The gigantic Garzweiler open-cast coal mine (RWE Power AG) is the new "habitat" of the new, powerful Liebherr LRT 1130-2.1 rough terrain crane owned by crane hire company Wasel. Together with the smaller LRT 1100-2.1, it is used daily for repair and maintenance work on conveyor systems and large open-cast mining equipment. A spectacular job called for the high-performance rough terrain crane in March 2024.
Ehingen (Donau) (Germany), 2 May 2024 – We visited the world's largest open-cast lignite mine – in the Rhenish lignite mining area. Where huge construction machines look like toys next to the bucket wheel excavators, spreaders and conveyor belts. In this place, the new LRT 1130-2.1 RT cranefrom Ehingen is now in constant use. The 130-tonne machine is not only the largest RT crane (RT = rough terrain) in Liebherr's portfolio – as the most powerful two-axle RT crane on the market, it also holds the current record in this category. Crane rental company and open-cast mining specialist Wasel, based in Bergheim, took delivery of Liebherr's latest rough terrain crane with a 60-metre telescopic boom in January 2024. The "newcomer" had become necessary because the machine components that need to be replaced on open-cast mining equipment and conveyor systems have grown larger and heavier. The huge conveyor belt rollers weighing up to 60 tonnes are an additional challenge.
Wasel's Head of Mobile Cranes Bergheim, Christopher Neuhaus, adds: "We have already had very positive experiences with the Liebherr LRT 1100-2.1, but our fleet lacked a more powerful rough terrain crane with single tires for the operator RWE. When we drive into the open-cast mine, we need a very powerful wheel-mounted telescopic crane." Equipped with the large 29.5 R 25 tires, the LRT 1130-2.1 has good ground clearance and plenty of traction.
This machine is now in Wasel's fleet. Crane driver Daniel Maser sits at the controls of the LRT 1130-2.1, which is on the road for up to 2,400 hours a year for maintenance and servicing jobs, construction work, belt transport and other tasks – often in multi-shift operations. "The LICCON control system is really good with its easy programming and precise display of the load chart, depending on the selected support base – that makes our work easier. We normally work with four fully extended supports, but for lifts directly on excavators and spreaders we have to reduce the size of the support base. I always know exactly what the crane can lift thanks to Liebherr's VarioBase®."
Liebherr's Telematik telescoping system further simplifies the work processes – by pinning the boom fully automatically when the desired length is reached. It also adjusts the clamping ratios of the telescopic extensions fully automatically, optimising the use of the five-section telescopic boom and protecting it from overload. Wasel ordered the Liebherr RT crane with the two-part double folding jib, which increases the hook height to 80 metres – also due to its work on large-scale machinery.
Rough terrain cranes are a rare species due to the restricted view to the right. At RWE, the vehicle can be driven with the boom raised slightly to give Maser, the crane driver, a clear view to his right. Work is carried out with a counterweight, which is reduced to 15 tonnes – this lessens the load on the chassis and tyres when changing locations.
Mobile cranes in continuous operation
Like all crawler, telescopic and RT cranes used by Wasel at RWE, the new LRT 1130-2.1 is in continuous operation, including during multiple shifts. It is also often on call, as the open-cast mining machines must never stand still and, therefore, their auxiliary equipment is permanently on standby.
Niehaus explains: "The new Liebherr RT weighs a good 45 tonnes without ballast, and around 60 tonnes when ready for use – this makes it relatively manoeuvrable and it drives at up to 20 km/h with a sensational climbing ability of 60% – this is extremely important in open-cast mining with washed-out roads and steep ramps – we take the "rough terrain crane" category literally. After all, we have to use the large machines in all weather conditions and at all times of the year – so high ground clearance and climbing ability are extremely important. And of course, we've also chosen tyres with a corresponding profile."
The latest version of the rough terrain crane, which is powered by a 188 kW six-cylinder diesel engine, is the result of a wealth of experience gained by operator Wasel. Drivers are unanimous in their praise for the 220-mm-wider cab. Daniel Maser agrees: "The large glazed area, the easy-to-reach joysticks and the spacious driver's seat are simply top class. The big, easy-to-read screens and displays are a huge help in our day-to-day work.
With its motto "A passion for high performance", the company has been operating for 70 years and has its headquarters in Bergheim near Cologne, with around 400 employees and 11 locations in the Ruhr region. Its fleet of "pure-bred" Liebherr mobile cranes comprises around 150 units. It also has a Tower Cranes division with a further 400 cranes. The star of the fleet is the LR 11000 crawler crane for wind turbine assembly. Wasel operates throughout Germany and has been the contractual partner for Rheinbraun's open-cast mining operations in the greater Cologne area for some time. In mid-2021, Wasel became part of the Gütersloh-based Hagedorn Group, a leader in the revitalisation of power plants and industrial sites, and one of the largest demolition companies in Germany.
About Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH is a leading manufacturer of mobile and crawler cranes. Its range of mobile cranes extends from 2-axle 35 tonne cranes to heavy duty cranes with a lifting capacity of 1200 tonnes and a 9-axle chassis. Its lattice boom cranes on mobile or crawler travel gear deliver lifting capacities of up to 3000 tonnes. With universal boom systems and extensive additional equipment, they can be seen in action on construction sites throughout the world. The Ehingen site has a workforce of 5,000. An extensive, global service network guarantees the high availability of Liebherr mobile and crawler cranes. In 2023, the Liebherr plant in Ehingen recorded a turnover of 2.81 billion euros.
About the Liebherr Group – 75 years of moving forward
The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product programme. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality, user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The Liebherr Group includes over 150 companies across all continents. In 2023, it employed more than 50,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 14 billion euros. Liebherr was founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in the southern German town of Kirchdorf an der Iller. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers. Under the slogan ‘75 years of moving forward’, the Group celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024.
Contact
Wolfgang Beringer
Marketing and Communication
Phone: +49 7391/502 - 3663
Email: wolfgang.beringer@liebherr.com
Published by
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
Ehingen (Donau) / Germany
www.liebherr.com
