The long arm of Garzweiler: Liebherr RT crane at RWE
New LRT 1130-2.1 rough terrain crane from Wasel's fleet proves its worth in open-cast mining operations.
A Liebherr LRT 1130-2.1 carries out light work on a large belt transfer station. Thanks to the 60-metre telescopic boom, the crane can cover a very large working area without needing to be moved.
- LRT 1130-2.1 plays key role in replacing a 30-tonne drive unit in a conveyor system
- Permanent availability of mobile cranes is essential in open-cast mines
The gigantic Garzweiler open-cast coal mine (RWE Power AG) is the new "habitat" of the new, powerful Liebherr LRT 1130-2.1 rough terrain crane owned by crane hire company Wasel. Together with the smaller LRT 1100-2.1, it is used daily for repair and maintenance work on conveyor systems and large open-cast mining equipment. A spectacular job called for the high-performance rough terrain crane in March 2024.
The support base of the LRT 1130-2.1 measures up to 8,143 x 8,140 mm. The LICCON control system calculates all ground pressures and loads in real time for each support position.
We visited the world's largest open-cast lignite mine – in the Rhenish lignite mining area. Where huge construction machines look like toys next to the bucket wheel excavators, spreaders and conveyor belts. In this place, the new LRT 1130-2.1 RT crane from Ehingen is now in constant use. The 130-tonne machine is not only the largest RT crane (RT = rough terrain) in Liebherr's portfolio – as the most powerful two-axle RT crane on the market, it also holds the current record in this category. Crane rental company and open-cast mining specialist Wasel, based in Bergheim, took delivery of Liebherr's latest rough terrain crane with a 60-metre telescopic boom in January 2024. The "newcomer" had become necessary because the machine components that need to be replaced on open-cast mining equipment and conveyor systems have grown larger and heavier. The huge conveyor belt rollers weighing up to 60 tonnes are an additional challenge.
Wasel's Head of Mobile Cranes Bergheim, Christopher Neuhaus, adds: "We have already had very positive experiences with the Liebherr LRT 1100-2.1, but our fleet lacked a more powerful rough terrain crane with single tyres for the operator RWE. When we drive into the open-cast mine, we need a very powerful wheel-mounted telescopic crane." Equipped with the large 29.5 R 25 tyres, the LRT 1130-2.1 has good ground clearance and plenty of traction.
In action: when replacing a belt drive station weighing over 30 tonnes in the Garzweiler open-cast mine, the rough terrain crane shows what it was designed for.
VarioBase@ as standard
This machine is now in Wasel's fleet. Crane driver Daniel Maser sits at the controls of the LRT 1130-2.1, which is on the road for up to 2,400 hours a year for maintenance and servicing jobs, construction work, belt transport and other tasks – often in multi-shift operations. "The LICCON control system is really good with its easy programming and precise display of the load chart, depending on the selected support base – that makes our work easier. We normally work with four fully extended supports, but for lifts directly on excavators and spreaders we have to reduce the size of the support base. I always know exactly what the crane can lift thanks to Liebherr's VarioBase®."
Liebherr's Telematik telescoping system further simplifies the work processes – by pinning the boom fully automatically when the desired length is reached. It also adjusts the clamping ratios of the telescopic extensions fully automatically, optimising the use of the five-section telescopic boom and protecting it from overload. Wasel ordered the Liebherr RT crane with the two-part double folding jib, which increases the hook height to 80 metres – also due to its work on large-scale machinery.
Rough terrain cranes are a rare species due to the restricted view to the right. At RWE, the vehicle can be driven with the boom raised slightly to give Maser, the crane driver, a clear view to his right. Work is carried out with a counterweight, which is reduced to 15 tonnes – this lessens the load on the chassis and tyres when changing locations.
Daniel Maser controls the LRT 1130-2.1, which is on the road for up to 2,400 hours a year performing maintenance and servicing tasks, construction work, belt transport operations and other tasks – often in multiple shifts.
Mobile cranes in continuous operation
Like all crawler, telescopic and RT cranes used by Wasel at RWE, the new LRT 1130-2.1 is in continuous operation, including during multiple shifts. It is also often on call, as the open-cast mining machines must never stand still and, therefore, their auxiliary equipment is permanently on standby.
Niehaus explains: "The new Liebherr RT weighs a good 45 tonnes without ballast, and around 60 tonnes when ready for use – this makes it relatively manoeuvrable and it drives at up to 20 km/h with a sensational climbing ability of 60% – this is extremely important in open-cast mining with washed-out roads and steep ramps – we take the "rough terrain crane" category literally. After all, we have to use the large machines in all weather conditions and at all times of the year – so high ground clearance and climbing ability are extremely important. And of course, we've also chosen tyres with a corresponding profile."
The latest version of the rough terrain crane, which is powered by a 188 kW six-cylinder diesel engine, is the result of a wealth of experience gained by operator Wasel. Drivers are unanimous in their praise for the 220-mm-wider cab. Daniel Maser agrees: "The large glazed area, the easy-to-reach joysticks and the spacious driver's seat are simply top class. The big, easy-to-read screens and displays are a huge help in our day-to-day work.
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