1:50th Scale Liebherr HS855HD Crawler Crane

The HS855 duty cycle crane can perform a number of different tasks from lifting to material handling, demolition, soil compaction and foundation applications with diaphragm wall grabs or casing oscillators. The crane is powered by a 600hp diesel engine with an operational weight of 84.4 ton and a maximum lift capacity of 90 ton. The maintenance free Liebherr free-fall winches with integrated drive and disc brakes are powerful and robust with electro-hydraulic control systems allowing smooth and precise control whilst the removable track frames and ballast systems allow easy transport to the work site and the 1:50th scale model presented here from NZG has authentically captured all the details and functionality of the full sized machine, finished in the Soletanche Bachy company decoration.

Unlike the standard version of the crane, this limited edition version only contains the parts to allow the model to be configured as a lifting crane with the dragline components missing from the box. The main body of the model features opening side doors which give access to the winding mechanisms fitted to the winches. The two main lift winches are actually geared with the supplied winding keys being needed to release the drum locks before turning to wind the rope. This is a very nice piece of engineering on the model and the winches work will once pressure is applied.

The rear counterweight system has been accurately captured and is fully functional with the ability to connect the four lift chains to the main ballast section. The hydraulic pistons can be raised, lifting the ballast into position before it is secured with a pin.

There are ten smaller ballast stones that can be used (up to five each side) and they are held steady with the use of metal pins, of which three sizes are supplied allowing three, four or the full complement of five ballast stones per side.

The A-Frame has metal pulleys which line up with the pulleys at the rear of the upper structure and this is relatively easy to reeve from the rear most winch. The body casting is very crisp with lots of detail including diamond plate floor panels, access ladder at the rear and the exhaust stack can be folded down to reduce the height for transport which is another nice touch.

The track frames can be extended to provide a larger footprint and the four square panels on the front surfaces can be removed to access the fixing screws, allowing the track frames to be removed from the undercarriage to reduce transport weight. This is another great touch on the model and four jacks are connected to the undercarriage allowing it to be authentically posed with the track frames removed. The track frames have small rollers along the bottom edge with the Liebherr name cast into the drive sprockets.

The tracks are tensioned with individually linked metal track pads, complete with triple grouser surface detailing. The undercarriage H-section has cast slots on one end, similar to the undercarriage on the LRB255 model and this would allow a casing oscillator attachment to be connected to the HS855. The main load block included in the box has a single pulley with chevron safety markings whilst the headache ball hook can also be used with the small fixed jib.

The three main boom sections are connected to each other with the use of tiny threaded bolts with matching nuts. Even a tool for easy assembly is supplied in the box.

When configured for lifting, the boom head requires six pulleys to be pinned into place. Several sizes of pin are supplied allowing the small, fixed angle jib to be connected or omitted as required.

Liebherr HS855HD Crawler Crane

The pennant lines have been made from actual metal rope with crimped loops at each end which connect with the small metal connecting pieces (above) which really does add to the realistic look of the model.

The metal frame connected to the A-Frame is pinned allowing it to pivot slightly and during erection, the model can be authentically posed with the A-Frame connected to the boom foot, again demonstrating the level of engineering and thought that has gone into the production of the model.

The cab has large glazed windows allowing the detailed interior to be seen, complete with contoured seat, joystick controls and control console. The cab tilts up to about 30 degrees and has a roof window protection screen with integrated work lights. A rear view mirror and windscreen wiper have been added with silver painted walkways located along both sides of the upper structure and around the cab frame.

The model is an exceptional release with a host of posing possibilities. The castings are crisp with great paintwork, accurate markings and some very good internal engineering. The level of detail found throughout the model shows the extra level that NZG have gone to in producing another exceptional addition to the Liebherr model range. Click on the picture below to see the crane configured for foudation work with accessories from HF Models.