Liebherr achieved another sales record in the 2024 financial year. The construction and technology group from the Allgäu region is growing despite a difficult market situation. For construction companies and fleet managers, the total figures are less decisive than the strategic alignment: How does Liebherr invest in low-emission drives, which emission classes do the new models meet, and what comes after Stage V?
The group confirms with its 2024 business report its position as one of the leading construction machinery manufacturers worldwide. The business divisions of earthmoving, mobile cranes, and tower cranes contribute significantly to growth. But the real question is: How is Liebherr preparing for stricter environmental regulations?
The answer lies in a two-pronged strategy. First: All new hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders from 56 kW onwards have complied with the EU Stage V standard since 2020. This means: Particulate emissions and nitrogen oxides are reduced by up to 90 percent compared to Stage IIIB. Liebherr relies on SCR catalysts and diesel particulate filters without AdBlue refilling during maintenance intervals. This saves time on the construction site.
Second: The group is advancing electrification. Following the successful field test of the fully electric mobile crane LTM 1110-5.1 E, series production of electric mid-class excavators is imminent. Liebherr is currently testing several prototypes in the 20 to 30-ton range. Target group: municipal utilities and construction companies with inner-city projects where emission bans apply.
For larger machines, Liebherr relies on hybrid drives. The large mining excavators of the R 9000 series already operate with diesel-electric drive. The principle: diesel engine drives generator, electric motors move pumps and chassis. Advantage: 15 to 20 percent less fuel consumption with higher performance at the same time. This technology is to gradually migrate to smaller weight classes.
In parallel, Liebherr is investing in digital machine control. All new Stage V models are equipped with telematics as standard. Operating hours, fuel consumption, and maintenance intervals can be read in real time. For fleet managers, this means: transparency regarding actual operating costs and plannable downtime.
Mobile cranes and tower cranes are also being converted to Stage V. The new LTM models with lifting capacities up to 500 tons already meet the standard as standard equipment. For tower cranes, Liebherr is increasingly using electric winches with energy recovery when lowering loads. This reduces electricity demand on the construction site by up to 30 percent.
Particularly relevant for the German market: Liebherr is planning the introduction of Stage-V-compliant crawler excavators in the 15 to 45-ton range still this year. Those who invest now will get machines that also meet future emission standards. The additional costs compared to Stage IIIB are around 8 to 12 percent, but pay for themselves through lower fuel consumption and higher resale values.
