The new Liebherr LTM 1400-6.1 has completed its first project for Dutch crane rental company Kuiphuis Kraanverhuur B.V. The 450-tonne mobile crane lifted a 73-tonne precast basement into an excavation pit in Oldenzaal, just four days after its delivery.
The operation presented several challenges. The team had to work in a confined area with limited access and little room for adjustments. Therefore, precise planning was essential.
450-tonne crane handles 73-tonne load
The precast basement measured approximately 12 metres long, 4.6 metres wide and 3 metres high. The team had to lift the element directly from the transport vehicle and place it into the excavation pit in one movement.
The crane stood on raised ground beside the excavation. Only around 11 metres separated the excavation edge from the crane’s outriggers. Meanwhile, the access road measured just three metres wide and included a tight bend.
For the lift, Kuiphuis equipped the six-axle LTM 1400-6.1 with 130 tonnes of counterweight. Its telescopic boom extended to 19.8 metres. At a working radius of around 13.5 metres, the crane moved a total load of 75.2 tonnes, including the hook block and slings.
Detailed planning supports precision
The Kuiphuis team used Liebherr Crane Planner 2.0 to assess different crane configurations before the operation. The planning process confirmed that the LTM 1400-6.1 could safely complete the lift under the site conditions.
The team also calculated the required sling arrangements individually. In addition, Kuiphuis worked closely with the client, Liebherr customer support and its operations planning team.
During the lift, operators swung the precast element from one side of the crane to the other. The VarioBallast® system helped maintain stability throughout the operation. By adjusting the ballast radius, operators could control the load and position it accurately.
Successful debut for Kuiphuis
Liebherr also provided operator training and technical support at the site. As a result, Kuiphuis operators gained practical experience with the new crane during its first assignment.
“Even under these changing conditions, the LTM 1400-6.1 delivered an exceptionally good performance,” said Bart Welhuis, operations planner at Kuiphuis Kraanverhuur.
Kuiphuis will use the new crane for demanding lifting operations across several sectors. These include construction, tower crane assembly and dismantling, wind energy projects and heavy industrial machinery relocation.
The successful first deployment demonstrates the Liebherr LTM 1400-6.1’s combination of lifting capacity, manoeuvrability and precision for complex construction projects.
