MOVING FORWARD THE LIEBHERR WAY
Bryn Thomas Cranes Limited has just taken delivery of the first crane in a multiple crane deal with German manufacturer Liebherr. The first Liebherr delivered was the LTM 1060-3-1 mobile crane and this will be swiftly followed by a second LTM 1060-3.1, two LTM 1090-4.1 mobile cranes and one LTM 1040-2.1 mobile crane later in 2016.
The recently-delivered 60 tonne LTM 1060-3.1 has a compact three-axle chassis and a number of other highly useful features including the 48 m boom length, which gives it excellent versatility when combined with the compactness of the model. The LTM 1060-3.1 has exceptional manoeuvrability achieved through its six-wheel steering. It has a five-section main boom to give a maximum operating height of 48 m, which is further increased with the double fly jib. In the UK, the LTM 1060-3.1 can travel with all 12.8 tonnes of counterweight and a double fly jib and remain within STGO regulations. Bryn Thomas Cranes is taking delivery of a second LTM 1060-3.1 in March.
Bryn Thomas Cranes will also be taking delivery of two LTM 1090-4.1s. In the UK, this crane can carry 17 tonnes of a maximum 21 tonne counterweight along with the 19 m long double swing-away jib. The LTM 1090-4.1 is a two-engine crane with a compact four-axle chassis. A 50 m telescopic main boom is available with a 7m telescopic boom extension and swing-away jib to give a maximum lifting height of 75 m. The crane has a maximum lifting capacity of 90 tonnes at a 3 m radius and a maximum working radius of 62 m. It has extremely compact dimensions and the greatest manoeuvrability in its class. One of the new LTM 1090-4.1s is due to be exhibited at Vertikal Days in June of this year.
Also due to be exhibited at Vertikal Days is the company’s new LTM 1040-2.1, This machine has been purchased to complement the Bryn Thomas Cranes fleet renewal programme and to service the needs of customers requiring lighter cranes. This is a compact two-axle crane with both axles driven and steerable ensuring excellent all-terrain capability and manoeuvrability on even the most confined building sites. The LTM 1040-2.1 offers outstanding load carrying performance over the entire operating area.
A maximum lifting height of 44 m can be achieved with the 35m main boom when the 9.5m single swing-away fly jib is installed. The continuously variable four-section telescopic boom uses the hydro-mechanical telescoping system to extend to the required length quickly. The telescoping operation can also be performed under load. Other features include, sensitive working by electronic crane control and LICCON2 control with mobile display unit BTT. And with pneumatic disc brakes now fitted as standard on this model, maintenance costs are lower and braking more efficient.
Bryn Thomas Cranes has opted to purchase both the LTM 1060-3.1 and the LTM 1090-4.1 with VarioBaseÒ, which is particularly effective for lifting operations in locations where space is restricted. This unique system, developed by Liebherr, enables each out-rigger to be extended independently to varying lengths with the crane operation made safe by the load moment limiter within the LICCON control. The Variable Supporting Base ensures higher lifting capacities and a larger working range, even with a maximum support base, with the largest increases made in the operating ranges directly above the supports.
Cost savings are achieved on all models with Liebherr’s ECOmode, which is now a standard feature. In ECOmode the crane driver sets the required working speed using the control lever. The LICCON2 control then calculates the perfect engine speed for it. This value is set on the crane engine using the engine control unit and fuel savings are up to 10%.
Dylan Thomas commented: ‘We are extremely happy with the Liebherr product and most importantly the range of cranes. We have chosen to boost the fleet within the mid operating range of cranes appropriate to our depot structures.
We opted for Liebherr’s cranes because of their high quality, very reliable after-sales service and the product’s service performance, which are all very important to us.Also, the same operating features and controls are present across the Liebherr range making them straightforward for any driver to operate.We have chosen to take the cranes with Liebherr’s new VarioBase system. The LICCON crane control system calculates the maximum load capacities precisely for every given situation you may have operationally. We will be also looking to boost the fleet within the coming year and throughout 2017 with various new Liebherr additions as Bryn Thomas Cranes and BJW Cranes look to expand their networks of depots
