Facelift: The New 172 EC-B 8 Litronic Flat-Top Crane

The redesign of the new 172 EC-B 8 Litronic Flat-Top crane has resulted in a major increase in performance in terms of its lifting capacity. Its lifting capacity has in fact been increased by 15% over the full length of the jib. The new Flat-Top crane will now hoist 2,100kg at the jib head with a radius of 60.0m and offers a maximum capacity of eight tonnes. This represents an increase of 250kg at the jib head over its predecessor. The modular concept and the compatibility of the tower systems among each other ensure that the crane is suitable for a wide range of uses. With the Liebherr 120 HC, 170 HC or 256 HC tower systems, free-standing hook heights of up to 71.4m can be achieved.

Another new feature of the 172 EC-B is the new erection concept for the jib. The load hook and trolley remain on the jib pivot section during transport. That completely eliminates the erection work for the trolley. The hoist and trolley travelling ropes can also be reeved easily with little effort providing massive benefits particularly for jib erection in the air. Improved quick-release fastenings on the cab and switchboard platform allow the compact head to be split quickly to reduce the erection weights. And the quick-release electrical connections ensure that the switchboard and cab can be connected quickly without any errors.

The Liebherr 37kW frequency converter hoist gear is included in the basic version and allows empty hook speeds of 135m/min. A 45kW frequency converter hoist gear is also available as an option. The frequency converter hoist gear is only used in 2-line mode. Hook heights of up to 328m and empty hook speeds of up to a maximum of 177m/min ensure that the crane is economical to use.

The new 172 EC-B 8 Litronic is supplied with an advanced Litronic crane controller. Functions such as redundant load moment measurement, manipulation-proof commissioning and the monitoring of hoist gear brake with managed lowering in emergency mode provide a very high level of safety. Settings such as slewing gear modes and the trolley speed can be adjusted quickly and easily using the electronic monitor system (EMS). In crane mode, the increased sensor resolution of the new Litronic crane controller system also provides improved operating properties. The increased sensor resolution provides the basis for sensitive and precision operations even at high speeds. This results in enhanced crane operation comfort and much greater safety on site.