Liebherr cranes have all the safety features a crane requires as per most advanced safety standards across the globe.
Subhajit Chandra
Divisional Head- Mobile Crane Division, Liebherr India
How has the demand for Metro construction equipment evolved over the past few years and what are the key factors driving the growth in this sector?
Speaking in terms of Liebherr cranes, as the demand for Metro construction has grown by a huge margin since the Govt has made big push for public transportation in the country and when it comes to building the metro infrastructure Liebherr crawler and all terrain cranes are among the highly utilised cranes in the Metro construction, be it for handling of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) in underground metro sections, executing heavy lifts like erection of girder launchers or launching the girders itself, Liebherr cranes have been at the forefront in this metro infrastructure revolution.
Could you highlight the most significant technological advancements in your range of equipment used for metro construction?
The technological advancement that Liebherr cranes offer for metro construction amid chaos and crowd and constricted spaces where metro construction in ongoing is features like:
AutoBallast: Picking up and setting down the counterweight is fully automated reducing additional crane requirements as it is already very difficult in cityscapes.
Wind Speed load-charts: Possible to operate the crane safely in High Wind speeds so your work is never affected.
EcoMode / EcoDrive: Lowers noise level and reduces fuel consumption, so the crane is more efficient and that in addition to Euro Stage V emission compliance.
VarioBase®: The crane work is monitored by the load limiter with real-time capacity calculation for each crane outrigger as the position. You may now position outriggers in infinitely variable positions as the available space allows.
VarioBallast®: You can operate the crane with different counterweight radius according to swing space availability, you can increase the radius of the counterweight and the Liccon system will automatically calculate the capacity.
How do these innovations contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Metro construction projects?
The innovations that now drive Liebherr cranes improve efficiency of the cranes at macro level enhancing the regular workings of the crane:
Liebherr cranes require less time in assembly, setting up.
With EN13000 compliance, it has the highest stability ratings which assures user of highest safety standards.
Liccon system removes the need for manual calculations, and you can lift at 100% what is shown as capacity in the load charts.
The cranes are built to last and endure.
What measures have been taken to ensure ease of maintenance for your equipment used for metro construction?
Liebherr cranes are among the safest and require the least maintenance, in addition to that advantage, a Liebherr crane will have following features that will put the users at ease
• Remote assistance by Liebherr’s engineers.
• MyLiebherr portal for ease of ordering parts and services.
• Various Annual Maintenance Contract plans (AMCs) as per user needs.
• Refurbishment/ reconditioning and repair of older Liebherr cranes.
What safety features are incorporated into your equipment to ensure safe operation in urban environments?
Liebherr cranes have all the safety features a crane requires as per most advanced safety standards across the globe. Apart from that, Liebherr ensures safe operation with following features
75% Stability ratings with EN13000, more than any crane in the world.
Wind speed load charts, that give you safest lift capacities in different wind speeds.
Liccon 3 system, offers you greater control over crane operations thus making crane operation seamless.
Hill Start aid for assistance in starting crane in slopes.
VarioBase for variable outrigger positioning and VarioBallast for variable counterweight radius ensuring safe operation, both features are for using as per space availability.
Liebherr cranes come with pivot lights that follow the hook so where you work is always illuminated.
Not to mention the standard safety features limit switches, angle sensors, anemometer, sensors, camera monitoring, marching alarms, swing alarm, drive assist with camera monitoring.
With many more such features, Liebherr cranes can safely be called the best cranes for operating in urban environments.
How do you ensure compliance with safety regulations in different markets?
Liebherr follows the most advanced safety standards that there are, and our offerings are same across the globe, so we do not have to worry about safety compliance anywhere, as we are confident that our cranes meet all the safety regulations.
How do your products address environmental concerns, such as emissions and energy efficiency? Are there any specific features aimed at minimizing the environmental impact during metro construction?
Liebherr is leading from the front in addressing environmental concerns and has adopted sustainable approach in addressing the concerns in the long term by showing possibilities that slowly the industry can be transformed to reduce emissions and become highly environmentally friendly. We are working on all fronts to take on climate change and bring about sustainable technologies:
Liebherr Adheres to all the latest Emissions norms.
ECOdrive / ECOmode in Liebherr cranes is reducing CO2 emission and fuel consumption.
Liebherr engines are 100% HVO fuel compliant. An alternate fuel with very low emissions.
Electrification of Cranes, we are offering hybrid and battery-operated cranes.
Liebherr is a member of eFuels alliance, together with over 135 members we work towards promotion and mass acceptance of alternative climate-neutral fuels
Could you describe any unique engineering features of your equipment that set it apart from the competition? How do these features contribute to the overall performance and adaptability of the equipment in various construction scenarios?
Liebherr is pioneer in the crane technology, our cranes come with features that are not available with any competitor and each feature has its purpose in improving overall performance and adaptability of the crane in the infrastructure construction scenarios. As we talked about features like VarioBase, VarioBallast, AutoBallast, Self-Assembly etc increase operational adaptability while EcoMode, EcoDrive, single engine concept along with compliance to latest emission norms, Liebherr keeps the crane highly advances while never compromising on the performance and safety standards. With highest stability ratings and safest operational track record - a Liebherr crane are in itself is a unique engineering marvel that is assisting Indian infrastructure revolution.