Liebherr has expanded its range of lattice boom cranes with its new model LR 1600/2 crawler crane. The LR 1600/2 features large load capacities, variable boom and derrick systems, and components with weights and sizes that have been optimized for economical transportation. The first machines are to be dispatched in the first half of 2008.
Large load capacities with variable boom systems
The LR 1600/2 offers exceptional load capacities across the entire working area with diverse boom configurations. The crane achieves its 661-ton maximum load capacity with a 157-foot main boom and derrick system at an almost 33-foot working radius. The maximum load moment is 8,085 tm. The maximum 590-foot system length is reached with a 315-foot main boom and an 276-foot luffing jib, in operation with derrick system. This system length is designed for plant construction, enabling the crane to work over the top of tall buildings. With a derrick boom of up to 118 feet in length, the maximum 386-ton derrick ballast is adjusted from 33 to 59 foot radius as a suspended ballast without a guide and under full load. This design principle has already been tried and tested on other Liebherr crawler cranes with success. The large adjustment range offers compactness at a small radius and, at a large radius, great load capacities or ballast savings in crane operations in which maximum load capacities are not required.
A ballast trailer, the radius of which can be adjusted from 42 to 59 feet using a hydraulic guide, is available as an optional extra. It is also possible to use the ballast trailer from the LR 1750, a bonus for crane operators who already own the Liebherr 827-tonner. The maximum 209-ton superstructure ballast comprises standard 11-ton slabs that are positioned on the brackets mounted on the sides of the slewing platform. A wide, heavy base slab is not necessary.
Economical crane operation with practical designs
Cost efficiency in the assembly of wind turbines was a vital criterion in the development of the LR 1600/2. The SL main boom can be erected with a length of up to almost 335 feet without derrick system. Developed from this system, a 354-foot SL system with a 39-foot fixed jib is available, which, again without derrick or second crane, can be erected to under-hook heights of 384 feet. With load capacities of more than 105 tons, this configuration can mount wind turbines from the 3-MW class atop 328-foot towers. With derrick system, the same turbines can be mounted on 394-foot towers. The SL system also offers operators the advantage of being able to insert the boom sections inside one another for transport, reducing overall transport volumes.
In a further major step toward greater economies in crane operation, the same head section can be used for all boom systems. In addition, the boom-head adapter also serves as a reducing section in boom extensions. Even when attaching the vessel lifter, no additional components are required, because it is part of the luffing jib.
Inexpensive transport logistics
The dimensions and weights of the individual components are such that the new LR 1600/2 can be moved economically. The 82-ton basic machine, comprising crawler center section, slewing platform and A frame, is just 10.5 foot tall and can be carried on a 3.2-foot semi low-loader, a particularly inexpensive transport option. The weight of the basic machine can be reduced by 63 tons if the A frame is removed. This option is available as standard and means that the crawler center section and slewing platform can be transported as one, and a quick connection can be saved. One crawler carrier with an almost 7-foot-wide track pads weighs less than 44 tons and can be transported economically on a four-axle semi low-loader. Alternatively, 5-foot-wide track pads are available. No crane components exceed the economical transport width of almost 10 feet. The height of the lattice boom sections is such that ballast slabs can be stowed underneath the lattice sections during transport on a semi low-loader.
The new LR 1600/2 is powered by a six-cylinder Liebherr diesel engine. Six winches are available for use in operations. The two hoisting winches have a strong line pull of 180 kN with a 28-mm rope diameter. The sixth winch with 25-mm rope diameter is optimized for the use of whip lines. The new 661-ton crawler crane is also fitted with a new crane cab. The wide, roomy cab offers a second seat and three firmly mounted LICCON monitors, which provide comprehensive information to ensure safe operations. The third monitor features the Liebherr LICCON work planner.
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