Liebherr has launched an updated version of its Crane Planner lift planning software which includes new crane models and features.

The Crane Planner 2.0 program now incorporates: Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1, LTM 1450-8.1, LTM 1300-6.2, LTM 1250-5.1 and LTM 1230-5.1 mobile cranes; all Liebherr crawler cranes with lifting capacities up to 300 tonnes; as well as hydraulic rope excavators.

Additional telescopic mobile cranes are being added to Crane Planner 2.0 at regular intervals, said Liebherr, with the LTM 1350-6.1 being the first of these to be added.

The updated program includes a new distance tool which enables objects, such as machines and buildings, to be positioned relative to each other with centimetre precision, said Liebherr.

The Liebherr Crane Planner 2.0 tool combines an interactive 3D visualisation of the machines, the loads and surrounding objects with dimensions, a positioning tool and Google Maps, without the need for expensive CAD programs or high performance computers, Liebherr explained. The results of the planning process can be exported in the form of a report and sent to the customer, enabling even small crane contractors can compete for large tenders.

The Crane Planner 2.0 program has a three-dimensional user interface and uses the same data as the load moment limitation from the LICCON crane control system. Key data such as ground pressures, support pressures, lifting capacities and centres of gravity are calculated simultaneously. Each time the configuration, load or geometry is changed, a new calculation is carried out.

Existing users of Liebherr’s Crane Planner lift planning software can update to the latest version for free. For new users, the program is available as a free version or a full pro version. The free version enables 2D lift planning with the range of functions being similar to the Liebherr’s established LICCON work planner. The pro version contains detailed, interactive 3D models of the cranes, as well as a library with various 3D objects such as buildings, roads, machines or load objects. Map views from Google Maps and 3D data can be included in the display in the correct scale.

Ease of use was the main priority during the development of Crane Planner 2.0, said Liebherr, and no special expertise is required to use the program. Apart from a standard PC, no additional hardware is required either. The Pro version is also available as a 30-day free trial.