Liebherr launched the RE 22 M Litronic, its first railroad excavator in the 22 to 25.7-tonne operating weight class, at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin. The machine is the successor to the A 922 Rail and A 924 Rail.
The RE 22 M is powered by the 120kW engine from the A 922 Rail and uses Liebherr’s hydraulic system for rail construction and maintenance applications. It retains technology from the previous generation while introducing a redesigned dual cab, the latest Intusi operating concept and a new rail undercarriage.
The machine has a standard rear swing radius of 2,000mm, increasing to 2,110mm with an optional heavier counterweight package, subject to approval.
The newly developed rail undercarriage is fitted as standard across the new generation and is the subject of a patent application. Its hydrostatic rail-wheel drive allows the machine to travel with the undercarriage lowered and the boom raised (Category 9A). When equipped with road tyres, it can operate with the undercarriage raised and the tyres running directly on the rails (Category 9C), generating traction for travel while helping to protect rail infrastructure. The concept, made possible by a redesigned undercarriage mounting and suspension system, allows the machine to travel and work in different operating positions.
The oscillating axle adapts to operating conditions, locking into position when the machine is working to increase stability and remaining free to oscillate during travel. The rail axle delivers a tractive force of 50kN and, subject to country-specific approval, enables travel speeds of up to 40km/h; in emergencies the machine can be towed at up to 60km/h.
For applications requiring greater lifting and load-bearing capacity, the RE 22 M can be fitted with a centre-mounted two-point support system. Its patent-pending kinematics keep the support close to the machine even when fully extended, adding minimal overall width while preserving visibility for operation in confined spaces.
The RE 22 M retains the upper structure of the A 922 Rail, which provides ground-level access for routine maintenance and servicing, and a range of counterweight options allows the machine to be tailored to specific operating requirements. The redesigned dual cab has a dedicated driver’s position in the upper section and a Comfort seat as standard. With the Intusi adaptive operating concept, the control panel previously mounted on the steering column is integrated into the Intusi display.
The hydraulic system comprises a Liebherr variable-displacement double pump with independent control circuits and a flow rate of 2x220l/min, allowing hydraulic functions to be operated independently of the machine’s working and travel movements. A second high-pressure circuit allows three hydraulic functions to be controlled directly.
Image: Liebherr
