Liebherr electrifies hydraulic construction project with unplugged crawler crane

De Klerk Werkendam is installing 162 new 23-metre long sheet piles using the Liebherr crawler crane LR 1130.1 unplugged. The highly compacted sandy soil of the embankment poses particular challenges for the company and requires a high-performance sheet pile vibrator as well as robust crane technology. Thanks to its high working radius, the crane can be used to great effect on the barge, from where it precisely positions the sheet piles. It also loads the building materials from the shore. As soon as the new elements are installed, the contractors remove the old piles thereby laying the foundations for a modern lock system.

An electric combination for the future

De Klerk Werkendam consciously opted for a battery-powered Liebherr crawler crane LR 1130.1 unplugged in order to meet the growing requirements of emission-free jobsites. The decision to opt for an electric crane solution with the benefits of local zero emissions is paying off: Project managers and machine operators report positive experiences – in particular, the low noise and emission levels are highlighted. In idling mode the sound pressure level of three unplugged crawler cranes, at a distance of 16 metres, is equivalent to that of a normal conversation on the jobsite at a distance of 1 metre. Now, employees value electrically powered machines so much that they prefer to use them.

The battery is charged using a conventional jobsite electricity supply. Operation can continue as normal while charging. In order to change to battery operation, you just need to pull out the plug, therefore: unplugged. Whether attached to the electric supply or not, the performance and range of application remain unchanged and are identical to those of the conventional diesel version.

The work pontoon is also equipped with an electric drive, electric spud piles and a hybrid system comprising battery storage units and solar panels. When shore power is available, the entire system operates local almost entirely emission-free – only the hydraulic power unit of the sheet pile vibrator is powered by diesel during this operation. De Klerk Werkendam regards this combination of an electrically powered pontoon and a crawler crane as a solution that is unique in the Netherlands and intends to continue using it in future.

The Dutch company is overwhelmingly positively impressed by the cooperation with Liebherr – especially the high reliability of the machines, the fast parts deliveries and the prompt technical support on site. Thanks to this positive experience, De Klerk Werkendam plans to introduce further electric cranes in future.