Bart Welhuis, operations planner at Kuiphuis Kraanverhuur, and his team faced a demanding task when installing a precast basement element in Oldenzaal. The precast concrete element, which weighed an unusually heavy 73 tonnes, had to be lifted directly from the transport vehicle and placed into a construction pit in a single lift. Due to the confined space, subsequent adjustments were practically impossible. At the same time, the project marked a special milestone for Kuiphuis Kraanverhuur: the new Liebherr LTM 1400-6.1 made its first practical deployment just four days after delivery.
High lifting capacity in a confined space
The precast foundation was approximately 12 metres long, 4.6 metres wide and 3 metres high. However, the biggest challenge was the site layout. The crane had to be positioned on raised ground directly next to the excavation pit. There was only around 11 metres available between the edge of the excavation pit and the outriggers. Furthermore, the access route ran along a road just 3 metres wide with a tight bend. This meant that, in addition to high lifting capacity, compact dimensions and good manoeuvrability were also required.
The combination of high lifting capacity, compact design and good manoeuvrability made the LTM 1400-6.1 the ideal solution for this construction site. For the operation, the six-axle Liebherr mobile crane was fitted with 130 tonnes of counterweight, and the telescopic boom was extended to 19.8 metres. With a working radius of around 13.5 metres, the crane safely moved a total load of 75.2 tonnes – including the hook block and slings – to its destination.
“The precast foundation had to be moved into its final position in a single lift, without delays or risks to the surrounding area. That is why the entire lifting operation was carefully planned and calculated in advance,” says Bart Welhuis.
Thorough planning as a key to success
The entire lifting operation was calculated in detail during the preparatory phase. Using the Liebherr Crane Planner 2.0, the team reviewed various crane configurations and confirmed the suitability of the LTM 1400-6.1 for the job. In addition, all slings were individually designed using a specialised sling calculation software. Close cooperation between the client, customer support and the operations planning team ensured that the lift could be carried out safely and on schedule.
During the lifting operation, the precast element was swung from one side of the crane to the other. The VarioBallast® system was used to ensure maximum stability at all times. By flexibly adjusting the ballast radius, the load could be moved precisely and in a controlled manner into its final position.
A successful debut for the new mobile crane
The first job impressively demonstrated the capabilities of the LTM 1400-6.1. The project was supported by operator training provided by Liebherr, as well as on-site technical support. This enabled the operators to gain practical experience with the new mobile crane right from its first job. “Even under these changing conditions, the LTM 1400-6.1 delivered an exceptionally good performance. It immediately instilled confidence in the machine among our crane operators and confirmed that this crane is suitable for complex lifting projects,” says Bart Welhuis.
With the acquisition of the LTM 1400-6.1, Kuiphuis is further expanding its capacity for demanding lifting projects. In addition to construction projects, the crane is used for the assembly and dismantling of tower cranes, for work in the wind energy sector, and for the relocation of heavy industrial machinery.
