Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1

The Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1 is a powerful 400-ton capacity all terrain crane designed to meet the highest lifting demands on constrained and complex job sites. Mounted on a 7-axle chassis (14×6 or 14×8 drive) with active rear-axle steering, this crane offers excellent maneuverability despite its high capacity and overall length of 18.45 meters. The turning radius of just 13.6 meters and reduced ballast radius (down to 5.6 meters via counterweight displacement) allow the crane to work efficiently in tight urban environments.

The main telescopic boom is a 5-section design constructed with high-strength, lightweight material and measures 15.4 meters to 60 meters in length. When paired with the optional Y-guying system, the load capacity of the boom increases significantly, especially at long radii. The boom’s design incorporates Liebherr’s patented Telematik telescoping system, enabling automatic and rapid extension or retraction of boom sections. To further enhance lifting reach, the crane supports a variety of jib configurations, including a fixed lattice jib (7 to 56 m) and a luffing lattice jib (14 to 84 m), achieving a maximum hook height of 130 meters and a maximum working radius of 100 meters.

The LTM 1400-7.1 is driven by a Liebherr D9508 A7, an 8-cylinder, 450 kW (612 hp) turbocharged diesel engine that meets Tier 3 and EU Stage 3 emissions standards. It is paired with a ZF-TC-TRONIC automated transmission (12 forward, 2 reverse gears) and features a combination of retarder braking systems, including exhaust retarder, TELMA eddy-current brake (optional), and Liebherr’s valve-controlled additional brake system. This drivetrain enables road speeds up to 80 km/h and grades up to 39%, making it both highway-capable and off-road ready.

The crane’s upper structure is powered by a Liebherr D936L A6, a 240 kW (326 hp) 6-cylinder engine, driving a hydraulic system with five axial piston pumps. These pumps allow simultaneous control of winches, boom movements, and slewing, ensuring efficient and responsive operation even during complex lifts. The crane includes three winches—main hoist (Winch 1), auxiliary hoist (Winch 2), and luffing jib adjustment (Winch 3)—with closed hydraulic circuits for reduced heat loss and improved energy efficiency.

Control is handled through the Liebherr LICCON system, which provides integrated load moment indicators, boom configuration tracking, work area limitation, and diagnostic tools via a central monitor. Crane operation is simplified with joystick controls, intuitive operator guidance, and programmable configurations. Optional features include LICCON Work Planner, a 2D site planning tool for pre-lift simulations and documentation.

The counterweight system totals 140 tonnes, with a 100-ton base and 40-ton extension. A unique feature is the hydraulic ballasting system that allows easy counterweight handling on-site. The counterweight radius can be adjusted between 5.6 and 6.6 meters to fit into restricted workspaces.

Both the driver’s and operator’s cabs are built with operator comfort in mind. The operator’s cab is tiltable up to 20° for better visibility during vertical lifts and includes a heated, air-cushioned seat, joystick-integrated consoles, and the LICCON monitor. Climate control, sound insulation, and ergonomic controls contribute to operator efficiency and safety over long working hours.

A notable deployment of this crane occurred in 2014, when Set Win Heavy Lift Ltd. of Hong Kong became the first in the region to acquire the LTM 1400-7.1. It was used in high-profile projects, including a tandem lift operation during the assembly of the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, showcasing the crane’s precision and heavy-lift capability.

In summary, the Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1 is a state-of-the-art, high-capacity mobile crane engineered for top performance in demanding applications. Its combination of power, boom reach, transportability, and intelligent systems makes it a top choice for critical infrastructure, energy, and industrial lifting projects.