Earthmoving Machines Support Long-Term Clay Extraction Operations

Wienerberger GmbH relies on Liebherr and Nagel for high-availability extraction equipment and service support in clay and loam quarrying.  www.liebherr.com Clay and loam extraction for brick production requires machinery that can deliver continuous output during narrow seasonal operating windows. At its Wertingen site in Germany, Wienerberger GmbH depended on earthmoving machines from Liebherr—supported by dealer Nagel—to manage extraction volumes efficiently and maintain stockpiles for year-round manufacturing. How Liebherr machines contribute to clay and loam extraction performance Clay pits operate under strict material-moisture constraints, meaning extraction can only occur in dry periods from March to November. During this window, quarry operators must maximise output before moisture levels exceed processing limits. For more than 40 years, Wienerberger GmbH used Liebherr machines to handle these requirements, noting the significance of uptime, fuel efficiency and precision handling during peak production months. The company’s long-term cooperation with Liebherr and Nagel began in 1984 with its first crawler excavator and wheel loader. According to Wienerberger’s extraction manager, equipment development, service quality and technical support were key factors in maintaining the partnership. Equipment used in high-intensity extraction phases Material extraction: R 966 Litronic crawler excavator In the Wertingen loam and clay pits, the R 966 Litronic was deployed for primary excavation. Key specifications included: operating weight: approx. 78 tonnes controlled fuel consumption: ~40 litres/hour high penetration force for compacted material stability suited to irregular and sloped quarry surfaces These characteristics aligned with the mechanical demands of clay extraction, where dense layers require consistent breakout force. Loading and transport: L 586 XPower and L 550 XPower wheel loaders Two wheel loaders handled truck loading and on-site material transfer. Their XPower drivetrains—combining hydrostatic and mechanical drive—were designed to optimise fuel use under varying load cycles, an advantage for repetitive loading operations in confined pit conditions. Site preparation: PR 746 Litronic crawler dozer The PR 746 Litronic, with 258 HP, was used for grading and site preparation. A reinforced undercarriage and assisted steering contributed to maintained blade control on soft or uneven ground, supporting efficient shaping of extraction zones and haul roads. Service and maintenance to reduce downtime In a quarrying environment where extraction windows are limited by moisture levels, unplanned downtime can delay stockpiling. Wienerberger cited short response times and consistent service support from Nagel and Liebherr as essential for maintaining equipment availability. The combination of mechanical reliability and on-site service continuity enabled the company to meet annual production targets within the restricted quarrying season. Company background and industry context Wienerberger GmbH, part of the Wienerberger Group since 2024, manufactures clay bricks, roof tiles and building materials through multiple German production sites. Its heritage dates back to the 19th century through the Creaton brand, which grew via mergers and later joined Terreal in 2021 before becoming part of Wienerberger’s broader European portfolio. With approximately 1,800 employees across 21 sites in Germany, Wienerberger combines traditional clay-processing methods with industrial automation and sustainability-focused production strategies. Comparable machinery in the extraction sector Other manufacturers active in the same extraction-equipment segment include: Caterpillar 374 excavator and 988K wheel loader for large-scale aggregate operations Komatsu PC800 excavators and WA600 loaders for heavy-duty earthmoving Hitachi ZX670LC excavators designed for clay and overburden removal Compared to these peers, Liebherr’s equipment at Wertingen offered fuel consumption figures and drive-system configurations tailored to frequent loading cycles and high-density materials typical in clay extraction. Final equipment selection generally depends on quarry layout, material characteristics, required breakout force and operational cost targets. Conclusion The long-standing cooperation between Wienerberger GmbH, Liebherr and Nagel demonstrated how equipment reliability, targeted machine capabilities and consistent service support contribute to efficient clay and loam extraction. With seasonal operating constraints and high production pressures, the combination of excavators, wheel loaders and dozers enabled sustained material output for Wienerberger’s brick production across Germany. www.liebherr.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing