Liebherr LTM 1450-8.1

Unveiled at Bauma 2016, the Liebherr LTM 1450-8.1 extends Liebherr’s leadership in mobile crane innovation by delivering a 450-tonne class machine designed for maximum performance, economy, and flexibility. At the heart of this 8-axle crane is its 85-meter telescopic boom, one of the longest in its class and capable of being carried on public roads with a 12-tonne axle load—complete with supports, 16 tires, hoist winch, and more. This means minimal setup time on site, making the LTM 1450-8.1 particularly economical and efficient, even enabling two different jobs to be completed in a single day.

Engineered for versatility, the LTM 1450-8.1 can perform lifts traditionally reserved for cranes in the 500-tonne class. Its boom system is exceptionally powerful: when fully extended to 85 meters, it can hoist 20 tonnes, making it ideal for erecting large tower cranes and for work in refineries and chemical plants. For extended reach and complex lifts, a range of lattice jibs is available. The folding jib—ranging from 7 to 35 meters—attaches easily at angles of 0°, 10°, 20°, or 40°, making it particularly suited for wind turbine maintenance. A fixed lattice jib (7 to 56 meters) and a luffing jib (14 to 84 meters) further expand the crane’s capabilities, achieving maximum height, radius, and lifting performance for demanding projects.

A standout feature of the LTM 1450-8.1 is its VarioBallast® system. Using a simple hydraulic swivel mechanism, the ballast radius can be infinitely adjusted from 7 meters to 5 meters, providing critical flexibility on constricted sites and matching the footprint of cranes in the 200-tonne class when needed. The crane carries a maximum ballast of 135 tonnes, and the ballast plates are compatible with other Liebherr models, enhancing fleet-wide efficiency.

The chassis technology further emphasizes Liebherr’s focus on operator convenience and maneuverability. The eight-cylinder Liebherr diesel engine produces 505 kW (687 hp) and 3,160 Nm of torque, driving power through a 12-speed ZF-TC Tronic gearbox with torque converter, intarder (hydrodynamic brake), and optional Telma eddy current brake. All rear axles have active electro-hydraulic steering that adjusts with vehicle speed, improving maneuverability and reducing tire wear. Five steering modes are selectable at the push of a button, eliminating the need to raise center axles during crab steering.

The LTM 1450-8.1 also features Liebherr’s innovative single-engine concept: the superstructure is driven mechanically via a shaft from the undercarriage engine, routed through the slewing ring with two mitre gears. This design provides excellent fuel efficiency and power delivery at low engine speeds, reducing maintenance requirements, weight, and cost compared to twin-engine designs. An ECOmode function further improves fuel efficiency by disconnecting the pump drive at idle, reconnecting automatically when power is needed.

Finally, the crane design deliberately avoids the need for telescopic boom guying, reducing setup time and purchase cost. This, combined with VarioBase® (which enables flexible outrigger positioning), the extensive reach of the boom and jib system, and high-capacity lifting even at large radii, makes the LTM 1450-8.1 a versatile, powerful choice for a range of applications—from high-rise construction and industrial plant work to wind turbine maintenance and infrastructure projects.