Liebherr has extended its portfolio of all-terrain cranes with another 300-t model, the LTM 1300-6.3. Featuring a 90-m telescopic boom, it sets “new standards” in the six-axle class and “goes well beyond what the current cranes on the market have to offer,” said the company.
The LTM 1300-6.3 is designed to be used as a fast-erecting crane with a high capacity at great hoist heights with a raised boom. It is ideal for erecting tower cranes and antennae as well as for wind turbine maintenance work. Liebherr said the existing LTM 1300-6.2 model with a 78-m telescopic boom is still offered as an economical entry into the luffing jib class.
Available globally, the new LTM 1300-6.3 can be driven with different axle loads and gross weights. Components such as the telescopic boom and outriggers can be installed and removed easily to achieve axle loads of less than 12 t. A notable feature is the tele-separation, which enables individual telescopic sections to be removed very quickly. Thus it is simple to set up the crane for the road with a gross weight of less than 60 t and axle loads of under 10 t.
Liebherr can also deliver a self-assembly solution that enables the telescopic sections to be removed without the need for an auxiliary crane. This is compatible with the other models such as the LTM 1650-8.1 and LTM 1450-8.1.
‘Record-breaking boom’
The “record length” of 90 m is achieved by using an eight-section telescopic boom, consisting of the pivot section plus seven telescopic sections, revealed Liebherr. “It is one section more than similar cranes in this class.”
To ensure that the complete boom as well as all the outriggers plus the hook block can be carried on public roads with an axle load of 12 t, Liebherr has optimised the entire steel construction of the crane for lightweight construction.
Although it is not intended to be used as a luffing jib crane, the LTM 1300-6.3 offers a variety of lattice jibs – including 11.5- to 20-m double folding jib, two 7-m lattice sections to extend the telescopic boom, a 39-m fixed jib and a 43-m hydraulically adjustable fixed jib. As a result, this 300-t crane can reach hoist heights of up to 120 m. Various lattice sections are also compatible with other models in the Liebherr portfolio, making it more cost-effective.
Wide range of innovations
The load charts for various wind speeds are available for the new LTM 1300-6.3. They provide greater safety and longer operating times for crane work in windy conditions.
Load charts for cranes are generally only valid for gust wind speeds of up to 9 m/s, shared Liebherr. To ensure that work can continue safely in higher wind speeds, the company has calculated the load charts for additional maximum wind speeds and programmed them in the crane control system.
“For the LTM 1300-6.3, for example, it is 11.2 m/s, or even 13.4 m/s when using lattice equipment,” explained Liebherr. “In pure telescope mode, the tables even allow for a speed of 15.6 m/s. If the wind speed measured on the crane’s boom during a job exceeds the set chart wind speed, the crane operator can simply switch to a load chart with a higher maximum wind speed, which will often allow the job to be continued.”
The LTM 1300-6.3 is equipped with VarioBase Plus. The rear supports have a double-stage design and a support width of 9.4 m – it is 2 m wider than the front supports. The single-stage front outriggers have a lower weight, which also benefits the boom length.
An eight-cylinder Liebherr diesel engine in the undercarriage develops 455 kW and torque of 3,068 Nm. The power is transferred to the crane axles by the 12-speed ZF TraXon torque gearbox. The additional ECOdrive mode delivers enhanced drive properties, saving fuel and reducing noise.
Liebherr continues its single-engine strategy on the LTM 1300-6.3 with a mechanical power unit for the superstructure. The weight reduction created by removing the superstructure engine has been used to provide a longer boom and more ballast with an axle load of 12 t, according to the company.
The ECOmode in crane operation helps to lower fuel consumption and noise emissions. The complete pump drive is disconnected automatically when the engine is idling and then reconnected by the intelligent controller in a matter of seconds when required.
The LTM 1300-6.3 also features VarioBallast. The crane can be operated with two different ballast radii: 4.94 m or 5.94 m. The ballast radius can be reduced by 1 m using standard mechanically adjusted ballasting cylinders. This solution is one of the main benefits when working in restricted conditions.
The large ballast radius achieves maximum capacity. “In fact, with its VarioBallast feature, the new crane can be operated with 8 t less ballast compared to the LTM 1300-6.2 without any significant reduction of its lifting capacity,” said Liebherr.
With the auto-ballast, “a single touch of a button is all that is required to secure the ballast to the turntable,” added Liebherr. “It takes the strain off the crane operator as the automatic ballasting process is simple, fast and convenient. In addition, safety is improved, particularly for routine procedures.”
The maximum ballast on the LTM 1300-6.3 is 88 t. The 10-t suspended ballast blocks on the right and left are compatible with the LTM 1230-5.1 and LTM 1250-5.1 crane models. The individual ballast slabs have been modified in terms of weight and dimensions, so that they can be suitable for economical transport and fast, easy setup on site.
All the ballast can be placed on the crane with just five hoists. The basic ballast of 42 t has a width of just 3 m, which means it fits within the overall width of the vehicle, making it easier to move the fully setup crane on restricted sites.
The optional central lubrication system for the king pin bearings on the chassis is a new feature. It provides grease to 24 lube points on the six-axle crane automatically. Another highlight is that a total of six LED rear lights are available to order, which illuminate the working area well with bright light for manoeuvring on the site.
