Liebherr LTC1045-3.1 Mobile Crane
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Liebherr LTC1045-3.1 city-class mobile crane which has been produced by Conrad. The LTC1045-3.1 was first introduced in 2010 at the Bauma trade show and has become a very popular crane which is in service with a number of crane and lifting companies worldwide.
Specifically designed for working in tight and confined spaces, the LTC1045 is the ideal crane for industrial installations where it can be used inside buildings. The crane offers a maximum lifting capacity of 45 ton with a lift height of 48 metres and a radius of 39 metres. The crane is powered by a 6-cylinder Mercedes Benz turbo diesel engine generating 326hp with a ZF power-shift gearbox providing excellent manoeuvrability and comfort with six forward and two reverse gears. The suspension of each axle is hydro pneumatic with a choice of fixed driving modes selectable by the driver. For working in confined spaces, the entire front storage unit can be quickly detached, reducing the chassis length to 7.68 metres. The most striking feature of the LTC is the single crane cabin which is used both for driving and lifting, mounted to a pivoting telescopic arm allowing the cabin to be moved forward and lowered for excellent visibility during road travel while rising up into the air to give the operator a maximum eye level of 7.8 metres. The crane uses the in-house designed LICCON computer system (Liebherr Computer Control) for safe crane operations with the optional wireless remote control allowing all crane movements to be controlled from outside the cabin.
Conrad has authentically captured the unique features of this new generation crane with functional steering of the axles allowing several different steering modes to be demonstrated along with an oscillating centre axle and drive-train detailing on the underside of the chassis.
The front storage box has an integrated set of access steps with silvered surface highlighting while the contoured shape of the light housings and number plate holder have been authentically modelled. The upper surface has an anti-slip texture and a self-fit rear view mirror needs clipping into place on the far corner.
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For confined spaces, the front storage compartment can be detached to reduce the length of the chassis which is a nice addition to the model and highlights great attention to detail from Conrad.
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A pivoting support in attached to the chassis allowing the boom to be stored in a raised position offering better visibility during road travel. |
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The single stage all-metal H-pattern outriggers extend smoothly with lowering jack legs which cleverly hide the screw thread while allowing the crane to be raised off the ground. This is an interesting addition from Conrad for a small crane and works very well. The rear chassis has a curved rear incorporating the rear facing light housings which have painted lenses and a printed number plate. There is a towing hitch fitted to the rear with the chromed exhaust stack raising up out of the engine bay. |
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The single cabin is mounted to a telescopic arm, allowing it to position at the front of the crane during road travel while rising up into the air during lift procedures to give the operator a birds eye view. |
This mechanism works well on the model with the hydraulics stiff enough to hold the chosen position. The cabin has been modelled well with safety grab rails and rear view mirrors added to the exterior. |
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The front window has a fitted wiper blade and the door has a cast and highlighted handle. The interior is finished in a light grey colour with the seat and integrated controls within the armrests visible. The interior contours include the display screens and console.
The upper surface of the main chassis has a textured pattern with four fitted ladders while printing has been used to replicate the small lights along the sides of the model. The end sections of the outriggers have a printed chevron pattern which is crisply applied, as are the Liebherr markings.
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The five section telescopic boom locks at a full extension of 720mm with individual metal pulleys fitted to the boom head and jib allowing the hook block to raise and lower freely. Two hooks are provided in the box, one with three pulleys and a headache block.
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A jib is included which stores on the hangers on the side of the boom during travel and features a two section arm with a cleverly detachable assembly jib specifically designed for interior lifting with the ability to change the angle in 20 degree increments, matching that of the full sized crane. |
The Liebherr LTC1045-3.1 is a very interesting machine which has been replicated very well by Conrad and I can see it being released in a number of company decorated versions in the next few years, two of which have already been produced.
