Video: City Lifting erects first Liebherr 195 HC-LH tower crane

City Lifting’s new Liebherr 195 HC-LH hydraulic luffing jib tower crane assembled for the first time in the UK. Photo: Liebherr

UK crane rental specialist City Lifting erected the country’s first unit of a new Liebherr hydraulic luffing jib tower crane. See a video of the erection

The 12 tonne capacity 195 HC‑LH was erected by the Essex-headquartered company and Liebherr technicians at City Lifting’s yard in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. Following the success of this operation, the crane will head to its first project, a housing development in Essex.

Built to the latest EN 14439 standard, the luffer’s maximum operating radius is 55 metres where it lifts 2.55 tonnes. It has a minimum working radius of 3 metres and its out of service radius can be less than 10 metres. This compact design makes it ideal for inner city sites, the manufacturer said, where space is limited.

Being hydraulic allows it to luff through its elevation range in less than 90 seconds, helping to increase efficiency. Its Load-Plus feature temporarily increases capacity by as much as 25 per cent while the Tower Crane OS operating system delivers “intuitive control and enhanced operational oversight,” the manufacturer said.

City Lifting and Liebherr erecting the new hydraulic luffer for the first time. Photo: Liebherr

On the move

Easy transport, in four truck loads, also helps minimise disruption and speed things up in urban environments. Individual components weigh a maximum of 8 tonnes so smaller mobile cranes can handle assembly and dismantling.

Liebherr’s assistance with the initial assembly of the crane was part of a one-week familiarisation programme provided by the manufacturer. It included detailed guidance for City Lifting technicians on the crane’s systems and components.

Commenting on his choice of crane Trevor Jepson, City Lifting managing director, said, “Several standout features of the crane influenced our decision to acquire the unit. The hoist winch is positioned inside the first jib section, which saves transport and time. Its generously sized drum also means fewer layers of rope are needed for tall buildings. In addition, the winch mounting allows safe and easy access to the brake and gearbox from the fixed working platform for maintenance, whatever the angle of the jib.”

Practicality

Building up the new Liebherr 195 HC-LH tower crane for the first time. Photo: Liebherr

Consideration given in the design for easy maintenance is illustrated in the design of the hydraulic cylinder. Instead of having threaded caps on the ends it is bolted, making it easier to take apart for maintenance and repair. There is also a self-removal system for the cylinder.

The counterweight slabs are designed for easy handling and can be transported and installed without having to change their orientation.

The 195 HC‑LH is installed on a 1.6 x 1.6 metre tower allowing installation in lift shafts and internal climbing.

“Liebherr’s support has been excellent, providing detailed loadings and technical guidance throughout. We look forward to continuing our work with the team in the future,” Jepson concluded.

City Lifting was started in 1981 in Essex and now operates throughout the UK. It has a diverse fleet of wheeled mobile, tower and mini crawler cranes.

See a video of the erection here.