First job for big new specialist crawler crane

Gruas Aguado using its new Liebherr LR 1700-1.0W narrow track crawler crane to erect a wind turbine with a hub height of 119 metres in Navarra, Spain. Photo: Liebherr

Wind energy industry specialist contractor Aguado put its latest fleet addition straight to work on a job in Navarra, Spain.

The brand new 700 tonne capacity Liebherr LR 1700-1.0W is Aguado’s most powerful narrow-track crawler crane.

Work on the Cascante wind farm in the north of Spain will benefit from the versatility, economical transport, high load capacities and a state-of-the-art variable boom system, the crane’s manufacturer said.

Aguado is a long-time Liebherr customer. “The procurement of the Liebherr LR 1700-1.0W crawler crane is part of our investment and fleet renewal plan, whereby we are focusing on modern and innovative crane technology,” said Mario Aguado, head of the wind energy division at Aguado Group.

“We must always provide the best possible response to our customers’ needs. The fact that we have this crane in our fleet together with the Liebherr models LG 1750, LR 11000 or LR 1600/2-W fills us with pride and shows that we always want to offer our customers the highest quality standards,” Aguado continued.

Liebherr LR 1700-1.0W narrow track heavy lift crawler crane in the red and white livery of Gruas Aguado. Photo: Liebherr

High capacity

On the Cascante wind farm Aguado is assembling eight wind turbines, each with a hub height of 119 metres. “The LR 1700-1.0W is a very versatile crane that is easy to move. And it is significantly more powerful than its predecessor, the LR 1600/2W,” commented Mario Aguado.

These turbines are also well within its capability as the new crane can handle a hub height of up to 170 metres. The 700 tonner was launched in early 2024, replacing the 600 tonne capacity LR 1600/2-W. It has 3.5 metre wide lattice sections in the lower part of the boom to increase the lateral stability. It has more capacity and higher reach. In addition, a luffing jib is available, unlike on its predecessor.

Madrid-based Transportes y Gruas Aguado was started in 1982. It offers lifting and transport services throughout the country. International expansion began in 2019. Aguado now has operations in Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Mexico, Peru, Portugal and South Africa. Aguado Wind Services SL is the specialist wind energy industry division.