Liebherr has unveiled a new VarioBallast system for its LR 1100-4.1 and LR 1300 crawler cranes. In urban construction sites, space for crane setup is often limited, restricting the available area for the counterweight. Traditional cranes have a fixed counterweight radius, which dictates their lifting capacity. If the radius cannot be achieved due to site obstacles, the crane is derated significantly.
The VarioBallast system utilizes a telescoping frame that can hydraulically extend the counterweight radius from 5.5 meters to 7 meters. By extending the radius, the crane increases its leverage, allowing it to lift heavier loads at long boom lengths without adding more weight. Conversely, if the crane is working under a bridge or power line, the radius can be retracted to reduce the machine's footprint.
A key feature is the automatic integration with the crane's LICCON control system. The operator inputs the ballast configuration, and the computer instantly updates the load chart based on the exact radius of the counterweight. This flexibility allows contractors to use a 300-ton class crane for lifts that previously might have required a larger machine or complex rigging setups.
