VIDEO: Liebherr's Biggest Multipurpose Crawler Crane: LR 1400 SX

Mon April 03, 2023 - National Edition
Liebherr

For ConExpo 2023, the Liebherr LR 1400 SX was fitted with a 134.5 ft. main boom and a 144.4 ft. luffing jib. Gerhard Frainer, managing director of sales at the Austrian site, described the machine as "a big step for the factory," and added, "The wish for a bigger crane came from the market."

With the compact transport weight of 50.7 tons, the complete crane can be transported easily between job sites. Platform and railings remain attached to the uppercarriage during transportation and only need to be folded down.

Due to the crane's self-assembly system, the boom sections, carbody counterweight, crawlers and hoist winches can be easily assembled and disassembled without the need for an auxiliary crane. The crane can even hydraulically lift, lower, and secure the 165.3 ton rear counterweight without assistance. The rear counterweight itself is modular and can be equipped with 5.5 or 11 ton counterweight slabs, depending on requirements.

The flexibility and mobility of the crane can be seen when space is restricted. The four crawler drives make it easier to maneuver the LR 1400 SX on job sites where space is tight. Due to the track width adjustment, access on narrow roads is simplified.

Maximum Safety Through Assistance Systems

Liebherr paid particular attention to the safety concept while designing the crane. One highlight is the Gradient Travel Aid for the safe negotiation of slopes. The crane's control system automatically calculates the center of gravity and warns the operator before the crane leaves the safe area.

While traveling, the operator constantly receives information about the permissible and actual gradient, and the crane's overall center of gravity. If necessary, the boom angle can be altered so that the machine remains in the safe area.

The Ground Pressure Visualization of the LR 1400 SX calculates the current ground pressure of the crane in real time and compares it with the specified safety limits of the relevant position. The ground pressure is displayed in the operator's cab. This means the operator is permanently aware of whether the machine is situated in, or is approaching, a critical area.

The ground pressure of the crane also can be reduced using the ground pressure reduction plates. During lifting work, the operator can lower these plates to significantly increase the crane's ground contact area. The ground pressure under the crane can thus be reduced by more than half. This safety feature also is particularly useful when lifting long booms from the ground.

The Boom Up-and-Down Assistant also is part of the safety concept. When erecting or lowering the boom, this assistance system indicates the approach to the tipping border and automatically stops operation before the operator enters an unsafe zone. The operator no longer has to move the winches of the main boom and luffing jib separately.

Controlled folding of the luffing jib begins at the press of a button. The speed of the laying down procedure is controlled with a single joystick. The Boom-Up-and-Down Assistant chooses the safest method for laying down the jib.

Flexible, Safe Operation

Radio remote control gives the crane operator a high degree of flexibility and additional safety also during operation. The crane can be operated from outside the cab to allow for a better overview of the construction site and avoid blind spots. Depending on the application, a second person is no longer required to assist with hand signals during lifting operations.

While developing the LR 1400 SX, special attention was paid to customer needs. The simple switching of the boom is much appreciated. This means that various fixed and luffing jibs from the LR 1300 also can be installed on this crane.

As a multipurpose crane, the LR 1400 SX is used in a wide variety of projects. Whether expanding the infrastructure with bridges or tunnels, constructing stadiums or factories with steel or precast concrete elements, working in the energy sector, lifting work on high buildings, or barge applications — anything is possible.

For more information, visit www.liebherr.com.