Liebherr LC 180 CNC Gear Hobbing Machine
Key Specifications
Max Workpiece ⌀
max module
axial travel
shift distance
hob diameter
hob speed
How much does the Liebherr LC 180 CNC Gear Hobbing Machine cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a cnc gear cutting machine in this class — not a quote from Liebherr. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Liebherr LC 180 CNC Gear Hobbing Machine has a working envelope of 180 mm maximum workpiece diameter and 400 mm of axial travel. The proportions say something about the intended parts: the travel is more than twice the diameter, so the machine is laid out as much for shafts carrying gear teeth as for disc-shaped gears.
On the tool side, the listed hob diameter is 150 mm with a shift distance of 200 mm, and shank cutters can be clamped up to 360 mm long. Shifting moves the hob along its own axis so that fresh teeth come into the cut, and a long shift distance spreads wear over more of the hob between regrinds. Both figures belong to the standard hob head. With the optional direct-drive head the hob diameter drops to 90 mm and the shift to 180 mm.
Module and speed come as pairs. Liebherr lists the standard head with 13 kW, 2,250 rpm and module 6 mm, and the direct-drive option with 23 kW, 6000 rpm and module 4 mm. Table speed is given as 800 / 250 rpm. In hobbing the table has to keep step with the hob and turns faster as the tooth count falls, so table speed as well as hob speed limits how quickly a small pinion can be cut. The row does not label its two figures; ask which one a given configuration carries.
Within the range, the LC 280 has the same travel, heads and speeds with a 280 mm workpiece diameter, so the choice between the two comes down to the largest gear on the route sheet. Parts longer than the 400 mm travel or coarser than module 6 mm point to the LC 300, with 700 mm of axial travel and a 27 kW head. Control software is LHGearTec.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 180 mm |
| Max Module | 4.00 / 6.00 mm |
| Axial Travel | 400 mm |
| Shift Distance | 200 mm |
| Hob Diameter | 150 mm |
| Hob Speed | 6,000 / 2,250 rpm |
| Table Speed | 800 / 250 rpm |
| Max Tool Clamping Length Shank Cutter | 360 mm |
| Hob Head Standard | Drive power 13 kW; speed of cutter spindle 2,250 rpm; max. module 6 mm; shift distance 200 mm; max. hob diameter 150 mm |
| Hob Head Direct Drive | Drive power 23 kW; speed of cutter spindle 6000 rpm; max. module 4 mm; shift distance 180 mm; max. hob diameter 90 mm (option) |
| Software | LHGearTec |
Specifications sourced from liebherr.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Axial travel of 400 mm, more than twice the 180 mm maximum workpiece diameter, suits gear shafts as well as disc gears
- A 200 mm shift distance on the standard head lets the hob be moved along its length as it wears
- Clamping length of up to 360 mm for shank cutters
- Hob speed of 6,000 rpm and 23 kW drive power are available through the optional direct-drive head
- LHGearTec software is listed for the machine
Limitations
- Module is limited to 6 mm on the standard head and 4 mm on the direct-drive head
- Choosing the direct-drive option reduces the hob to 90 mm in diameter and the shift distance to 180 mm
- Gears over 180 mm in diameter need the LC 280, which is listed at 280 mm
- The 13 kW standard head runs at 2,250 rpm, well below the 6,000 rpm of the optional head
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Up to 180 mm in diameter, with 400 mm of axial travel for the hob along the part. Because the travel is more than twice the diameter, long shaft-type parts fit as well as flat gears. For a larger diameter on the same travel, the LC 280 is listed at 280 mm.
02
200 mm with the standard hob head, which takes hobs up to 150 mm in diameter. With the optional direct-drive head the shift distance is 180 mm and the hob diameter is limited to 90 mm. Shank cutters can be clamped up to 360 mm long.
03
No. Liebherr marks the direct-drive head as an option. It brings 23 kW of drive power and a 6000 rpm cutter spindle but is limited to module 4 mm. The standard head has 13 kW, 2,250 rpm and a maximum module of 6 mm.
04
When the part is too long or the teeth too coarse. The LC 180 has 400 mm of axial travel and a maximum module of 6 mm on its standard head. The LC 300 has 700 mm of axial travel, a 27 kW HH 240 hob head and takes hobs up to 240 mm in diameter.
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