Liebherr-Canada delivers a third R 9150 excavator to Hammerstone Infrastructure Materials, supporting year-round limestone production at Muskeg Quarry in Alberta.
Hammerstone Infrastructure Materials has expanded its fleet at Muskeg Quarry in Alberta with a third Liebherr R 9150 excavator. Delivered on 19 June 2026, the 150-tonne-class machine joins two existing units at one of Western Canada’s largest limestone quarries, which supplies aggregates to the region’s oil sands industry.
Operating around the clock in temperatures that can fall to −35°C, the quarry requires equipment capable of maintaining production in demanding conditions.
Building on an Established Excavator Fleet
Hammerstone has operated Liebherr R 9150 excavators since 2018. By adding another unit of the same model, the company is expanding its loading fleet while maintaining a familiar equipment platform, potentially simplifying maintenance, operator training and spare parts management.
“Over the past eight years, we’ve been impressed by the R 9150’s high production capacity, excellent digging power and fast cycle times. In fact, the machine has delivered the reliability and consistency needed to keep material moving. So, adding an additional unit to our fleet was an easy decision,”
Said Bryan George, vice president and general manager at Hammerstone.
Arctic Kits for Extreme Winter Conditions
All three R 9150 excavators are equipped with Liebherr’s optional Arctic Kits, designed to support operations in temperatures as low as −35°C.
The packages include Arctic-rated fluids, heated mirrors, cold-weather greasing systems and preheating capabilities. These features help address cold-starting difficulties, hydraulic fluid viscosity and lubrication challenges that can affect heavy equipment during severe winters. For a quarry operating 24 hours a day, limiting weather-related downtime is essential to maintaining consistent limestone production.
Local Service Support for Continuous Operations
Liebherr-Canada supports Hammerstone’s excavators through its Fort McKay branch, providing technical assistance and maintenance services.
“But even the most durable of machines need servicing and repair every now and then. Having experienced personnel on hand to look after Hammerstone’s R 9150s when needed means we can keep operational disruptions to a minimum,”
Said Francis O’Flaherty, divisional director, mining at Liebherr-Canada.
With three R 9150 excavators now operating at Muskeg Quarry, Hammerstone is reinforcing its loading capacity around an established machine platform. The investment highlights the importance of cold-weather preparation and service accessibility in maintaining year-round quarry operations.
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