Listicles | 09/16/2025
A crawler crane comes of age: 18 years LR 1300
What began in 2007 continues today as a success story in the 300-tonne class. The weightlifter impresses with its lifting capacities and its compact size, especially for challenges in construction and deep foundation. Although long established on the market, the latest generation of this crawler crane surprised – and even electrified – everyone at this year’s Bauma.
001 – the licence to lift
For Maxim Crane Works, the LR 1300 is the most frequently used crawler crane and the model most in demand by its customers. The fleet of the largest American crane hire company even includes a very special model from this series – the very first with the serial number 001. Even after 18 years, the crane is still running perfectly.
An absolute classic in comparison
“The LR 1300 is a fantastic crane and has everything, that you can wish for. It is very easy to operate and can be set up or disassembled quickly. It is the Cadillac of cranes, so to speak,” says Perren Oakes, Crane Operator at Maxim Crane Works.
A compact weightlifter
The LR 1300 combines two things that make it so popular on the market: great load capacities and a compact size, making transport and set-up quick and easy. With its maximum load capacity of 300 tonnes, the crawler crane is ideal for all classic lifting applications in the construction industry and whenever a strong partner is needed to lift heavy loads.
Connected with a personal story
The 18th birthday of the LR 1300 is something very special for Holger Streitz, Managing Director for technology and development at Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH. “As a young engineer in 2007, I was the design manager for the crawler cranes. Today, I hope that we will develop further innovative solutions for this model so that we can offer our customers the highest level of safety and the best possible efficiency in lifting operations.”
The next generation: unplugged
The latest model of the series is the battery-electric LR 1300.2 SX unplugged. This is powered by a 438-kW electric motor and can be operated for up to 13 hours without a mains connection – i.e. ‘unplugged’ – thanks to a 392-kWh battery, depending on the application. Subject to the available infrastructure on the jobsite, the complete battery-charging process lasts between 4.5 and 8.5 hours. Operation can be continued as normal in the meantime. Whether attached to the electric supply or not, the performance and range of application remain unchanged.
Made for heavy loads
For especially heavy lifting applications where the LR 1300 is configured with long main booms and luffing jibs, the lifting capacities of the crawler crane can be improved and the range of applications extended using derrick equipment. The Crane Planner 2.0 lift planning software can be used to determine and simulate the perfect boom combination for the respective construction site requirements in advance.
Video
LR 1300.2 SX unplugged- The legacy of a legend