Liebherr Launches First 100% Electric Portal Crane

19th April 2018

Logistics BusinessLiebherr Launches First 100% Electric Portal Crane

Liebherr has launched its first 100% electric portal crane. The Rostock-based manufacturer says that the LPS 420 E will provide higher bulk turnover than comparable offerings on the market.

The new LPS 420 E is the latest extension of the Liebherr mobile harbour crane product range. All crane movements, including luffing, hoisting, slewing and travelling, are powered by electric motors.

As a member of the LHM series, modularity is key. The company says it is a universal all-rounder and a key asset for handling every type of cargo, from containers to bulk, general cargo and heavy lifts up to 124 t. Designed for ports and terminals with an electrical infrastructure, it is equipped with two winches, each with a powerful 190 kW electric motor. The lift and power capacity make it perfect for heavy break bulk as well as project and general cargo.

Bulk Handling
With a turnover of up to 1,200 tonnes per hour, Liebherr claims the crane exceeds the average turnover of comparable electric driven cranes in the market. With a maximum outreach of up to 48 metres, ships with a size of up to Panamax class can be served. This makes the crane the ideal electrical driven solution for bulk handling – local emission-free.

Technical advantages are highlighted. The main components of the E-drive are liquid cooled and the heat is dissipated by heat exchangers. The fully closed liquid cooling system in combination with the heat exchanger are installed on top of the slewing platform. According to this, no overpressure unit is necessary to prevent dust coming inside the machinery house, which is a big benefit for cranes working in a dusty environment.

Container Handling
With productivity now so important, the LPS 420 E is “an ideal solution for terminals where every container counts”, offering up to 30 cycles per hour.

The operator of the new LPS 420 E can rely on very dynamic electric motors. Furthermore, the low moment of inertia ensures a fast response of the motor for precise drive characteristics. Due to the high motor speed spread no gear shifting between normal and heavy load is required. This allows for uninterruptible power transmission from maximum load to maximum speed. Another well welcome side effect is that the noise emission of the planetary gear box is low.