by Nick Drew | Thu 21 Jul 2022
Generation 8 Liebherr Making a Big Impact in Finland
As one might expect for a Nordic region machine, it has been fitted with a tiltrotator, in this instance a Finnish manufactured Marttiini MT42 unit, and OilQuick connection for the Hydraram hydraulic attachments, which all utilise Steelwrist’s SQ fully automatic quick release system.
Historically Tapani Sarri have run Hitachi excavators with the odd Caterpillar and Volvo model, but in 1994 they invested in their first Liebherr machine, since that day the firm has purchased more than 20 Liebherr excavators.
The new R 938 Generation 8 is the company’s first machine with a two-piece (TAB) boom, according to Saari, it was a bit of a trial to see how it would compare with fixed boom models, but right from the start it has proven to be a great decision, especially in a demolition application, as it offers so much more flexibility. Not only can you reach higher with the TAB boom, you can work much closer to the machine too, so all-round, a much more versatile approach with less moving around of the base machine.
Pictured above: Tapani Saari (right) and operator Jussi Ahonen in the cab.
The operating weight of Saari’s R 938 is around about the 47-tonnes mark, and the machine features a much more heavy-duty reinforced undercarriage and tracks.
Many aspects of the machine were customised during manufacture at the Liebherr factory in Colmar, France, but the installation of attachments was done in Finland. Tapani Saari had done a lot of homework on the different brands of attachment, and in the end opted for Dutch built Hydraram equipment, which was supplied by Finnish dealer Malutech Oy.
The units supplied included a HDG selector grab, HRP-32V pulverizer, and the FX-380 Pro hydraulic breaker.
You can watch the video of the machine in action below.
The Digger Man Blog extends a big thank you to Esa Suominen of Konepörssi for the information, photos and video contained in this blog post.