Liebherr Launches Third Electrically Powered Crawler Crane Model
March 23, 2022 – Liebherr Nenzing has launched its third battery-powered lattice-boom crawler crane, the LR 1160.1 unplugged.
The new 200-USt capacity model with electro-hydraulic drive delivers the same performance as the conventional version that’s powered by an internal-combustion engine.
Both versions operate the same way, which is especially convenient for crane operators if they have to switch between machines.
One exceptional feature of the unplugged machines is zero emission. They do not produce any emissions and are extremely quiet. That’s especially important in noise-sensitive regions.
Quiet
The sound level of three unplugged cranes idling 52.5’ away is the same as that of a normal job-site conversation 3.3’ away. That’s only about 60 dBa. Considering that a crawler crane typically idles about 60% of the time, the quietness is an important advantage.
Power from Umbilical or Batteries
The LR 1160.1 unplugged can run on plug-in power or battery. The battery is designed to deliver 8 hours of lifting operation. The crane operated for an unlimited time while plugged into a conventional 63-amp electric supply, or be charged in 4.5 hours. Using a 125-amp supply, the battery can be fast-charged in only 2.5 hours.
Safety
The crane’s designers emphasized safety. Like every Liebherr-Werk Nenzing crawler crane, the LR 1160.1 unplugged is equipped with all established systems for safe operation.
The latest feature of the LR 1160.1 unplugged is the Gradient Travel Aid for safe negotiation of slopes and inclines. The crane’s control system automatically calculates the crane’s center of gravity and warns the operator before the crane leaves the safe area. While travelling, the operator continuously receives information about the permissible and actual gradient and the crane's overall center of gravity. If necessary, the boom angle can be altered so that the machine remains in the safe area.
The Ground Pressure Visualization system calculates the actual ground pressure of the machine in real time and compares it with the specified safety limits of the relevant jobsite. That means the operator is always aware of whether the machine is situated in, or is approaching, a critical area.
When raising or lowering the boom, the Boom Up-and-Down Assistant indicates the approach to the tipping point and automatically stops operation before the operator unintentionally enters an unsafe zone.
First Deployment: Great Britain
Liebherr-Werk Nenzing delivered the first three LR 1160.1 unplugged cranes to Great Britain.
Select Plant Hire Company Ltd. is pursuing the goal of operating more zero-emission construction sites and has planned to buy three more LR 1160.1 unplugged cranes during 2022.
Select already put its trust in the LR 1250.1 unplugged, the world's first battery-powered crawler crane, at the time of its market launch.
With the unplugged series, the potential of crawler cranes to function optimally as an electric version has become reality. This achieves the best possible combination of customer benefit, environmental compatibility and efficiency.
The unplugged version of the crane can be recognized through the distinctive blue accent on the uppercarriage.
