Liebherr rough terrain crane expedites mining truck assembly at Virginia quarry

Back in 2022, Liebherr updated the LRT 1100-2.1 rough terrain crane. Part of the upgrades included increasing the crane's steel counterweight by one tonne, increasing the lifting capacity. The increased lift capacity allows the LRT to hoist loads beyond what many other rough terrain cranes in its class can lift. The counterweight is also more compact providing a better rear view in the cab and minimizing blind spots. This upgrade also allows for increased load charts as well as inclination charts, aiding in the operation of up to two degrees from level. 

The upgraded LRT was taken to Virginia to assist in the quick assembly of an on-site T 264 mining truck. The rough terrain crane rapidly assembled the truck and fulfilled other lifts needed at the site. There was also no downtime on the project, allowing the job to be finished four days ahead of schedule.

"It can be very hard to schedule cranes for builds like this," notes Thomas Coenen, Liebherr mining equipment product support representative. "Auxiliary cranes are often shared and used for maintenance of heavy mining equipment and other lifting needs around mining sites. In this instance, I was able to use the upgraded LRT from Prillaman's crane rental. Using one crane that can lift the truck makes the project easier, and we can complete the build faster. This also meant no downtime or crane changes for different components to be lifted."

Safety comes standard

Many safety features come standard with the LRT, including the variable outrigger system and Variobase which allows safe operation of the crane with asymmetric outrigger positions integrated into the LMI (load moment indicator). The crane also offers LICCON controlled load moment limiter that minimizes accidents and human error as well as a monitored two-hook operation which allows for safe rotation of loads. 

"At any mine site safety is the biggest concern," notes Beau Pocock, RT business development manager for Liebherr USA, Co. Mobile and Crawler Cranes. "Any operation like this is planned out to use the safest methods possible. That is why the Liebherr LRT is the right machine for the job."

The LRT also provides a safe ascent to the crane with numerous handholds, a flat deck that minimizes tripping hazards, and a larger cabin that tilts for better vision.