SOUTHEAST ASIA CONSTRUCTION20 May 2024
New Liebherr NC-LH 12-55 luffing jib crane ideal for inner-city areas

Liebherr has introduced a new hydraulic luffing jib crane, the NC-LH 12-55, which is targeted at markets outside Europe. With a minimal working radius of just 3 m and an out-of-work position of 10 m, this model is ideal for inner-city construction sites. It has a lifting capacity of up to 12 t and the ability to lift up to 2,450 kg at its jib head.

“We provide a set-up that’s strong in all aspects, from transport and assembly through to operation, and can offer our customers an outstanding overall concept for their sites,” said Markus Kinateder, product manager at Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH.

The NC-LH 12-55 can be adapted to everyday conditions on site and requires very little space. This is because the crane can be installed in lift shafts, features a reduced out-of-service position and minimal swing radius, and the cabin is mountable on either side (left or right-hand side) to meet individual project needs.

A lift shaft installation with subsequent internal climbing can be performed using the 16 EC 240 tower system. So, the crane can be centrally positioned on site where it can lift up to 2,450 kg at its jib head at maximum radius. Its minimal working radius of just 3 m also helps to ensure that all areas on site can be covered from a central point.

Another option alongside the slim 16 EC 240 is the widely used 21 HC 290 tower system, which enables high hook heights and installation of the EasyUp 200 crane driver elevator. Both tower systems come prepared for climbing inside and outside buildings. Combining these two systems together with a transition tower section makes it possible to achieve cost-efficient, high tower heights.

With the NC-LH 12-55, several cranes can be positioned closer together on site. This allows more units to fit into the available space as and when required. A reduced out-of-service position of 10 m for jibs 45 m or longer makes it all possible. The jib can be extended in 5 m increments. At maximum tower height, the out-of-service position measures up to 14.6 m. The counter-jib has a swing radius of just 7.9 m and its ballast blocks are stackable.

Easy transportation

Transporting the crane into the city and through inner-city environments can be carried out easily. Four trucks or containers are enough to transport the NC-LH to its next job location. With the jib width being just 1.15 m, three sections fit onto a standard truck or in one container. The jib end section can be slid into the counter-jib, and all platforms and rails can stay attached to the counter-jib indefinitely. The hoist unit is also ready installed on the jib, meaning it stays in place during transport and is protected as well. All of this saves assembly time.

The slewing platform and central unit can either be lifted onto the truck pre-assembled or part by part ready for individual assembly steps. The choice depends on which mobile crane is available for the later assembly of the components, which can weigh up to 8 t. A smaller mobile crane can be used for lifting component assemblies, while a more powerful mobile crane is capable of handling the pre-assembled jib and counter-jib unit in a single lift to save time. The crane’s jib can be completely pre-assembled on the ground. Even the hoist rope and hook block can be reeved ready for use so that working at great height isn’t required.

Liebherr’s luffing jib cranes are suitable for jobsites involving heavy components and high hook heights. The luffing system enables fast and precise luffing in under 90 seconds. Plus, the jib can be adjusted safely and at controlled speed with a load on its hook. Load-Plus is now available for luffing jibs thanks to the launch of the new crane. A load increase of up to 26% can be achieved at the touch of a button for particularly heavy one-off lifts.

Furthermore, the NC-LH 12-55 is also equipped with the new Tower Crane OS operating system. An easy-to-view menu bar ensures quick navigation and the user interface can be customised to suit different users.