Liebherr Expands Rail Excavator Lineup With 22-Ton Debut of RE 22 M

Liebherr is expanding its lineup of railroad excavators with the new RE 22 M Litronic, marking its entry into the 22- to 25.7-metric-ton size class.

The specialized excavator replaces the A 922 Rail and A924 Rail, featuring a redesigned undercarriage and new cab for enhanced performance and operator comfort, while retaining reliable components and the existing hydraulic system, the company says.  

The RE 22 M runs on a 163-horsepower diesel engine paired with Liebherr’s hydraulic system, which includes a variable-displacement double pump with independent control circuits and a flow rate of 58 gallons per minute for each pump. This enables high-powered hydraulic attachments to be operated independently of the excavator’s working and travel movements. A second high-pressure circuit allows three hydraulic functions on specialized attachments to be controlled directly.

The excavator has a standard rear swing radius of 78.8 inches, or 83.1 inches with an optional heavier counterweight package, subject to approval.

New INTUSI Cab

Liebherr completely redesigned the dual cab with its latest INTUSI operating concept for improved operator comfort, ergonomics and ease of use.

Highlights include a dedicated operator's position in the upper cab section, a standard Comfort seat and a relocated control panel. The control panel, previously mounted on the steering column, is now fully integrated into the INTUSI display, creating a cleaner cab environment and unobstructed views of the work area, the company says.

Redesigned Undercarriage

The RE 22 M’s redesigned rail undercarriage mounting and suspension system will be standard across Liebherr’s new generation of rail excavators. 

A hydrostatic rail-wheel drive system allows the machine to both travel and work in different operating positions: With the undercarriage lowered and the boom raised, or when equipped with road tires, the RE 22 M can operate with the undercarriage raised and the tires running directly on the rails. This design generates the traction required for travel while helping to protect rail infrastructure and providing greater flexibility on site, Liebherr says.

An oscillating axle automatically adapts to operating conditions by locking in place for maximum stability and moving freely during travel for enhanced traction and ride quality.

The newly developed rail axle delivers a tractive force of 11,240 pound-feet and, subject to country-specific approval, enables travel speeds of up to 25 mph. In emergency situations, the excavator can also be towed at speeds of up to 37 mph.

For applications requiring even greater lifting and load-bearing capabilities, the RE 22 M can be equipped with a center-mounted two-point support system. The system features a compact design that remains tight to the machine even when fully extended, adding minimal overall width whole enhancing stability.

The RE 22 M maintains the same upper structure as the A 922 Rail, which provides ground-level access for routine maintenance and servicing. A range of counterweight options allows the machine to be tailored to specific operating requirements.

Between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, nearly 15,000 new financed excavators were sold in the U.S., according to Fusable’s EDA equipment finance data. That ranks them as the top-three seller, behind compact track loaders and mini excavators, which are defined as 10 metric tons and below. (Both EDA and Equipment World are owned by Fusable.)