weiss added Liebherr equipment’s modular design makes it possible to repower existing diesel excavators to new zero emission configurations, such as electric powertrains.
“This means that the diesel equipment customers buy today is also future-proofed for many years to come. The fact that we can ease the transition from traditional to decarbonised mining fleets for our customers is one of the key strategies of the Liebherr Zero Emission Mining Program.”
Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer, Dino Otranto said the project was an exciting milestone for both Fortescue and Liebherr.
“Our partnership with Liebherr is an example of true collaboration and how heavy industry can work together to decarbonise and eliminate fossil fuels.”
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