Liebherr launches narrow track 700 tonne crawler crane

Liebherr’s new LR 1700-1.0W narrow track crawler crane for wind work. When driving, the four outrigger supports on the LR 1700-1.0W are folded two forwards and two backwards. Photo: Liebherr

Manufacturer Liebherr has launched a narrow track version of its 700 tonne capacity crawler crane for erection of wind turbines with hub heights up to 170 metres.

The LR 1700-1.0W is touted as being the most powerful narrow track crawler crane on the market. It replaces the LR 1600/2-W, a narrow track version of the 600 tonne capacity LR 1600/2. Benefits include more power and greater lifting height. Turbines with hub heights of 170 metres can be accommodated.

Reducing the spacing between the crawler frames allows travel on the narrow roads between individual wind turbines during the wind park construction phase.

It was 20 years ago when Liebherr developed the first narrow track lattice boom crawler crane, the 400 tonne LR 1400/2-W. As turbines got bigger so did the craneage, hence the turn of the LR 1600/2-W in 2010. Around 50 units are operating around the world, Liebherr said.

Interchangeable booms

In addition to the new narrow crawler travel gear, the new centre section has large star pattern outriggers under the existing slewing platform. Most boom systems from the standard crane can be used on the narrow track version.

The track width is 5.9 metres, just 100 mm wider than its 600 tonne predecessor.

To illustrate the increased capacity of the new model compare it with the longest wind turbine boom and derrick system on the 600 tonner of 156-metre main boom plus 12-metre lattice type fixed jib. The same boom length on the new model shows a 64 per cent increase in lifting capacity, from 73 to 120 tonnes.

Greater height can also be achieved. The LR 1700-1.0W with derrick is 15 metres longer and without derrick it is 6 metres longer. A luffing jib is also available for the new models, unlike its predecessor.

Like the ‘normal’ LR 1700, there are V-frame and VarioTray options for the Narrow Track. It can also have the 170 tonne capacity lattice type fixed jib.

Spec box

Liebherr LR 1700-1.0W
Load capacity: 700 tonnes at 8.5 metres radius
Hoisting height: 198 metres
Maximum main boom: 165 metres
Maximum radius: 160 metres
Maximum load moment: 9,650 tonne-metres
Engine power: 400 kW