New 500 tonne LR 1500 crawler from Liebherr

Liebherr said that its new LR 1500 crawler crane is a 500 tonne capacity crane with the dimensions and transport weights of a 400 tonner.

The LR 1500 was first shown at the Liebherr Customer Days event in Germany on 17 June 2015. Maximum boom and luffing jib combination length is 84 + 84 metres. The 250 tonne jib head on the luffing jib is also used for SL main boom operation. For heavy lifts a 400 tonne head is available for the S main boom. It is lighter than the optional 500 tonne head. The derrick boom is 30 m long and maximum derrick ballast is 260 tonnes. Its radius can be adjusted from 9 to 16 m.

For transport the heaviest component is given as 45 tonnes to allow unrestricted movement worldwide. While the central crawler section with slew ring weighs 55 tonnes, a removable A-frame allows the weight to be reduced to 45 tonnes. A quick connection is not required and the transport dimensions of 3 m width correspond to the global transport standard, Liebherr said.

Boom sections are available in 6 and 12 m lengths and there is no need for a derrick ballast guide frame. Adjusting the ballast radius is done only on the derrick boom. The 10 tonne ballast slabs are the same as used on the 400 and 600 tonners.

Track width is 7.6 m and the shoes are 1.5 m wide for lower ground pressure. The travel drives are from the 600 tonne capacity LR 1600/2 and the 350 kW Stage IV / Tier 4 Final engine is similarly-sized.

Line pull on the main hoist is 180 kN which simplifies operation by obviating the need for a second winch for heavy lifts. Another winch with a line pull of 125 kN is only needed if the crane is operated with a runner, Liebherr said.