Built on Liebherr’s extensive knowledge in specialist rail machinery, the latest generation A 922 Rail Litronic is an excavator engineered to transition seamlessly between rail and road operations.
At the core of the machine is a dual-function undercarriage that comes in various versions to run on different track gauges, alongside tyres for driving the excavator on the ground. Having this wheeled chassis also increases machine speed compared with crawler rail machines, making travel between job sites quicker.
Having a machine that is ‘rail ready’ is a major drawcard for contractors who need to work both on and off-rail and are looking for an excavator that can easily change between attachments, said Liebherr’s National Sales Manager, Noel Tosolini.
“What really stands out with the A 922 Rail is the flexibility and ease of changing between rail and earthmoving. The ease of changing between attachments means it is fast, efficient and safe for the operator.
“Being purposefully designed for both rail and excavation, the A 922 Rail is equally competent in both tasks.”
Safety first
An independent variable displacement pump for the rail undercarriage always ensures a high level of traction, while standard integrated brakes in the rail wheel shorten the braking distance.
The counterweight has been redesigned to yield the best load-bearing values and improve weight distribution, along with a more compact rear that has a 2000-millimetre swivel radius.
Optional heavy ballast improves lifting capacity and stability when working near or over track, for example, when lifting sleepers into place, while safety features such as lift/swivel limits and virtual wall options aid precise machine control when working close to track and overhead lines.
Superior hydraulics
The A 922 Rail Litronic has an operating weight of between 20,400 and 23,400 kilograms and is powered by a 120-kilowatt (163-horsepower) engine.
Two high-pressure circuits and an upgraded high-flow pump allow for the use of large hydraulic rail attachments, such as tampers, mulchers and high-flow breakers, without compromising other functions.
The double variable-displacement pump has independent control circuits, with each high-pressure circuit delivering about 220 litres a minute. The flows of both circuits can be combined if needed when using heavy attachments such as pile drivers.
Because the two circuits are independent, three functions can be controlled simultaneously on special attachments such as tampers without impairing travel/boom operation.
“Liebherr hydraulics truly are superior,” Tosolini said.
“There are also fully automatic or cab-operable quick coupler options, which means the operator can stay safe in the cab when switching between attachments, while also reducing downtime.”
Attachments
On the earthmoving side, Liebherr offers specialist buckets, grabs, pallet forks, hammers and stick extensions, which come in options between 2.25 and three metres and extend the reach of the excavator for when working on embankments or mowing, for example.
On the rail attachment side, Liebherr has ballast tampers and profilers, tools for replacing sleepers, mulchers, saws, clamps and grabs.
Tosolini added: “The A 922 Rail can also accept third-party attachments in addition to Liebherr-brand tools, which makes it a true multi-role machine for both civil earthworks and rail maintenance.”
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