Liebherr's New 500-Tonne Crawler Crane Designed for Transport, Compact Dimensions
 |
| Enlarge Image Liebherr LR 1500 |
July 8, 2015 - In June, Liebherr held its Customer Days event in Ehingen, Germany, where it introduced its newest crawler crane that has been designed with compact dimensions and worldwide transport in mind.
The newly developed LR 1500 is a 551-ton (500-tonne) model with the dimensions and weight of a 441-ton (400-tonne) crane. Its transport weight is 50 tons (45 tonnes), allowing it to be transported nearly anywhere in the world without restrictions. The central crawler section with turntable weighs 61 tons (55 tonnes), and the removable A frame allows this weight to be reduced to 50 tons (45 tonnes). A quick connection is not required. The transport dimensions of 10 ft. (3 meters) in width correspond to the global transport standard.
The track width of the LR 1500 is 25 ft (7.6 meters), which also confirms the new crane's compact dimensions. Standard base plates on the LR 1500 measure 5 t. (1.5 meters) in width. They are wider than the base plates on 400-tonne class crawler cranes and reduce ground pressure.
Travel drives on the LR 1500 have been taken from the LR 1600/2. The 469 hp (350 kW) engine is around the same level as engines on 600-tonne class cranes. The six-cylinder inline engine used on the LR 1500 meets Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions regulations.
Lifting advantages
The LR 1500 has a 276-ft. (84 meter) luffing jib that can be installed on a main boom up to 276 ft. (84 meters) in length. The 276-ton (250-tonne) jib head on the luffing jib is also used for SL main boom operation. A 441-ton (400-tonne) head is available as standard for the S main boom for heavyweight jobs. This has the advantage of being more lightweight than the optional 551-ton (500-tonne) head.
The derrick system on the LR 1500 is also designed for maximum performance with compact dimensions. The derrick boom is 98 ft. (30 meters) in length and the derrick ballast is up to 260 tonnes. The derrick radius can be adjusted in a very large range from 30 to 52 ft. (9 to 16 meters).
Simple, economical overall concept
The criteria of simplicity and economy also had the highest priority in the development of the LR 1500. The new Liebherr crawler crane cannot just be transported easily and at low cost, but is also simple to set up and operate.
The powerful main hoist gear with its line pull of 180 kN can handle all hoists up to the maximum load capacity. This makes crane operation easier since it means that there is no need for a second winch for dual operation for heavyweight hoists. Another winch with a line pull of 125 kN is only needed if the crane is operated with a runner.
The designers also developed the whole lattice boom system to be simple. They reduced the number of parts and component diversity on the new LR 1500 by deliberately neglecting the otherwise standard divisions of lattice sections. That makes the transport and erection of the lattice boom simpler and therefore more economical. The lengths of the boom sections are 6 and 12 metres. The guide frame for the derrick ballast has been completely omitted from the design. The ballast radius is adjusted simply using the derrick boom.
The ballast for the new LR 1500 consists of the 10-tonne plates which are also used on the LR 1400/2 and LR 1600/2 machines. This is a low cost solution for crane operators which have several cranes of these types in their fleet.
To increase the economy, the designers have created a particularly smart solution in terms of the central ballast. It consists of just a few concrete sections which can be set up quickly, and the top section forms a safe catwalk for the undercarriage.
