Liebherr has launched a new six-axle crane mobile crane, the LTM 1400-6.1, which it says is the most powerful six-axle machine on the market. It unveiled the LTM 1400-6.1 at its recent Customer Days in Berg- Ehingen, Germany.
The 400-tonner has a 70-metre telescopic boom and is characterised by clever yet simple set-up processes. The new crane is the successor to the LTM 1350-6.1 but with significantly higher lifting capacities.
Like its predecessor, the LTM 1400-6.1 is now the smallest crane with Y-guying. This, says Liebherr, makes it a great introduction to this boom technology.
There are, however, key differences to the predecessor model particularly in terms of the assembly process for the Y-guying system. With just one self-assembly lift, the LTM 1400-6.1 places the guying system on the chassis, where it is then pinned in place. The hydraulic quick coupling closes automatically when the boom is luffed down between the two Y-frames. The electrical connection is established with one final movement and the telescopic boom with Y-guying is ready for use in just a few minutes.
Various lattice jibs are designed to enable the new crane to work in a wide range of applications. The fixed lattice jib extends the telescopic boom by up to 45.5 metres and can be mounted at an angle of 0°, 10°, 20° and 40°. As an option, the fixed jib can be adjusted between 0° and 40°. The luffing lattice jib, with a length ranging from 14 to 80.5 metres, delivers maximum height, radius and performance.
Like its predecessor the total available ballast for the new LTM 1400-6.1 consists of 100 tonnes of basic ballast and 40 tonnes of additional ballast. The hydraulic ballasting device is integrated in the counterweight frame for fast, straightforward ballast assembly without the need for an auxiliary crane.
Ballasting system
The VarioBallast system is different to the one found on the predecessor model. The 140 tonnes of total ballast can now be set to a radius of 7.7 metres to achieve the maximum lifting capacity. In confined spaces, the ballast radius can be reduced to 5.6 metres. The counterweight plates are compatible with those found on other large Liebherr cranes.
The variable VarioBase supporting system also adds versatility, says Liebherr. Its engineers have come up with a new development: in addition to the option of flexibly using the predefined support positions with pinning options of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, the sliding beams can now also be freely extended between 0% and 50%. Until now, this was only possible on mobile cranes with up to five axles.
Unlike its predecessor, the new 400-tonne crane is powered by the Liebherr single-engine concept and a mechanical drive for the superstructure, which results in better economy. An eight-cylinder Liebherr diesel engine with 455 kW / 619 horsepower and 3,067 Nm of torque ensures plenty of drive for travel.
Driver setups
Liebherr has developed different driving setups to suit particular requirements around the world. With an axle load of 12 tonnes, the LTM 1400-6.1 with telescopic boom and detachable hook block has an overall length of 17.8 metres. On the construction site, the 400-tonne machine can be driven with 10 tonnes of ballast, a three-line hook block and Y-guying with an axle load of less than 16.5 tonnes. Equipment can be removed for road journeys requiring lower axle loads.
Driver assistance systems
Another new feature is the installation of various driver assistance systems to increase road safety, especially for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. For example, the Blind Spot Information System warns the crane driver when someone is in the vehicle’s blind spot, particularly when the crane is turning. The moving off information system also provides a visual and acoustic warning if someone is in front of the crane. By monitoring the areas around the crane while it is moving, a significant increase in safety is achieved despite the presence of components that restrict visibility, such as the boom and hook block.
