Liebherr introduces its Gen 8 PR 776 crawler dozer - Equipment Journal

Liebherr has completed its Generation 8 range of mining dozers with the introduction of the new PR 776 G8.

Introduced at MinExpo, the new 768 hp flagship dozer from Liebherr is built to tackle tough mining and quarry operations.

“With the launch of the PR 776 G8, our entire range of mining dozers – which includes models with operating weights from 35 to 73 metric tonnes – is now comprised of Generation 8 machines,” said Dr Jörg Lukowski, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Liebherr-Mining Equipment. “And all of these machines include our latest product innovations and cutting-edge technology.”

The 70-tonne class PR 776 G8 features a new electronic machine architecture enabling the dozer to use more of Liebherr’s technologies.

“It is a technological enabler for operator assistance systems for the blade and ripper control, as well as for teleremote dozer operation,” said Nico Schuchter, Area Sales Manager at Liebherr Group.

The Generation 8 crawler dozer integrates advanced Operator Assistance Systems (OAS), previously available only on smaller models, that offer two levels of assistance systems. The Free Grade system delivers active blade stabilization during fine grading. Definition Grade enables automatic blade positioning when creating 2D grades.

With the Auto Blade Pitch assistance system, the operator can save and utilize three blade positions at the touch of a button, including:

The assistance systems of the PR 776 G8 not only increase productivity and efficiency but also enhance operator comfort.

As the only mining dozer featuring a hydrostatic travel drive in the 70-tonne class, Liebherr says the machine offer best-in-class efficiency for customers. On average, the PR 776 will consume 38 litres of fuel per hour.

“The hydrostatic travel drive system provides us with unmatched fuel efficiency and power delivery when operating the dozer,” Schuchter said.

Another benefit of the hydrostatic drive is its ability to boost manoeuvrability and, in turn, productivity.

“Each track side can be controlled individually,” Schuchter said. “It’s the only dozer that’s actually capable of turning on a standstill immediately.”

The combination of a Liebherr diesel engine, hydraulic motors and pumps connected by high pressure hydraulic hoses also creates a unique closed loop system reducing wear and tear on components. The standard eco mode allows operators to choose between high performance and maximum efficiency at any time.

The PR 776 G8 is also compatible with the LiReCon (which stands for Liebherr Remote Control) remote operation system. At MinExpo, Liebherr demonstrated the system by operating a dozer in Austria from an operator station at the trade show in Las Vegas.

“LiReCon is a teleoperation system that helps boost productivity while enhancing the safety and comfort of operators,” said Oliver Weiss, Executive Vice President of Research and Development, Engineering and Production, Liebherr-Mining Equipment.

“It allows dozers or excavators to move through hazardous areas while operators are safely ensconced in an office — far away from the danger.”

The system is suitable for all dozer applications. It consists of the Liebherr Remote Control teleoperation stand; an operator workspace including all required controls; and onboard dozer installations such as cameras for all different angles and views, microphones for recording machine sounds, radio link receiver and transmitter.

LiReCon allows fast shift changes between operators and consequently reduces idle and downtime. As the operator is no longer tied to the machine, it also enables customers to reach new extraction areas in hazardous zones, extending the range of applications for Liebherr mining dozers.

Optimal service accessibility and extended maintenance intervals are key features. Centralized maintenance points, wide-opening access flaps and engine compartment doors, a standard tiltable operator’s cab and an optional swing-out fan for cleaning facilitate quick maintenance access and straightforward servicing of the new Liebherr dozer.

As well, the new PR 776 G8 boasts particularly long change intervals for operating fluids such as hydraulic or engine oil.

“The PR 776 G8 offers longer change intervals for operating fluids that can be extended to 8,000 operating hours when Liebherr Plus oils are used,” Lukowski said.

The Generation 8 dozer is equipped with an updated cab. Operators appreciate the convenience and simplicity of a single joystick. Safety is enhanced via 360-degree blade and ripper visibility, provided by large panoramic windows and integrated ROPS / FOPS in the cab structure.

“We have a sleek and updated cab design with integrated ROPS / FOPS protection, so there’s no additional bulk around the cab,” Schuchter said.

As part of its work with the Australian-based Fortescue, Liebherr is developing a battery-electric dozer, which is expected to enter series production in 2029. The battery power module for this PR 776 BEV will also be supplied by Fortescue Zero.

The PR 776 BEV is part of the $2.8 billion USD deal to deliver 475 zero emissions mining machines. Through the partnership, Liebherr will deliver 60 PR 776 electric dozers by the end of 2030.

“As an OEM within the mining industry, decarbonization is a vital part of our work,” Weiss said. “We take our environmental, social and corporate governance responsibilities very seriously and have incorporated these into our strategies for meeting the goals of our zero emission mining program.”