Liebherr has unveiled the 700 tonne capacity LR 1700-1.0W narrow track crawler crane, the successor to its 600 tonne LR 1600/2-W. With new travel gear combined with components from its next larger crane class Liebherr says the crane is well-suited to assembling the latest generation of onshore wind turbines.
Despite its increased capacity the LR 1700-1.0W narrow track crane is just 10 cm wider than its predecessor, measuring 5.9 metres. It has a new centre section with a star support for the slewing platform.
As well as the higher lifting capacity, the new crane can also lift to a greater height than its predecessor. With its derrick system the LR 1700-1.0W it reaches 15 metres higher; without it’s reaches six metres higher. This, says Liebherr, means it can work on the latest generation of tall wind turbines.
These increases are possible thanks to a more powerful basic crane, plus the 3.5-metre-wide H-lattice type sections in the lower area of the main boom which increase lateral stability, says Liebherr.
Comparing the longest wind-turbine boom with the derrick system on the predecessor model (156-metre main boom plus 12-metre lattice type fixed jib) with the new crane with the same boom length results in a 64 per cent increase in lifting capacity (from 73 to 120 tonnes).
The LR 1700-1.0W comes with Liebherr’s V-frame and VarioTray ballasting systems. Its fixed lattice jib is designed for both single and parallel operation. The hook block has been designed to be wide to help prevent twisting. To save weight, the whip line is integrated on the head section.
Liebherr says it has focussed on maximising the performance of the new LR 1700-1.0W's drivetrain by including components designed for crawler cranes in the next higher load class. The crane’s four-way drive for the travel gear comes as standard equipment, along with the two metre-wide crawler pads.
