Liebherr 400-tonne mobile crane designed for simple setup, powerful lifts

Liebherr has updated its six-axle crane range with a new launch: the LTM 1400-6.1. A successor of the LTM 1350-6.1, the new crane has a 70-metre telescopic boom and utilizes simple setup processes. The LTM 1400-6.1 is Liebherr's smallest crane to use Y-guying, making it an ideal crane to learn the technology.

Liebherr says that the new crane is an all-rounder because of its access to a range of accessories, a modular boom kit, and Liebherr's technologies. It features a driver assistance feature that helps increase the safety of everybody on the road. Plus, Liebherr has significantly increased the lifting capacity of the LTM 1400-6.1 over its predecessor.

Liebherr has focused on simple and fast set-up processes during the development of the LTM 1400-6.1. There are differences to the predecessor model, particularly in terms of the assembly process for the Y-guying system. With just one self-assembly lift, the LTM 1400-6.1 places the guying system on the chassis, where it is then pinned in place. The hydraulic quick coupling closes automatically when the boom is luffed down between the two Y-frames. The electrical connection is established with one movement and the telescopic boom with Y-guying is ready for use in just a few minutes. 

Various lattice jibs enable the new crane to work efficiently in various applications. The fixed lattice jib extends the telescopic boom by up to 45.5 metres and can be mounted at an angle of 0°, 10°, 20°, and 40°. As an option, the fixed jib can be adjusted between 0° and 40°. The luffing lattice jib has a length ranging from 14 to 80.5 metres.

As with its predecessor, the total available ballast for the new LTM 1400-6.1 consists of 100 tonnes of basic ballast and 40 tonnes of additional ballast. The hydraulic ballasting device is integrated into the counterweight frame. The ballast assembly is simple and does not require an auxiliary crane. The VarioBallast system is also different from the one found on the LTM 1350-6.1. The 140 tonnes of total ballast can now be set to a radius of 7.7 metres to achieve the ideal lifting capacity. In confined spaces, the ballast radius can be reduced to 5.6 metres. The counterweight plates are compatible with those found on other large Liebherr cranes.

The VarioBase supporting system ensures additional versatility. In addition to using the predefined support positions with pinning options of 0 percent, 25 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent, and 100 percent, the sliding beams can now be freely extended between 0 percent and 50 percent. Until now, this was only possible on mobile cranes with up to five axles.

The new LTM 1400-6.1 400-tonne crane is powered by the Liebherr single-engine concept and a mechanical drive for the superstructure, which results in better economy. An eight-cylinder Liebherr diesel engine utilizes 455 kW / 619 h.p. and 3,067 Nm of torque.

Liebherr has developed different driving conditions to help enable mobility. With an axle load of 12 tonnes, the LTM 1400-6.1 with telescopic boom and detachable hook block has an overall length of 17.8 metres. On the construction site, the 400-tonne machine can be driven with 10 tonnes of ballast, a three-line hook block, and Y-guying with an axle load of less than 16.5 tonnes. Equipment can be removed for road journeys requiring lower axle loads.

Another new feature is various driver assistance systems to increase road safety, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. The Blind Spot Information System warns the crane driver when someone is in the vehicle's blind spot, particularly when the crane is turning. The moving-off information system also provides a visual and acoustic warning if someone is in front of the crane. By monitoring the areas around the crane while it is moving, a significant increase in safety is achieved despite the presence of components that restrict visibility, such as the boom and hook block.