Liebherr L2000 Gear Hobbing Machine – Year 1996

1. Maximum machinable module (approximately 60-70 kg/mm² in steel): 30
2. Maximum workpiece diameter that can be machined with counter-support arm: 1600 mm
Without counter-support arm: 3200 mm
3. Maximum milling path distance (maximum workpiece width): 710 mm
4. Maximum milling travel
a) Normal milling head (manual): 150 mm
b) Tangential milling head: 600 mm
c) Universal milling head: 200 mm
5. Minimum number of teeth to be machined
a) With normal and tangential milling heads: 12
b) With universal milling head: 16

II. MACHINE DIMENSIONS

1. Workpiece diameter: 1800 mm
2. Workpiece bore diameter: 300 mm
3. Workpiece taper diameter: 60 mm
4. Workpiece taper: MK 6
5. Maximum milling diameter
a) Standard milling head: 250 mm
b) Universal milling head (2529): 300 mm
c) Tangential milling head (Groove Φ): 300 mm
6. Maximum milling length: 340 mm
7. Milling holder spindle diameter
a) Machine accessory: 40 mm
b) On order: 32, 50, 60 mm etc.
8. Milling spindle clamping taper: MK 6
9. Axis distance between milling cutter and workpiece
Normal milling head : min: 245 mm / max: 1260 mm
Tangent milling head: min: 185 mm/max: 1200 mm
Universal milling head (2529): min: 160 mm/max: 1175 mm

Dimensions: 6500x3900x3300 mm
Weight: 39.000 kg

All auxiliary equipment, including gear sets, mandrels and books are available.

Liebherr L2000 Gear Hobbing Machine – Technical Evaluation (Year 1996)
1. Technical Evaluation Overview

The Liebherr L2000 is a large-capacity gear hobbing machine designed for machining very large gears with high module values. Based strictly on the provided specifications, the machine supports a maximum machinable module of 30 (referenced for steel in the ~60–70 kg/mm² strength range). This places the L2000 firmly in the heavy gear manufacturing category.

The machine can process workpieces up to Ø1,600 mm with a counter-support arm and up to Ø3,200 mm without the counter-support arm. The maximum milling path (workpiece width) is 710 mm. Milling travel depends on the installed head: 150 mm (normal head), 600 mm (tangential head), or 200 mm (universal head). The minimum number of teeth is specified as 12 with normal/tangential heads and 16 with the universal head.

Workholding parameters include a workpiece diameter of 1,800 mm, bore diameter of 300 mm, taper diameter of 60 mm, and Morse taper MK6. Milling cutter capacity varies by head, with maximum milling diameters up to 300 mm and a maximum milling length of 340 mm. The machine accommodates multiple milling holder spindle diameters (standard 40 mm; others available), all clamped via MK6.

The machine envelope is 6,500 × 3,900 × 3,300 mm, with a machine weight of approximately 39,000 kg, indicating a highly rigid structure suitable for large, high-load operations.

2. What to Check Before Buying

Given the size, age, and complexity of the machine, inspection should focus on:

Mechanical structure and geometry:

Condition and alignment of the main structure and guideways under heavy load.

Verification of accuracy over the large axis distance ranges between milling cutter and workpiece (up to ~1,260 mm depending on head).

Integrity and functionality of the counter-support arm, which directly affects maximum machinable diameter.

Milling heads and spindles:

Condition of the normal, tangential, and universal milling heads (if supplied), including bearings, gears, and mounting interfaces.

Verification of MK6 spindle tapers and clamping condition.

Confirmation of achievable milling travels per head type (150 / 600 / 200 mm).

Workholding and setup:

Inspection of workpiece mounting interfaces, including Ø300 mm bore and MK6 taper condition.

Verification of minimum tooth count capability relative to intended gear geometries.

Drives, controls, and electrics:

Identification and condition of the control system (not specified).

Inspection of motors, gearboxes, lubrication systems, and electrical cabinets consistent with a 1996-built machine.

Availability of technical documentation and head-specific setup data.

3. Typical Industrial Applications

Based strictly on the stated capacities, the Liebherr L2000 is technically suitable for:

Hobbing of very large gears with high module values (up to module 30).

Production of gears for heavy industry, including energy, mining, marine, and large mechanical drives.

Machining of wide gears and components requiring tangential or universal milling heads for extended reach.

Specific achievable accuracy grades, surface finish values, and production rates are not stated and must be validated.

4. Common Risks in Used Machines

Typical risks associated with used large gear hobbing machines of this class include:

Wear in guideways and head interfaces, affecting profile accuracy on large diameters.

Complexity of multiple milling heads, where condition varies significantly by head type.

Control and electrical obsolescence, depending on original configuration and upgrades.

Incomplete tooling or documentation, limiting the full use of the machine’s theoretical capacity.

5. Maintenance and Service Considerations

With no service history provided, maintenance considerations are limited to general technical points:

Regular inspection and lubrication of all major mechanical interfaces is critical at this scale.

Periodic verification of alignment between milling head and workpiece axes is essential for gear quality.

Milling heads and spindle tapers require close monitoring due to high cutting forces.

Any refurbishment or recommissioning should be based on on-site inspection and trial machining, not assumptions tied to capacity ratings alone.

Final Note:
The Liebherr L2000 is a heavy-duty, large-diameter gear hobbing platform with substantial module capability and flexible head configurations. While the provided specifications clearly define its size and theoretical capacity, a complete technical evaluation requires confirmation of installed head types, control system configuration, mechanical condition, and available documentation through direct inspection and testing.