When Western Australian equipment hire and maintenance company Finmec decided to expand its capabilities in rail, its requirements were clear: versatility, reliability, and the ability to support customers in some of the harshest operating environments in the country.
The answer came in the form of Liebherr’s A 922 Rail Litronic railroad excavator, a machine designed from the ground up to service the needs of the rail industry.
For Finmec, which is based in Port Hedland, acquiring several A 922s means more than simply having new, high-performing equipment on the books – the machines will create many opportunities in rail construction and maintenance for the company.
We spoke to Finmec’s Managing Director, Daniel Finch, to find out more.
Rail excavators built for the Pilbara
Finch said Finmec’s decision to add A 922 Rail Litronic railroad excavators to its fleet was driven by a key customer.
“We bought the machines to support one of our clients in rail maintenance who will be dry hiring them,” Finch explained.
“What stood out to us was the fact that the A 922 Rail are built ‘rail ready’ from the factory, with ease of use for the operators and a hydraulic system designed to handle attachment use without lag.”
That “rail ready” capability is one of the A 922 Rail Litronic’s calling cards. Unlike standard excavators modified for rail use, Liebherr’s purpose-built design integrates road-to-rail conversion, dual-axle rail guidance, and industry-leading safety systems.
Safety features include load torque, height and sway limitation, as well as “virtual wall” technology that limits the space that the machinery can move within.
“The virtual walls are a very big factor for us when our customer is working on dual track and needs to set limits in place,” Finch added.
He said the ability to switch between road and rail easily was a critical factor when Finmec was choosing what machines to buy.
“The scope changes daily, and to have the ability to switch between road and rail keeps the operation going,” he explained.
The A 922 Rail is compatible with a large selection of attachments, from quick coupler systems to digging tools and grabs for a wide variety of applications.
Finmec has installed an Engcon head, which Finch said enables the team to change its work tools quickly and operate in narrow spaces.
“Having the quick hitch couplers is critical for the work tool that we use on these machines, as it offers a quick ability to change attachments,” he added.
“We have also ordered a selection of Harry Bilt work tools to assist our operation, including tampers, threaders, cribbing buckets, plus more.”
Finch said he’s confident the A 922 Rail will stand up in the rugged conditions of the Pilbara.
“From Liebherr’s quality, engineering and support, these machines will perform to a very high standard.”
A recipe for success
The latest generation of the A 922 Rail Litronic builds on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing a series of upgrades to boost performance and efficiency.
With an operating weight of 20,400 to 23,400 kilograms and powered by a new 120-kilowatt construction machine engine, the new railroad excavator delivers higher working speeds and smooth operation. The machine can be configured to meet country-specific emissions regulations to meet with different working conditions and requirements.
A redesigned heavy counterweight boosts load-bearing capacity through better weight distribution, while a more compact rear radius of just 2000 millimetres makes it easier to work in narrow or restricted areas.
The performance of handling attachments has also been improved, with the proven dual variable displacement pump now providing two independent control circuits with delivery rates of 220 litres per minute each. This allows operators to run high-demand attachments without compromising responsiveness, and the system can still combine both hydraulic circuits when maximum output is required.
Customisation is one of Liebherr’s key strengths, offering the A 922 Rail in various undercarriage versions with different track widths and rail wheels.
An independent variable displacement pump powers the rail undercarriage, delivering strong traction and safe propulsion, while standard integrated brakes in the rail wheels shorten stopping distances, adding an additional layer of safety.
The A 922 Rail’s spacious double cab with a modern design and standard roll-over protective structure offers more comfortable and safer conditions for operators, with entry lighting easing access to both seats.
The operator’s seat, the touchscreen colour display and other control elements are also ergonomically designed for a better operator experience.
As Australia’s rail industry continues to expand and modernise, equipment such as the A 922 Rail is giving contractors and maintenance providers the versatile tools they need to stay productive and safe.
For operators such as Finmec, the investment means they can deliver for clients across Port Hedland and the wider Pilbara region, and keep projects moving – on track and on time.
For more information, visit: www.liebherr.com.au.
