Gummersbach-based crane contractor Ley-Krane GmbH und Co. KG has taken delivery of the first Liebherr 1450-8.1 in October 2017. The crane company is located to the east of Cologne and employs 30 personnel, running a fleet over 200 aerial lifts and 15 mobile cranes ranging from 50 to 450 ton. The company was established in 1850 and is currently managed by the sixth generation of the same family.
Liebherr unveiled the LTM 1450-8.1 with a completely new concept for 8-axle mobile cranes at the Bauma last year, with great economy and simple set-up on site being the main priorities. This means that the new 8-axle crane is capable of travelling on public roads with a 12-tonne axle load including its complete 85-metre telescopic boom and all supports. This enables it to be prepared for use quickly once it reaches the site.
Markus Ley, who travelled with his wife took delivery of the new crane at Liebherr’s Ehingen plant said that they have been looking for a powerful fast-erecting crane which could be set up easily with a few personnel for some considerable time. When they heard the launch of LTM1450-8.1, they have made a quick decision to purchase the crane. Its long boom enables to reach great heights quickly and easily.
Ley-Krane previous largest model was only a Liebherr 6-axle model and they are planning to use its new 450-tonne crane for repairing works for wind turbines and as an auxiliary crane for erecting of the latest generation of wind turbines. They are also expecting a great deal of work for the LTM1450-8.1 from bridge replacement on autobahns. 38 new bridges are planned on the A45 autobahn alone which older bridges will be removed before installing with new bridges.
The owner also added that it is ideal for assembling prefabricated concrete parts and relocating machines which are often hoisted over the roof of the building that houses them. That requires a powerful crane with a long boom.
Easier to move on the road
Ley also appreciates the flexibility the crane provides in terms of road licences. They have purchased the quick disassembly option for the telescopic boom which will reduce the gross weight from 96 tonnes to less than 60 tonnes, making it easier to travel on public roads.
The new LTM1450-8.1 features an 85 metres main boom, the longest telescopic boom in the world that can be carried on public roads with a 12-tonne per axle load. This includes all four outriggers, 16.00 tyres, hoist winch, 16×8 drive, retarder and Telma eddy current brake.
The mobile crane is also equipped with Liebherr’s latest VarioBallast technology which enables the ballast radius to be reduced with infinite adjustment from 7 metres to 5 metres using a simple hydraulic system, a feature which is advantage to use when working on constricted sites.
