Liebherr has built the very last of its 600-tonne LR 1600/2 crawler crane and officially ceased production since its introduction almost 13 years ago, following the arrival of its successor, the 700-tonne LR 1700-1.0.
Dutch crane company Van Adrighem is the final owner of the 223rd unit and the last LR 1600/2 crawler crane.
Designed for wind
The LR 1600/2 was originally designed for the wind turbine market, with the first unit delivered in 2008. It was equipped with 138m of the main boom plus a 12m fixed jib in order to work hub heights of 130 to 135 metres. In addition to the standard version, Liebherr also developed a narrow tracked version, the LR 1600/2-W, which eventually accounted for more than a quarter of all LR 1600 shipments.
As hub heights began exceeding 150m, Liebherr introduced new boom systems as well as the ability to retrofit the company’s derrick ballast and VarioTray systems.
Why Liebherr LR 1700-1.0?
Although LR 1600/2 remained a popular crane, with higher and bigger wind turbines built to increase wind farm efficiency, an upgrade of the crawler crane is inevitable.
Liebherr points out that the 700-tonne LR 1700-1.0 is able to meet the very latest demands of the wind turbine installation industry, including turbines with hub heights of 165 metres, as well as handling components weighing more than 100 tonnes.
German rental companies Hofmann and Wasel are quick in action and has taken the first LR 1700-1.0s in Germany.
