Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 mobile crane delivers top load capacities on eight axles with telescopic boom lengths of 54 and 80 metres

At the last Bauma, Liebherr caused a stir with an 8-axle mobile crane designed to deliver maximum flexibility and fast set-up times – the LTM 1450-8.1 travels with its 85 metre telescopic boom and all four supports on public roads with an axle load of just 12 tonnes. In designing its new 8-axle crane, Liebherr focused on maximum load capacities. The LTM 1650-8.1 travels with an axle load of 12 tonnes complete with its 54 metre telescopic boom and the front supports. To minimise the set-up time, however, the rear supports are installed as complete support box in a single hoist and connected using quick-release couplings.

As with all new developments over the last few years, Liebherr can offer the LTM 1650-8.1 with a very wide range of transport weights and axle load versions to ensure cost-effective global mobility for axle loads both above and below 12 tonnes.

Powerful, variable boom system

As with its predecessor, the LTM 1500-8.1, which dominated the large telescopic crane class for 20 years, Liebherr can supply the new crane with two telescopic boom lengths – 54 metres or 80 metres. Customers can also buy both lengths and change them easily by replacing telescope section 3 and roller head with telescope sections 3 to 5.

In keeping with the concept to deliver the ultimate crane on eight axles, the load capacity increases compared to its predecessor, are between 15 and 50 percent depending on whether the telescopic boom includes guying or not. The standard VarioBase® variable support base delivers additional increases in performance in the zone above the supports.

The designers used the time-tested technology from the LTM 1500-8.1 for the Y-guying of the new LTM 1650-8.1 – although they upgraded the single-rope system to achieve better performance, the benefit of easy handling was retained. The experts from Ehingen focused on achieving an easy, fast and safe set-up process during the design process.

A range of lattice booms enables it to work efficiently in a wide range of applications. With a fixed lattice boom from 6 to 62 metres in length, the telescopic boom can be extended particularly easily and quickly. It is attached at an angle of 0°, 10°, 20° or 40°. As an option, the fixed boom can be adjusted between 0° and 38°. The luffing lattice boom with a length of 21 to 91 metres delivers maximum height, radius and performance. Both lattice booms can be attached to the 54 metre and the 80 metre telescopic boom.

Greater flexibility of use with VarioBallast®

High performance normally requires a large ballast radius. But often there is simply not enough space on sites. This means the ballast radius must be as small as possible. Liebherr meets this challenge with its VarioBallast® innovation. The new LTM 1650-8.1 has adopted the time-tested system from the LTM 1450-8.1 – the ballast radius can be infinitely adjusted using a simple hydraulic slewing mechanism – on the LTM 1650-8.1 between 6.3 and 8.4 metres.

The new Liebherr 8-axle crane operates with a maximum ballast of 155 tonnes. To enhance economy, the ballast plates are compatible with the slabs from the LTM 1350-6.1, LTM 1400-7.1, LTM 1450-8.1, Liebherr’s 9-axle mobile cranes and the LR 1350/1 crawler crane. This means that all large LTM cranes have standard ballast slabs, a massive step forwards in logistics for crane operators.

The very latest chassis technology

An eight-cylinder Liebherr diesel engine in the undercarriage which develops 505 kW / 687 bhp and torque of 3,160 Nm provides the LTM 1650-8.1 with all the power it needs. The engine satisfies the new stage V emissions directive and can also be built to comply with the regulations which apply in countries outside of Europe, for example Tier 4f for the USA or stage III for low regulated countries.

The power is transferred to the crane axles using the innovative 12-speed ZF TraXon Torque gearbox. A torque converter enhances manoeuvring and starting. ECOdrive is a new feature. The additional eco mode delivers enhanced drive properties which both save fuel and reduce noise. Meanwhile, Hillstart Aid makes starting on gradients easier. The intarder, a zero wear hydrodynamic brake integrated in the gearbox, acts as a retarder. In addition a Telma eddy current brake is standard.

Time-tested single-engine concept with ECOmode

The Liebherr single-engine concept has now proven itself in over 800 cranes and also features on the new LTM 1650-8.1. The superstructure is powered by a mechanical shaft. Gear shafts are routed from the distributor gear in the substructure via two mitre gears through the centre of the slewing ring to the pump distributor gear in the superstructure.

A mechanical shaft ensures a particularly high efficiency level and low engine speeds in the chassis engine provide sufficient power for crane work. This ensures the economy of the new concept in terms of fuel consumption. The benefits of not having a separate superstructure engine include reduced maintenance work and lower weight. The lower weight can be used for load-bearing components, thus increasing the crane's load capacity. In ECOmode the complete pump drive can be disconnected automatically when the engine is idling and then reconnected by the intelligent controller in a matter of seconds when it is required.