Crawler crane LR 1400.1 SX enhanced with derrick equipment

When designing the derrick equipment, the focus was on expanding the range of applications for the LR 1400.1 SX. The derrick equipment improves the lifting capacities, particularly for heavy lifts when the crawler crane is configured with long booms and luffing jibs.

The suspended counterweight consists of a main and an additional counterweight and can be adjusted using an infinitely variable hydraulic extension device. With VarioTray, the additional counterweight can be flexibly increased or reduced with counterweight slabs weighing 22.250 lb each, depending on requirements – without an auxiliary crane. The position monitoring of the suspended counterweight ensures maximum safety during operation. If this is set down on the ground, it is not possible to turn or travel with the crane or move the counterweight.

As a multipurpose crane, the LR 1400.1 SX is used in a wide variety of projects, whether for infrastructure expansion with bridges or tunnels, stadium or factory construction with steel or precast concrete elements, for work in the energy sector, lifting work on high buildings or barge applications. The Crane Planner 2.0 lift planning software can be used to determine the perfect boom combination for the respective jobsite requirements and to simulate the lift in advance.

Maximum safety through assistance systems

Liebherr also paid particular attention to the safety concept while designing the crane. One highlight is the gradient travel aid for the safe negotiation of slopes. The crane’s control system automatically calculates the center of gravity and warns the operator before the crane leaves the safe area. While travelling, the operator receives information about the permissible and actual gradient and the crane’s overall center of gravity at all times. If necessary, the boom angle can be altered so that the machine remains in the safe area.

The ground pressure visualization of the LR 1400.1 SX calculates the current ground pressure in real time and compares it with predefined safety limits for the respective jobsite. The ground pressure is displayed in the operator’s cabin. This means that the operator is permanently aware of whether the machine is situated in, or is approaching, a critical area. The ground pressure of the crane can also be reduced using the ground pressure reduction plates. During lifting work, the operator can lower these plates to significantly increase the crane’s ground contact area. The ground pressure under the crane can thus be reduced by more than half. This safety feature is also particularly useful when lifting long booms from the ground.

The boom up-and-down assistant is also part of the safety concept. When erecting or lowering the boom, this assistance system indicates the approach to the tipping border and automatically stops operation before the operator unintentionally enters an unsafe zone. The operator no longer has to move the winches of the main boom and jib separately. Controlled folding of the jib begins at the press of a button. The speed of the laying down procedure is controlled with a single joystick. In the process, the boom-up-and-down assistant chooses the safest method for laying down the boom.