Wind work for first LTM 1650-8.1 in Spain

Spanish crane and transport contractor Grúas Ibarrondo used two Liebherr cranes, an LTM 1750-9.1 and an LTM 1650-8.1, for a tandem lift at the Experimental Cener-Alaiz – a wind farm in Navarra, Spain. The lifts were to replace three rotor blades on an SG 4.X wind turbine wind turbine.

The blades removed were 64.5 metres in length and weighed 24 tonnes each. They were replaced with blades with a length of 71.5 metres weighing 22.5 tonnes each.

The project was part of maintenance work which was carried out under Grúas Ibarrondo’s service contract with its customer.

The nine-axle LTM 1750-9.1 and eight -axle LTM 1650-8.1 worked in tandem using a hook height of 130 metres. “Liebherr mobile cranes are ideal for wind energy projects of this type as they are manoeuvrable and easy to position,” said Mikel Ibarrond, general manager of Grúas Ibarrondo. “They also delivered the required height and lifting capacity.”

In order to install the turbine blades in tandem the cranes had to be controlled very sensitively. The 650 tonne capacity LTM 1650-8.1 is the first of its type in Spain and its acquisition strengthens Grúas Ibarrondo’s position in the market.