14.04.2003

Yellow army

C&A was among an enthusiatic crowd at Liebherr-Werk Ehingen’s recent open day, where an impressive display of around 100 models from the company’s latest cranage were presented.

Among the army of machines was Liebherr's brand new 90 tonne capacity, LTM 1090/3 all terrain mobile crane and the 400 tonne capacity, LTM 1400/1. Newer still was the preliminary presentation of the 50 tonne capacity, LTC 1050 compact crane which is yet to roll off the Ehingen production line. Scheduled for an official Bauma 2004 launch, the “city” type crane will feature a seven-section, 36 metre telescopic boom, a two-section, 5 to 8 metre swing-away jib with an extension comprising three intermediate sections of 2.4 metres each. All this will amount to a maximum lifting height of 56 metres. Please register to see all images

The new 50 tonne capacity LTC 1050.

The larger LTM 1090/3 is set for a public debut at this year’s Intermat exhibition in Paris, as is the LTM 1400/1. Compared with the previous model, the LTM 1090/2, of which some 600 were built, the LTM 1090/3 can lift up to 15 percent higher load capacities at the telescopic boom and up to 30 percent more at the fly jib. The available lifting height has been increased by up to 20 percent.

Liebherr claims that with 22 tonnes of ballast the new unit is currently the most powerful four-axle mobile crane on the market. Up to 85 metres lifting height is achieved by a combination of the 90 tonner’s 52 m long, six-section telescopic boom, a 14 m long boom extension and a 19 m long double-folding fly jib. The Liebherr turbocharged six-cylinder inline engine, which has a well-proven CAN bus management system, develops 338 kilowatts (460 horsepower) and a torque of 2,100 Nm, and complies with the Euro 3 exhaust emission limits. Please register to see all images

The new LTM 1090/3.

Liebherr also says that LTM 1090/3 is the company’s first all terrain mobile crane to include active rear-wheel steering. This intelligent steering concept matches the lock angle of the fourth axle to that of the two front axles when the crane is in motion. Accelerating the vehicle automatically reduces the steering lock angle at the rear, and when road speed rises beyond 30 kilometres per hour the fourth axle is set to a permanent straight-ahead running position.

The hydrostatic system with load sensing control is supplied with oil by a 149 kilowatt (202 horsepower) Liebherr diesel engine with a maximum torque of 891 neuton metres, mounted on the crane’s superstructure. The high rope pull of 88 kilo neutons reduces the need for multiple reeving.

Moving up the capacity chart, Liebherr has closed the gap between its six-axle, 300 tonne all terrain crane and the eight-axle 500 tonne model, with the introduction of the new seven-axle, 400 tonne capacity LTM 1400/1. Liebherr says that it is the most compact model in the 400 tonne class, with an overall length of just 18.5 metres and a turning radius of 14.5 metres. Please register to see all images

The new LTM1400/1

The new 400 tonner is powered by a 441 kilowatt, (600 horsepower) turbocharged diesel engine, which complies with Euro 3 exhaust emission limits and features an automated-shift ZF TC-TRONIC 12-speed gearbox with converter lock-up clutch and “Intarder”. The ZF transmission’s programmed-in travel strategy ensures that automatic gear shifts take place at the points that ensure maximum economy. Engine speeds are also modified to achieve effective engine braking. The crane’s superstructure uses a 240 kilowatt, (326-horsepower) turbocharged diesel engine, with power reserves to drive the four variable-pitch hydraulic pumps.

A whopping 124 metre lift height is achieved by the LTM 1400/1’s 60 metre telescopic boom and additional jibs, including a fixed or luffing lattice fly jib.