Liebherr introduces new 600-ton LR 1600/2

Liebherr plans to expand its product line of lattice boom cranes with the introduction of the LR 1600/2 crawler crane. The company says the LR 1600/2 will set new standards in the 600 ton capacity crawler crane class with its outstanding load capacities, variable boom and derrick systems, and components with weights and sizes that have been optimized for economical transportation.

The LR 1600/2 achieves its 600-ton maximum load capacity with a 48-meter main boom and derrick system at a 10 meter working radius. The maximum load moment is 8,085 tonne meters. The maximum 180-meter system length is reached with a 96-meter main boom and an 84-meter luffing jib, in operation with derrick system. This system length enables the crane to work over the top of tall buildings. With a derrick boom of up to 36 meters in length, the maximum 350 ton derrick ballast is adjusted from 10 to 18 meter radius as a suspended ballast without a guide and under full load. The company says that this design principle has been tried and tested on other Liebherr crawler cranes with success. A ballast trailer, the radius of which can be adjusted from 13 to 18 meters using a hydraulic guide, is available as an option. It is also possible to use the ballast trailer from the LR 1750, making the machine more flexible and cost effective for users who own the 750 ton capacity machine.

The LR 1600/2 was also designed with the task of assembling wind turbines in mind. The SL main boom can be erected with a length of up to 102 meters without the derrick system. With load capacities of over 95 tons, this configuration is ideal for mounting wind turbines from the 3-MW class atop 100-meter towers. With the derrick system, the same turbines can be mounted on 120-meter towers. The SL system also offers operators the advantage of being able to insert the boom sections inside one another for transport.

The dimensions and weights of the individual components are such that the new LR 1600/2 can be moved economically, the company claims. The 74-ton basic machine, comprising crawler center section, slewing platform and A frame, is just 3.2 meters tall and can be carried on a 1-meter semi low-loader. The weight of the basic machine can be reduced by 57 tons if the A frame is removed.

The new LR 1600/2 is powered by a 6-cylinder Liebherr diesel engine, and six winches are available for use in operations. The new crane is also fitted with a new crane cab that offers a second seat and three LICCON monitors. The first machines are to be delivered during the first half of 2008.