Liebherr unveiled two new cranes for its customers worldwide at its 2015 customer days held recently at the Ehingen (Germany) manufacturing plant, including what is claimed to be the most powerful five-axle mobile crane on the market – the LTM 1250-5.1 – and the 500-tonne LR 1500 crawler crane.

“The new 250-tonne LTM 1250-5.1 is now the most powerful mobile crane on five axles on the market. It is the third crane model on which Liebherr uses its innovative single-engine concept,” says a company spokesman.

In addition to a multi-functional folding jib, a 50-m fixed jib is also available. The Liebherr innovations VarioBase and ECOmode mean that crane operators can use the new LTM 1250-5.1 with even more safety and efficiency. VarioBase, a variable supporting base for mobile cranes, is a special system with which every individual crane support can be extended to any length and the crane operation is then made safe by the load moment limiter within the Liccon control, according to the company. The extension length and support force of every single support is measured and the maximum lifting capacities for that situation are calculated by the crane control.

“This means that for the first time it is possible to ensure safe working on any support base and prevent accidents caused by an incorrect set-up by the crane driver or incorrect programming of the setup status,” says the spokesman.

ECOmode minimises both fuel consumption and noise emissions when operating the crane superstructure.

Meanwhile, VarioBallast is a new feature for Liebherr. “Liebherr has designed a solution to adjust the ballast radius quickly and easily. The ballast radius is reduced by 800 mm using standard mechanically swivelling ballasting cylinders. This solution is a major benefit of the new 250-tonne model for use in constricted conditions,” says the spokesman.

The LTM 1250-5.1 can be operated with two different ballast radii: 5.58 m or 4.78 m.

The Liebherr LR1500 ... load capacity of a 500-tonne model with the size of a 400-tonne unit.

The newly developed LR 1500 500-tonne crawler crane was a highlight of the presentations during the event.

“The newly developed crawler crane delivers the load capacities of the 500-tonne crawler crane class throughout its complete operating range, whilst upholding the dimensions and component weights, which have previously been standard in the 400-tonne class,” says the spokesman.

With a transport weight of just 45 tonnes, it can be transported around the world without restrictions. The overall concept of the new crane is designed for simplicity in all areas and great economy, he points out.

The travel drives on the new LR 1500, which have been taken from the LR 1600/2, have plenty of power. “The engine develops 350 kW, which is around the same level as engines on the 600-tonne class cranes. The six-cylinder inline engine used on the LR 1500 meets the emissions regulations of Stage Four/Tier 4f,” he adds.

“The new 500-tonne crawler crane from Liebherr delivers enormous hoist heights since the 84-m luffing jib can be installed on a main boom up to 84 m in length. The 250-tonne jib head on the luffing jib is also used for SL main boom operation. A 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 500-tonne head,” he concludes.