The LR12500-1.0 crane is a beast of engineering, and currently, it's hard at work on the INEOS Project ONE, a major industrial development that requires the heavy lifting capabilities of this enormous machine. But what makes the LR12500 so unique? Let’s take a closer look at this powerhouse and why it’s the perfect fit for the job at hand.

The Power Behind the LR12500-1.0

This machine isn't just another crane; it’s one of the biggest and most powerful crawler cranes in the world, with an eye-popping lifting capacity of 2,500 tons. The LR12500-1.0 is so impressive that it easily ranks as one of the largest in Sarens' fleet. It's the third in the series, directly from Liebherr’s factory in Ehingen, Germany, and represents the result of a collaboration between Sarens' in-house R&D team and Liebherr engineers. They worked together to develop the crane’s concept, leading to a breakthrough design with cutting-edge features like the high-performance PowerBoom and the optimised transport efficiency that are a game-changer for large-scale projects.

Why the LR12500 Was Chosen for INEOS

So, why was the LR12500 specifically chosen for the INEOS project? The answer lies in its sheer capability. The project site requires the installation of some massive structures, including a 635-ton splitter, which stretches out nearly 100 meters in length, and a towering flare stack assembly that reaches heights over 180 meters. Not just any crane could handle this job — the LR12500 is designed for precisely this type of heavy, high-reaching work. The LR12500’s configuration options, which include a main boom and jib that can extend to a combined height of over 200 meters (think: more than two football fields stacked on top of each other!), give it the flexibility to handle various tasks at the site. Its Superlift counterweight, up to 1.400 tons, further enhances its stability, ensuring that even the heaviest lifts can be done safely and efficiently.

Dimensions and Transport: It’s a Giant

The size of the LR12500-1.0 is truly impressive. The crawler itself measures 18,5 meters in length and stands at 2,9 meters in height. But when you consider the massive boom that can reach 100 meters with the main boom and 108 meters with the jib, the crane becomes a tower of engineering.

Assembly Time

Assembling the LR12500-1.0 isn’t a task that’s done overnight. Depending on the configuration, it typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks to fully assemble the crane on-site. Given the size and complexity of the machine, every bolt, joint, and hydraulic system must be precisely installed to ensure it operates at its peak performance. Once assembled, the crane is ready to tackle some of the heaviest and most difficult lifts on the job site.

Lifting and What It Can Do

The LR12500 is designed to take on the kind of heavy-lifting tasks that smaller cranes simply can’t handle. At INEOS, it’s been put to work on jobs that involve lifting extremely heavy components, including the aforementioned 635-ton splitter. Additionally, the crane’s ability to reach extraordinary heights comes in handy for complex operations like the assembly of flare stacks, which need to be installed at extreme altitudes for petrochemical plants > more info here?

In Conclusion: A Truly Mighty Crane

The LR12500-1.0 is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a symbol of Sarens' commitment to precision, safety, and excellence in heavy lifting. With its innovative design, powerful lifting capabilities, and ability to tackle complex projects, it’s no wonder this crane is making waves on the INEOS site. Whether it’s moving colossal components or reaching dizzying heights, the LR12500-1.0 is proving itself to be the ideal machine for the job.