Four Liebherr LH 150 T Gantry Industry E material handlers now dominate the scrap yard at voestalpine’s Linz site. Two units are already operating on the eastern side of the facility, while a further two machines will be commissioned on the western side from September. As voestalpine advances its transition towards lower-carbon steel production, demand for scrap will increase significantly. The new electric arc furnace, powered by green electricity, will rely on a consistent supply of processed scrap, making material handling a critical part of the operation. The electric-powered Liebherr machines ensure this supply chain runs efficiently while delivering low-emission performance.
The LH 150 T Gantry Industry E machines are responsible for unloading incoming rail wagons carrying steel scrap and loading scrap hoppers that feed the electric arc furnace, helping to maintain a continuous flow of material.
Maximum throughput with a 400 kW electric drive and 32-metre reach
While two additional machines are due to arrive in September, the first pair has already demonstrated reliable performance in daily operation. Powered by a 400 kW electric motor, the LH 150 T Gantry Industry E combines high productivity with quiet, zero-emission operation.
A 16-metre straight boom paired with an angled stick provides a reach of up to 32 metres – a first for a Liebherr material handling machine. The machines are also equipped with a specially designed rail-mounted undercarriage, reflected by the "T" (Track) designation in the model name.
Combined with the gantry undercarriage, this configuration allows rail wagons to pass beneath the machines during loading and unloading operations, maximising operational efficiency. Customised to meet voestalpine’s specific requirements, each machine has an operating mass of 210 tonnes.
Advanced technologies such as the Liebherr energy recovery system and a fibre-optic cable integrated into the cable winding system further enhance efficiency, reliability and handling performance.
100th machine highlights long-standing partnership
The delivery of the four LH 150 T Gantry Industry E material handlers marks a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between Liebherr and voestalpine. The final machine, which will enter service in Linz in September, represents the 100th Liebherr machine supplied to the company.
The development and delivery of bespoke solutions such as the LH 150 T Gantry Industry E underline the close collaboration between the two organisations. The partnership is built on continuity, reliability and a shared commitment to developing machine concepts tailored to specific operational requirements.
