Liebherr crawler makes largest lift in India

A 1,350 tonne capacity Liebherr LR 11350 crawler crane was used to install a giant pre-formed ring liner at the Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant in Western India.

The assembled ring was 50 metres in diameter. Complete with lifting tackle it was a 170 tonne lift. It was installed during the construction of reactor block three at the nuclear power station. The lattice boom crane was configured with S type main boom, a luffing jib, derrick system and a ballast trailer.

Prior to the lift, the ring was assembled on the ground, to allow better quality welding and saving material and time. It was lifted into position with a single hoist. Rigging included spider type lifting tackle and a balance beam. According to a company spokesperson, the ring was probably the dimensionally largest single structure ever to have been hoisted by a crane in India.

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) owns the crane. The heaviest load on the project was a 400 tonne generator, lifted at a radius of 44 m.