Liebherr sets new standards in productivity, reliability and cost-effective operation with the launch of R 9100 mining excavator- Samar Pal, National Head for India Mining Division, Liebherr India
Where does India stand in terms of mining machinery when compared to other developing countries?India is now having the presence of all most all the major mining machinery manufacturers of repute from around the world. Indian buyers are now exposed to modern technology and approach. Instead of being price sensitive, Indian market is now feeling the essence of linking the equipment with productivity. With respect to this, I feel India has made a significant progress.
How do you see Indian mining machinery industry going ahead?There is no dearth of opportunity in India as far as mining machinery industry is concerned. Indian buyers are making fast progress in graduating to a concept of bigger and specialised machineries, analysing cost per ton. There is also a large realisation that improved technology needs more partnering with the manufacturers.
The concept of full-maintenance contract is also being widely adopted by every medium to large-scale buyers. The major constraint to this growth path has been getting largely affected due to the recent controversy on coal block allotment. In order to give push to a sustainable growth, we are looking forward to have more simplified process on mining lease allocation. Moreover, expediting the commencement of many new blocks will definitely open up a significant opportunity for the mining machinery industry. I personally feel that the present sluggish movement in the market is a temporary situation.
Is there any shift in demand for mining equipment due to coal-related issues?There is a temporary halt in the demand of mining machinery procurement since most of the proposed buyers are not very sure of the outcome of this controversy.
What is your expectation from IMME 2012?Liebherr Mining Division has already set up effectively the footprint in Indian market from 2009 onwards by creating a separate mining division in Kolkata. End-users are already aware of our support level and we are striving to make it even better and customer friendly. In forthcoming IMME, we intend to display one of our new products which would certainly draw enough attention to all our existing and potential buyers.
Is this exhibition going to help your business?This is obviously going to help us in getting introduced to new opportunities through new customers. There is already a presence of many foreign contractors whom we are serving outside India. This is likely to open up a new business opportunity as well.
What kind of products are you going to display at IMME?We are planning to display a new excavator model R 9100 which was introduced at BAUMA 2010 as a prototype. The R9100 hydraulic excavator is a new Liebherr 110 tonne excavator. The deployed unit will operate at a coal-mining site in India after IMME.
Liebherr R 9100 (inset)“Liebherr sets new standards in productivity, reliability and cost-effective operation with the launch of R 9100 mining excavator. This new 100-tonne excavator is powered by a new Liebherr V12 diesel engine that will be able to comply in future with all USA/EPA Tier-2 emission limits and make highly efficient, economical use of fuel,” informed Samar Pal, National Head for India Mining Division, Liebherr India.
With a rated power output of 565 KW (757 hp), the innovative Liebherr V12 engine, together with the efficient hydraulic system, supplies the high breakout and digging forces needed for day-to-day operation. The Liebherr bucket, with a nominal volume of 6.8 cubic metres, is an optimised pattern for mining work, designed for improved penetration and a high fill factor.
Separate radiators with hydrostatic fan drive for the hydraulic system and the engine keep the mechanical assemblies at their optimal working temperatures. This efficient cooling concept keeps energy consumption for the auxiliary drives to a minimum but maintains a high level of reliability even in the extreme conditions encountered in the mining industry.
Working conditions are ideal in the new cabin, with a first-class standard of comfort and convenience. The raised operator’s position and the large panoramic windows provide an excellent view of the complete work area. The areas, which cannot be observed directly, are monitored by two cameras and  their images displayed on a new 10.5-inch screen. The cabin’s highly effective noise insulation makes a further contribution to productivity.
The R 9100 incorporates systems and components of thoroughly proven quality that Liebherr itself has developed. Together with the revised single-line lubrication circuit, and the fuel and oil filter systems, they are part of this mining excavator’s excellent reliability and performance potential. Cost effectiveness is enhanced by the reduced volume of maintenance work. A wide catwalk makes it easy to reach the individual assemblies for rapid and reliable servicing. All maintenance points are accessible at a practical height from one side of the machine.

Contact:Liebherr India Pvt. Ltd.D16/3, MIDC,, Ground Floor,TTC Industrial Area,Turbhe,Navi Mumbai – 400703MaharashtraTel:  022-67957500