The new Liebherr LR 1300 SX Crawler Crane has a lifting capacity of 661,387 pounds
(300 tons), and for heavy loads, the new model can be fitted with a derrick boom in combination
with an additional counterweight that can be hydraulically displaced. The LR 1300 SX
incorporates the Liebherr “Boom Up-and-Down Aid” assistance system, which indicates the
approach to the tipping border and automatically stops operation before the crane unintentionally
enters an unsafe zone. The system assists the operator in avoiding the danger zone without
activating the safety bypass switch, says Liebherr.
The new Liebherr also is fitted with wind sensors on the main boom and jib. Both the measured
wind speed and the actual crane configuration (boom length, boom angle) are taken into
consideration when calculating the current situation for the crane. When conditions become
potentially dangerous, the system gives a warning. The actual status is visible for the operator in
the cabin at all times. At wind speeds of (imperial mph) 10-16 m/s, the operator can adjust the
maximum lifting capacity through a simple selection on the control panel.
In addition to wind, ground load-bearing capacity and ground pressure also are significant factors
for the safe operation, says Liebherr. The Ground Pressure Visualization system on the LR 1300
SX calculates the current ground pressure of the machine in real time and compares it with the
specified safety limits of the relevant position. The ground pressure is displayed in the operator's
cab and the operator is constantly aware of whether the machine is situated in, or is approaching,
a critical area.
Three different driving speeds can be selected by the operator, and driving is always carried out
in “Safe Mode” with active Load Moment Limiter, says the company. The Liebherr Litronic
control system automatically adjusts the lifting capacities to suit the driving speed, when driving
with a load on the hook. For barge operation, the lifting capacities are automatically adjusted,
depending on the inclination of the barge.
The LR 1300 SX, belonging to the company’s newest generation of crane models, is approved
for personnel lifting. This mode is selected using a separate key switch. The EC type approval
certificate for the occasional lifting of persons means that local approval from an acceptance
authority is no longer required by the crane operator. The statutory emergency generator and
emergency controls required for personnel lifting are offered by Liebherr as a Plug-and-Play
solution. In case of emergencies, the crane availability can be restored within a few minutes, says
Liebherr.
The new crane is fitted with a new cabin, says Liebherr, with an air-conditioning system with
improved airflow, optimized field of vision, provisions for reduced in-cab sound, and an
operator’s seat with integrated heating and cooling.
Crane handling under special conditions, for example, in heavy-lift operations or in confined
spaces, says Liebherr, involves potential risks for man and machine. With the aid of the Crane
Planner 2.0 planning software, says the company, these sources of danger on the construction
site can be minimized. The system is programmed with actual planning data and the optimum
crane configuration is calculated based on the corresponding load moment limitation. All work
steps, from picking up to setting down the load, can be simulated on a PC or in virtual 3D space,
says the company, with the feasibility of checking the entire project in advance at the planning
table.
