Liebherr to show ammonia engine at Bauma

Liebherr plans to unveil three new product developments in combustion engines at Bauma 2025, April 7-13, in Munich, Germany. They include the D9612 diesel engine, a hydraulic air boosting system and a concept ammonia-fueled engine.

Liebherr D9612 engine for off-road applications. (Photo: Liebherr)

The D9612 with 12 cylinders in-V arrangement and a displacement of 27 L can deliver a maximum power output of 950 kW (1,274 hp). It comes with an integrated centrifugal water pump and closed crankcase ventilation system, ultrafine fiber oil filter, fuel fine filter on engine as well as a twin scroll turbocharger that Liebherr said considerably improves fuel consumption. The engine is suited for demanding off-road applications, including in agriculture, industry and construction.

Liebherr will also be showing its hydraulic air booster, which helps manage engine dynamics during lean mixture engine operation. The system is designed to recover hydraulic energy and use it to power a mechanical compressor, when needed.

“In our machines, we transmit power using pressurized hydraulic fluid. Certain movements require the release of pressure, which results in energy loss,” explained Bouzid Seba, head of predevelopment, Liebherr Machines Bulle S.A. “Our innovation does not only allow to recover and store this energy, but also to use it subsequently on demand in our hydraulic air booster. When needed, the air booster pushes large quantities of air into the motor to help it deliver power quickly. Consequently, our innovation increases engine efficiency and performance.”

Liebherr is presenting its concept of an ammonia engine at Bauma 2025. (Illustration: Liebherr)

The technology also has the potential to benefit future engines powered by alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, Liebherr stated, by helping the engine deliver power quicker and match current diesel performance. The company added that its six-cylinder hydrogen engine prototype H966 with port fuel injection will be on display, representing recent investments by the components product segment in the development of hydrogen engines and test facilities.

In addition, Liebherr will be presenting its concept of an ammonia engine. The components product segment has undertaken research activities with ammonia as a power source for dual-fuel internal combustion engines, the company said, with achieved results clearing the path for further development of the solution. The engines will offer a high efficiency density power in line with the requirements of the mining industry.

An ammonia mock-up engine will be on display at Liebherr’s main booth in the Atrium area.

Hall A4, Booth 326