16.09.2021

First LR 1700s to Germany

German crane rental companies Hofmann and Wasel have taken delivery of the first 700 tonne Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 lattice boom crawler cranes.

Launched earlier this year (see: New 700t Liebherr), the LR 1700-1.0 features a 30 to 165 metre main boom, while a maximum under hook height of 198 metres can be achieved with 96 metres of main boom and 102 metres of luffing jib. It is able to handle its full capacity at a radius of 8.5 metres and has a maximum radius of 160 metres.
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Hofmann and Wasel have taken the first two LR 1700-1.0 crawler cranes

Replacing Liebherr’s 600 tonne LR 1600/2, the company says it offers the same advantages in terms of mobility but boasts similar capacities to its 750 tonne LR 1750/2. Features including innovations such as VarioTray and V-Frame systems aloing with the H-Boom boom system, which allows fit to lift in wind speeds of up to 12.2 metres a second – or 13.4 metres a second with a reduced load chart.
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The crane’s 12 metre fixed jib helping install the 75 tonne drive train

On taking delivery, Hofmann sent the new crane straight out to erect a Nordex Delta 4000 wind turbine at the Holzhausen wind farm near Paderborn, North Rhine Westphalia. The crane was equipped with a 165 metre H-Boom in order to install the 96 metre high concrete tower, offering a a hub height of 164 metres. Positioned close to the tower with a radius of 26 metres, all the turbine components were assembled and lifted into place, including the 72 tonne nacelle and 75 tonne drive train.
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Liebherr’s V-Frame and VarioTray assists with the erection of the lattice boom

Hofmann crane operator, Christoph Bergmaier, said: “The H-Boom lets us operate under higher wind loads. The VarioTray divisible derrick ballast and V-Frame allow us to work with 60 tonnes of derrick ballast during the entire assembly of the turbine – so we don’t have to carry out any time-consuming ballasting. The crane can also be operated very smoothly and effectively even with heavy loads at height.”
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Hofmann operators Christian Bergmaier (L) and Stephan Dickel taking turns to operate the crane