Liebherr has announced an upgrade to its VarioBase® system, a stability monitoring technology for mobile cranes that significantly increases flexibility and safety on cramped construction sites. In traditional crane operations, the support base (the distance between the outriggers) must be symmetrical and fully extended to achieve the rated lifting capacity. However, inner-city construction sites often lack the space for a full 360-degree support footprint, forcing operators to severely derate the crane or decline lifts entirely.
The new VarioBase® system utilizes an array of angle and pressure sensors integrated directly into the outrigger cylinders. When the crane is being set up, the system measures the exact position and extension length of each individual outrigger. Instead of relying on a fixed load chart, the crane's onboard computer calculates a specific load moment limit based on that unique, asymmetrical geometry.
If the operator extends the front outriggers fully but can only extend the rear outriggers to 50% due to a building obstruction, the system automatically generates a custom load chart that reflects the reduced stability on the rear side. The limits are displayed in real-time on the crane's LICCON control screen, preventing the operator from making a lift that would tip the machine towards the shorter outrigger side.
Furthermore, the system features a "lift booster" mode for areas where space is available. If the outriggers can be extended beyond the standard positions, the software unlocks higher lifting capacities. By digitizing the stability calculation, Liebherr is allowing crane contractors to perform complex lifts in tight urban environments that were previously considered impossible without setting up a tower crane.
