Liebherr unveils LTM 1450-8.1 crane with 500-ton capacity

Marcia Doyle Headshot
Updated May 28, 2016

liebherr-ltm1450-8-1-mobile-crane-300dpiLiebherr has unveiled a prototype 8-axle LTM 1450-8.1 crane, which has a maximum load capacity of nearly 500 tons.

Including the 278-foot telescopic boom and all supports, the crane is designed to travel on public roads allowing a 13.2-ton-per-axle load. It can also be reconfigured in a variety of transport weights and axle load versions.

The unit uses Liebherr’s VarioBallast feature, first launched in the company’s 5-axle cranes, to vary the ballast radius in infinite increments from 22 to 16.4 feet. This gives the crane the ability to work more proficiently on constricted sites.

The model has a maximum ballast of 149 tons and shares ballast plates common with several other Liebherr cranes.

The crane cab is positioned to the side of the boom, and does not have to be swung from the driving position at the rear to the working position at the side.

A single 8-cylinder, 687-horsepower Liebherr engine powers the crane, eliminating the need for a separate superstructure engine and its additional maintenance and fuel consumption concerns.