Liebherr’s new 440 HC-L luffing jib crane is a response to ever-faster construction site cycles. Compared to its predecessor, the 357 HC-L, the new model comes with improved performance values and is available in two versions: the 440 HC-L 12/24 and the 18/36. The maximum lifting capacity of the 440 HC-L 18/36 has increased from 32 to 36 t. It has also been possible to raise the tower height of both crane versions by one tower section compared to the previous model.
The new 440 HC-L requires very little space for a crane of its size, featuring an out-of-service position of up to 10.7 m and a minimum working radius of less than 4 m. This means that the crane can be set up closer to buildings, property boundaries or another luffing jib crane, which makes site planning easier. Depending on the situation, the out-of-service position makes it possible to accommodate and operate an additional crane on site.
This is the first time aramid fibre guying is being used for a luffing jib crane, revealed Liebherr. The lightweight material reduces weight on the jib, resulting in a higher lifting capacity. Significant weight is saved compared to the use of steel ropes; dead load can consequently be transformed into load capacity. An aramid fibre guying system also offers advantages for crane assembly and disassembly owing to its lighter weight. Aramid fibre has already proven itself and become an established material with other Liebherr cranes, including crawler and maritime cranes.
The 440 HC-L only requires one central switchgear cabinet. Electronic components are arranged in a plug-and-play set-up, which significantly reduces assembly time. The crane is also available with Liebherr’s drives and the latest TC-OS control unit for simple operation.
Assemblies are pre-assembled at the factory prior to the crane being delivered, thereby optimising transport costs and enabling the crane to be unloaded more quickly on site. The counter-jib ballast, which consists of a single block, also contributes to faster assembly and disassembly. Only nine transport units are needed for the slewing section at full jib length, including its counter-ballast.
The 440 HC-L’s maximum radius has increased to 65 m and its jib head lifting capacity by up to 52%. The jib can be extended in 5 m increments. Thanks to Load Plus, performance can be increased by up to 22% at the touch of a button. With a 50-m jib, for example, the maximum jib head lifting capacity increases from 7.5 to 9 t. Tower heights have also been significantly improved: the free-standing height has been increased by up to 5.8 m, and the maximum assembly height (free-standing) measures in at up to 76.4 m. This makes planning climbing steps more flexible.
