Building on the success of Liebherr Fibre cranes

Since the first series fibre rope crane left production in 2019, the number of cranes in operation has steadily risen to almost 300. And it isn’t just the core markets in Central Europe that are recognising the benefits of this technology. Fibre rope cranes are also in action overseas outside Europe, where they are proving popular thanks to their special advantages. Liebherr will be unveiling a major update at Bauma 2025, which will primarily increase service life and further minimise downtimes.

Rope shortening now also possible with fibre rope

Liebherr’s successful Fibre Repair Set already reduces downtimes significantly compared to machines equipped with standard steel rope. Thanks to the new rope shortening option for fibre rope cranes, similar to that already available as standard for steel rope versions, downtimes are now minimised even further. If a fibre rope is irreparably damaged at any point, it can now be shortened and re-bonded on site. As a result, fibre rope is much more flexible to handle than its steel counterpart when it comes to rope damage.

Extended service promise

A wealth of experience gained in recent years means that the service promise regarding the service life of fibre rope has been extended. Apart from crane operation itself, this has advantages in terms of simple warehousing times and storage logistics. An option is also available for converting fibre rope cranes into steel rope cranes. With this, Liebherr offers maximum flexibility to convert from a fibre rope crane to a steel rope crane.

Another new feature is a business model optimised for fleet operators that covers the Fibre Care warranty and related spare parts service. In light of the extensive innovations listed above, Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH is planning a fibre rope promotion at Bauma. Details will be available directly at the trade show.

Proven fibre rope components remain unchanged

The advantages associated with fibre rope, e.g. an increase in lifting capacity of up to 20 percent compared to steel rope, remain unaltered. With fibre rope, the 1188 EC-H 40 Fibre high-top crane can achieve a lifting capacity increase of up to 2.1 tonnes at its jib head compared to the 1000 EC-H steel rope version. Fibre rope is now also being used with luffing jib cranes, the first machine to be equipped with this technology is the 258 HC-L 10/18 Fibre.