AN LTM 1450-8.1 mobile crane – the first in Scotland – is the latest addition to the Whyte Crane Hire fleet.
The machine, which took pride of place on Whyte’s ScotPlant stand this year, forms part of a 21-crane order Whyte placed with Liebherr last year.
Liebherr explained that the design of the LTM 1450-8.1 makes it “very versatile” for road travel. The manufacturer added that in the UK it can carry its 85m main boom, 7m swing away fly jib, all supports, hoist winch, counterweight frame and 24 tonnes of counterweight with “minimal additional transport”.
Where axle loads are restricted, the travel configuration can be changed so the crane can travel on public roads with a 12 tonne axle load and still carry its 85m telescopic boom, all supports and a complete hoist winch.
VarioBallast, a variable counterweight system that is a recent addition to Liebherr mobile cranes, the ballast radius of the machine can be reduced with infinite adjustment from 7m to 5m using a hydraulic swivel mechanism. Liebherr said the ballast adjustment is extremely useful on constricted sites.
Mark Syme, Whyte Crane Hire’s managing director said, “This new crane concept will be a significant asset to the Whyte Crane Hire fleet. I have no doubt that the LTM 1450s combination of great hoist height and versatile travel capabilities will prove invaluable for many of our very high-reach jobs, including repairing wind turbines and building and decommissioning tower cranes.”
