Heavy Metal: N&Rs Latest Liebherr

The UK quarrying sector has undergone significant change over recent decades. Traditional in-house workforces have largely been replaced by specialist contractors, and companies that have adapted have thrived. One such business is Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications of Ulverston, Cumbria, which has grown to become one of the UK's leading providers of specialist services to the quarrying industry.

Originally focused on steel fabrication and construction works for quarry operators, the company has expanded over the past 20 years to include plant hire and contract crushing services, working with many of the industry's major names. The growth of its fabrication activities naturally led to opportunities in plant replacement and site redevelopment. This resulted in the acquisition of long-established demolition specialist N&R Contractors, enabling the business to offer a complete package for quarry operators looking to replace, renew or remove redundant processing equipment and infrastructure.

"N&R's Director, Colin Scott, explains: "Developing the demolition side of the business has given us much greater flexibility in delivering solutions for our customers. It allows us to clear outdated or inefficient plant and buildings, creating opportunities for operators to invest in more productive equipment. It also ensures our fabrication and installation teams can plan with confidence, knowing sites will be ready when required."

To support growing demand for demolition services, N&R Contractors recently invested in a second Liebherr R 945 excavator, joining a machine that entered the fleet in 2021.

"The first machine has been an excellent servant for us," says Colin. "It's worked extremely hard and, while we've experienced a few minor issues over the years, Liebherr has dealt with them quickly and professionally. The increase in work meant we needed another machine."

The R 945 is currently the largest machine in Liebherr's Generation 8 excavator range produced at the company's Colmar facility in France. Nearly a decade after the launch of the Generation 8 platform, the machines continue to deliver impressive fuel efficiency alongside strong performance. The range now spans from 20-tonne models through to the almost 50-tonne R 945 SME, fitted with a heavy-duty variable-width undercarriage.

Power comes from Liebherr's 8-litre D944 A7 four-cylinder engine producing 299hp. Hydraulic performance is delivered through twin variable-displacement pumps providing a combined flow of 630 litres per minute and operating pressures of up to 400 bar, making the machine particularly well suited to demanding demolition attachments.

Serviceability is another key feature. Large access platforms and wide steps provide safe access to both the engine compartment and hydraulic systems, helping reduce routine maintenance times.

N&R's new machine is equipped with Liebherr's 2.9m-wide S-HD undercarriage and 600mm triple grouser tracks, giving a ground width of just under 3.5m. Heavy-duty access steps have been fitted to both track frames, with chamfered edges designed to minimise damage when working on rough ground. Additional protection comes in the form of a reinforced plate beneath the slew ring, helping guard against damage from falling steel debris.

Although the cab design has remained largely unchanged since the launch of the Generation 8 range, operator comfort remains a strong point. According to operator Paul Hougham, the spacious layout, visibility and intuitive controls help make long shifts more comfortable.

"I really like the Liebherr cab, particularly how comfortable it is," Paul says. "A tilting cab would be useful for certain jobs, but otherwise I can't fault it. The machine has plenty of power, but for us it's the smooth and accurate operation of the shear that makes the biggest difference."

Both joysticks incorporate integrated mini-controllers that enable precise control of attachments. The cab is also protected by Liebherr's purpose-built FOPS guarding on both the roof and front windscreen.

Unlike many demolition contractors working in congested urban environments, N&R's projects are typically carried out on large quarry sites with plenty of working space.

"In my previous demolition work around London, space was always an issue," explains Paul. "Here we have the room to safely take down taller structures and process materials on the ground."

For that reason, the company chose not to invest in high-reach equipment. Instead, the new machine mirrors the specification of its predecessor, featuring a 7m straight boom and 2.6m stick. Unlike many competing demolition machines, Liebherr designs and manufactures the straight boom in-house, ensuring full compatibility and support throughout the machine's life.

This configuration provides a maximum pin height of almost 11m, more than 2m higher than a standard mono-boom machine. The excavator is fitted with a directly mounted LaBounty MSD2000 shear rather than a hydraulic quick-coupler system, as the machine is dedicated exclusively to steel processing applications. To balance the 5-tonne attachment, N&R selected the heavier 9.4-tonne counterweight package, taking operating weight beyond 50 tonnes.

"We've used LaBounty attachments for years," Paul says. "They're robust, powerful and perfectly suited to the type of steel structures we encounter."

Following its debut on the Liebherr stand at Hillhead 2026, the R 945's first assignment was at a recently closed quarry in Leicestershire. Working alongside a Liebherr R 922 G8 excavator, the machine was tasked with dismantling and processing the site's entire crushing and screening plant before the area was restored for future environmental use.

While the R 922 focused on breaking out concrete structures and conveyor tunnels, the R 945 concentrated on dismantling and processing steelwork. Material was cut into lengths of no more than five feet before being stockpiled for recycling.

"Processing it on site takes a little longer," Paul explains, "but it avoids additional handling charges and ensures we achieve the best possible return on the scrap."

Throughout the project, the excavator demonstrated impressive stability, even when handling several tonnes of steel at full reach on soft ground.

"It feels even more stable than the older machine," Paul notes.

For Thor Atkinson, the investment has reinforced the company's positive experience with the Liebherr brand.

"We've been extremely happy with both the machines and the support we've received," he says. "We always assess different manufacturers when purchasing equipment, but Liebherr continues to deliver the reliability, productivity and operator comfort we need. The excellent fuel efficiency also helps reduce both operating costs and environmental impact."