Higher performance, deeper depths:drilling rig LB 35.1

The LB series from Liebherr impresses with deep foundation applications such as Kelly drilling, continuous flight auger drilling or double rotary drilling. For applications using full or partial displacement equipment, the maximum drilling depth has been extended to 123.0 ft (37,5 m), thanks to the new lattice boom extension. This corresponds to an increase of 19.7 ft (6 m). For customers, this has the advantage that the compact LB 35.1 can be deployed, even for large pile depths. The lattice boom extension can be easily retrofitted to any LB 35.1 and LB 45.1.

The new model has been fitted with a more powerful 603 hp (450 KW) diesel engine and impresses with a torque of 255,934 lbf-ft (350 kNm), which is reflected in the name LB 35. The maximum line pull of the winches is 300 kilonewtons. Due to their elastic mounting, the noise emission is considerably reduced. Thanks to the parallel kinematics, the machine has a large working area, which enables short working cycles. The leader top is designed for different drilling axes and is therefore suitable for all applications. Both the leader and the counterweights are modularly designed making the machine particularly user-friendly and flexible to use. The LB 35.1 can be transported in one piece with folded leader. This results in reduced set-up work and enables the machine to be moved quickly between jobsites.

Automation, efficiency and comfort

The working processes of the LB 35.1 can be automated using a variety of innovative assistance systems, thereby increasing efficiency as certain work steps are completely taken over by the machine’s control system. Examples include the drilling assistant to automate the concreting process during continuous flight auger drilling, slack rope monitoring to prevent undesired loosening of the rope with the help of the winch control, and automatic leader alignment to align the leader to the previously set inclination angle.

The new overload protection of the Kelly winch ensures that the locked Kelly bar automatically stops the crowd winch if the maximum permissible load of the Kelly winch is exceeded. The rope length measurement of the auxiliary winch measures the length of the unwound rope, which is extremely helpful when inserting reinforcement cages, for example. Locking of the Kelly bar’s telescopic sections is made significantly easier due to the Kelly visualization system in the LB 35.1. Thanks to the real time display of the Kelly bar’s locking recesses on the cab monitor, the operator is permanently informed about the actual distance to the next locking recess. Color indications inform when the bar can be locked. Furthermore, false positioning of the Kelly bar during the shake-off process is indicated through a warning signal.

In the new cab, Liebherr has focused on ergonomics and operating comfort. This is achieved with an orthopedic operator’s seat, individually adjustable monitors and a cool box for food. The new refueling position of the machine, which is easily accessible from the crawlers, also increases convenience on the jobsite.