INDUSTRY NEWS
News Pile
New piling and drilling rig from Liebherr
In June this year, Liebherr presented its new piling and drilling
rig, type LRB 16, suitable for the diverse requirements of
deep foundation work. It features a compact design as well as
a range of available assistance systems, which ease the work
on the jobsite. With a longer leader, the piling and drilling rig
is also available as a LRB 18.
The LRB 16 gets its name from the sledge’s travel distance,
which is approximately 16 metres. Special emphasis is on the
compact design and an operating weight of barely 48t, which
results in low ground pressure. The robust undercarriage
offers excellent stability, which can be further increased with
the optional rear supports.
Economic fuel consumption is more than just a theory
with the LRB 16. Innovative hydraulic concepts play a decisive
role and, despite reduced engine power, the machines
achieve high performance but at the same time keep fuel
consumption low. The new piling and drilling rig is installed
with a Liebherr diesel engine. It has a mere 390 kW/523 hp
and meets current emission regulations. In comparison to
earlier models, the LRB 16 has a reduced engine speed of
about 1,700 rpm.
The parallel kinematics, which have been installed in
many piling and drilling rigs from Liebherr, have a large working
area and enable the leader to be folded back. The rigid
leader of approximately 12.5 metres absorbs high torque and
is fitted with a rope crowd system for high pull forces of up to
200 kN. Furthermore, the quick connection system allows for
the rapid fitting or exchange of working tools.
Rendering of an LRB
16 with a vibrator
installing a slurry wall
The LRB 16 can be easily transported in one piece, including
the mounted counterweight, and has a transport weight
of only 43.5 t. This ensures quick set-up on site as well as flexibility
in transferring the machine between different jobsites.
As an option, the complete loading and set-up processes can
be carried out via remote control, which means only one
person is required.
High operator comfort
Particular attention was paid to the cabin
concept of the LRB 16, especially to the
improvement of operator comfort. This was
achieved, amongst other things, through a
modern air conditioning system, an optimized
view from the cabin as well as an
orthopaedic operator’s seat with automatic
adjustment. All switches, joysticks and pedals
are ergonomically positioned. Furthermore, a
roof railing and rear-view and side cameras
enhance safety.
One of the most frequent applications for
the LRB 16 is the installation of slurry walls
with the aid of Liebherr’s vibrator type LV 20.
Additionally, the machine is suitable for other
common foundation work, including drilling
with continuous flight auger, double rotary
head or Kelly bar, soil mixing and piling work
with a hydraulic hammer.
LRB 16 drilling with double-rotary head on
a jobsite in Luzern, Switzerland
IMAGES COURTESY OF LIEBHERR
PILING CANADA 75