1,200 tonne tele crawler for Universal Cranes

Telescopic cranes need a smaller lay down area for the boom than fully lattice models. Photo: Liebherr

Universal Cranes put its recently acquired 1,200 tonne capacity Liebherr telescopic boom crawler crane straight to work on a project to modernise a railway crossing.

The company in Australia bought the previously enjoyed LTR 11200 after full refurbishment by Liebherr in Germany. Universal wanted a big crane that was quick to set up and could be used for short term projects. “We have realised that our customers need to lift ever larger and heavier loads on casual short-term hires and with ability to relocate on sites without derigging the crane. With the new, versatile crane, we can handle these applications in a wide range of sectors – from infrastructure to industrial projects,” explained Mark Happer, Universal Cranes general manager.

Ben Smith, national operations manager at Universal Cranes, added, “With the LTR 11200, we can move the crane fully equipped on construction sites with steep terrain. The pedestal mode also allows us to carry out jobs without having to take the crawlers to the construction site.”

The LTR 11200 has a 100 metre telescopic boom which is still claimed as the longest in the world. Other features include the Y-guy capacity enhancement system and lattice extensions for more reach. It was initially designed to assemble wind turbines.

The Y-guy capacity enhancement system in full view. Photo: Liebherr

Smith said he was happy to buy a refurbished crane from Liebherr because the work is done with great care and stands for the same high quality as found on new cranes.

Overhead power lines close to the lifting site in Brisbane. Photo: Liebherr

Putting it to the test

On the job in Brisbane the crane installed bridge girders as part of a complex infrastructure project. It helps to have the telescopic boom because it takes up less room on site, needing a shorter lay down area when erecting and dismantling the crane.

“The operation was carried out on behalf of Bielby Hull Joint Venture. We provided our customer with comprehensive support in assembly and lifting planning to ensure seamless execution of the work. The complex project was carried out during ongoing railway operations and required months of careful preparation and close collaboration with the key stakeholders,” said Patrick Silver, projects and heavy lift division manager at Universal Cranes.

In total the crane installed nine pre-cast concrete beams, 35 metres long and weighing 76 tonnes each. To make these picks the crane was rigged with 28 metres of telescopic boom, 36 metre luffing jib and 182 tonnes of ballast.

Having the beams stored on site in good time before the lifts were due to take place reduced risks of delays and other issues when it came to the installation date and the rail closure time.

“Our LTR 11200 was the ideal crane solution for this job: It is unrivalled in its load capacity class and can also be moved around the construction site. In this particular case, the area for the crane assembly was very limited, but thanks to its crawlers, the 1,200-tonne crane could be put into operation in an adjacent yard – far away from the rail corridor and the carriageway,” said Silver.

Universal Cranes is part of the Smithbridge Group. It has 278 cranes, 47 of which are Liebherrs. The fleet is stationed in Australia, New Zealand and Guam and there are 700 employees.

Placing one of the nine beams, each weighing 76 tonnes. Photo: Liebherr