Robustness, performance and innovation: with the R 948 G8, R 952 G8 and R 958 G8 models, Liebherr expands its crawler excavator portfolio in the 50-tonnes class. Developed to meet the demands of earthmoving, extraction and heavy-duty applications, the new machines combine a robust design, outstanding performance, the new emCAB operator’s cab, and state-of-the-art assistance and machine technologies.
Liebherr Excavators: Three New Machines, Three Different Missions
Liebherr is expanding its Generation 8 crawler excavator lineup with three new machines built for demanding earthmoving, quarry, extraction, and heavy-duty applications.
Introduced at steinexpo 2026, the new R 948 G8, R 952 G8, and R 958 G8 bring the latest Liebherr technology to the 50-ton class. While the three machines share many Generation 8 features, Liebherr has given each model a distinct role. The R 948 is optimized for earthmoving, the R 952 emphasizes versatility across applications, and the R 958 is configured for demanding quarry and extraction work.
All three Liebherr Excavators also introduce new technology designed to improve productivity, efficiency, operator comfort, and machine availability. That includes Liebherr engines, reinforced structures, the new emCAB operator’s cab and INTUSI interface, advanced machine control, and several operator assistance systems.
As a Liebherr Equipment dealer, Tracey Road Equipment is excited to see the Generation 8 lineup continue to expand. Here’s a closer look at the new R 948, R 952, and R 958 and what each machine brings to the jobsite.
Liebherr Excavators: Meet the New R 948, R 952 and R 958 Generation 8 Models
Three New Liebherr Excavators for the 50-Ton Class
Instead of creating three nearly identical excavators differentiated primarily by size, Liebherr developed the new machines around different types of work.
The R 948 G8 is focused on demanding earthmoving operations. The R 952 G8 sits at the center of the new range and provides greater configuration flexibility for contractors handling a variety of applications. The R 958 G8 moves further toward quarry and extraction work with heavy-duty components and a Mass Excavation configuration.
Here’s a general look at their specifications:
New Liebherr Excavator Specifications
| Specification | R 948 G8 | R 952 G8 | R 958 G8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 375 hp | 402 hp | 402 hp |
| Operating Weight | 107,145–112,835 lbs. | 112,860–129,920 lbs. | 128,885–130,425 lbs. |
| Bucket Capacity | 2.62–4.58 yd³ | 2.62–5.23 yd³ | 3.27–5.23 yd³ |
| Max. Dig Depth* | 24 ft. 3 in.–27 ft. 6 in. | 24 ft. 1 in.–27 ft. 4 in. | 22 ft. 10 in.–24 ft. 1 in. |
| Max. Ground Reach* | 37 ft. 6 in.–40 ft. 3 in. | 37 ft. 6 in.–40 ft. 2 in. | 36 ft. 9 in.–37 ft. 9 in. |
*Digging depth and reach vary depending on boom, stick, and machine configuration.
Although these machines occupy a similar size class, their differences allow customers to select an excavator based on the work they actually perform rather than simply choosing by operating weight.
R 948 G8: Built for Heavy Earthmoving
The Liebherr R 948 G8 is the smallest of the three new machines and is specifically designed for challenging earthmoving applications.
Power comes from a 375-horsepower Liebherr D 956 engine, while operating weight ranges from approximately 107,145 to 112,835 pounds, depending on configuration.
Bucket capacities range from approximately 2.62 to 4.58 cubic yards. Depending on the arm selected, maximum digging depth can reach approximately 27 feet 6 inches, with maximum ground-level reach extending to approximately 40 feet 3 inches.
Liebherr equips the R 948 with an LC undercarriage and optimizes its powertrain around the balance between performance and fuel consumption.
That combination makes the R 948 well suited for contractors handling large-scale excavation, site development, infrastructure projects, mass earthmoving, truck loading, and other production-focused applications.
For customers who need a powerful excavator in the 50-ton class but don’t require the quarry-focused configuration of the R 958, the R 948 provides an earthmoving-focused entry point into the new range.
R 952 G8: The Versatile Middle Ground
Liebherr describes the R 952 G8 as the centerpiece of the new series, and versatility is the reason why.
The R 952 uses a 402-horsepower Liebherr D 956 engine, stepping up from the R 948’s 375 horsepower. Depending on its configuration, operating weight ranges from approximately 112,860 to 129,920 pounds.
Bucket capacities range from approximately 2.62 to 5.23 cubic yards, while available configurations can provide digging depths of up to approximately 27 feet 4 inches and ground-level reach of approximately 40 feet 2 inches.
What really separates the R 952 is its flexibility.
Liebherr offers three different undercarriage variants along with a broad selection of equipment configurations. This allows the machine to be adapted to different operating conditions instead of being focused primarily on one type of work.
For contractors whose excavators move between different applications, the R 952 may provide an especially useful balance of power, size, and configuration options.
It can handle demanding earthmoving and loading applications while providing the flexibility needed for changing jobsite requirements.
R 958 G8: Designed for Quarry and Extraction Work
The R 958 G8 sits at the top of the new three-machine range and was developed specifically for demanding extraction and quarry applications.
Like the R 952, the R 958 is powered by a 402-horsepower Liebherr D 956 engine. Operating weight ranges from approximately 128,885 to 130,425 pounds, making it the heaviest of the three new machines.
Bucket capacities range from approximately 3.27 to 5.23 cubic yards. Depending on configuration, the R 958 provides maximum digging depths between approximately 22 feet 10 inches and 24 feet 1 inch, with ground-level reach extending to approximately 37 feet 9 inches.
Rather than maximizing reach, the R 958 is configured around demanding production work.
It features a heavy-duty S-HD undercarriage, Mass Excavation equipment, and specialized options designed to improve performance in quarry and extraction environments.
For applications involving heavy material, repetitive loading, quarry production, or other high-demand digging cycles, the R 958 provides the most specialized configuration of the three new Liebherr Excavators.
Generation 8 Strength Starts with the Structure
Heavy-duty applications can put enormous stress on an excavator over thousands of operating hours, so Liebherr focused heavily on structural durability when developing the new range.
The R 948, R 952, and R 958 feature reinforced structures manufactured using high-strength steels and steel castings.
Liebherr designed the machines not only to withstand difficult working conditions but also to maximize availability and reduce unnecessary downtime.
Maintenance access is part of that approach. An accessible platform provides easier access to the engine, while secure access points help technicians move around the machine.
An automatic central lubrication system is also integrated into the machine interface. Lubrication can be adapted to operating conditions to help protect components and support long-term durability.
For contractors running excavators in production applications where downtime quickly becomes expensive, machine availability can be just as important as digging performance.
New Technology Designed to Improve Efficiency
Generation 8 also brings several new technologies to the R 948, R 952, and R 958.
The hydraulic systems use Liebherr Technology Positive Control, designed to deliver fast, precise, and coordinated machine movements.
Liebherr’s Power Efficiency system, or LPE, is designed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 percent without sacrificing performance. Rather than simply reducing engine output, the system coordinates machine operation to help use available power efficiently.
Another important addition is Bucket Fill Assist (BFA).
Bucket Fill Assist automates portions of the bucket-filling process, helping operators achieve consistent filling during repetitive digging cycles. In production environments where an excavator may load trucks or move material throughout an entire shift, small improvements to each cycle can add up.
Liebherr’s Modetronic function also adjusts machine parameters based on the application, helping the excavator deliver appropriate performance for different operating conditions.
Machine Control Comes Standard
Machine control technology continues to become a larger part of modern excavation, and Liebherr is integrating more of that technology directly into its Generation 8 machines.
The R 948, R 952, and R 958 feature an integrated passive 2D machine control system as standard, developed in collaboration with Leica Geosystems.
Operators can use machine guidance to work toward specified depths and grades, helping reduce the need for repeated manual checks.
A dynamic weighing system is also integrated into the machine. Liebherr provides 500 operating hours of the weighing function as standard, allowing operators to monitor material loading directly from the excavator.
For customers requiring more advanced machine control, an optional 3D system can be added and expanded with semi-automated functions.
These systems are especially valuable on production jobs where accuracy, material quantities, and consistent cycle times can have a major effect on overall efficiency.
The New emCAB Operator Environment
A major change across the three new Liebherr Excavators is the introduction of the latest emCAB operator’s cab.
The cab is designed around the realities of spending an entire shift in a large excavator. Liebherr has focused on ergonomics, visibility, easier access to controls, and reducing unnecessary operator movement.
At the center of the cab is the INTUSI human-machine interface.
INTUSI provides an intuitive and customizable operating environment that gives operators simplified access to important machine functions. Controls are positioned so they are easier to identify and reach, while high-precision electric joysticks provide smooth machine control.
The goal is to make increasingly advanced equipment easier to operate rather than overwhelming operators with additional switches and separate displays.
For fleets with multiple operators, a more intuitive interface can also help different users become comfortable with the machine and access the functions they need.
Better Visibility Around the Machine
Visibility becomes increasingly important as excavators grow larger.
The new R 948, R 952, and R 958 include camera assistance systems as standard to help operators see more of the working area around the machine.
For customers wanting even greater visibility, Liebherr offers its optional Skyview 360° system, which provides a bird’s-eye view around the excavator.
Safer access platforms are another part of the updated design. Liebherr has also improved visibility of important fluid levels and positioned refueling and filling points lower on the machine to make daily servicing more convenient.
These may seem like small changes compared with engine horsepower or bucket capacity, but they’re the types of features operators and technicians interact with every day.
New Buckets and Ground-Engaging Tools
Liebherr is also pairing the Generation 8 machines with updated buckets and ground-engaging tools.
The bucket range offers multiple sizes and configurations for different materials and applications. Widths can be selected to optimize penetration and bucket filling based on ground conditions.
Customers can also choose among three levels of wear protection depending on the material being excavated.
Liebherr’s Z G3 tooth system is designed so the teeth maintain a sharp profile as they wear while incorporating additional wear material.
For machines working in abrasive earthmoving or quarry environments, selecting the correct bucket and wear package can have a significant impact on both production and operating costs.
Three Machines Built Around Different Jobs
The biggest takeaway from the introduction of the R 948, R 952, and R 958 is that Liebherr isn’t treating the 50-ton class as a single application.
The R 948 G8 is the earthmoving specialist, balancing strong production with optimized fuel consumption.
The R 952 G8 provides the greatest versatility, with multiple undercarriage and equipment configurations that allow it to adapt to different applications.
The R 958 G8 is the heavy-duty option, with its S-HD undercarriage and Mass Excavation equipment designed specifically around quarry and extraction work.
All three share the broader Generation 8 improvements in operator environment, machine control, assistance technology, structural durability, and efficiency.
That gives contractors the ability to select a machine that more closely matches the work it will actually perform.
Liebherr Excavators at Tracey Road Equipment
The new R 948 G8, R 952 G8, and R 958 G8 continue the expansion of Liebherr’s Generation 8 crawler excavator family while bringing new choices to customers working in the 50-ton class.
Whether the job calls for large-scale earthmoving, a versatile excavator that can move between applications, or a heavy-duty machine built around quarry production, Liebherr has developed each model with a distinct purpose.
At Tracey Road Equipment, we’re proud to be a Liebherr Equipment dealer and support customers with equipment, parts, service, and product knowledge throughout the life of their machines.
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