Ainscough Crane Hire Strengthens Heavy Lift Capability with Liebherr LR 1700-1.0

Meagan Wood
Nov 6, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jan 12

30 Second Takeaway

Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd has taken delivery of a Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane at its Leyland depot, strengthening its growing Projects Division. The 750-tonne-class crawler crane combines lower transport costs typical of 600-tonne cranes with significantly higher lifting performance, offering enhanced flexibility for heavy-lift and complex project work across the UK.

Ainscough Takes Delivery of Liebherr LR 1700-1.0

Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd has added a new Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane to its fleet, with the official handover taking place on 30 October at the company’s Leyland depot.

The investment forms part of Ainscough’s strategy to expand the capabilities of its Projects Division, as the business continues to pursue broader opportunities in the heavy-lift market.

High Performance with Reduced Transport Costs

The Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 offers a unique combination of cost-efficient transport and high lifting performance.

While designed around the physical dimensions of the smaller Liebherr LR 1600/2, the LR 1700-1.0 delivers lifting capacities more commonly associated with 750-tonne lattice boom cranes. Through a redesigned static structure, the crane achieves lifting capacity increases of up to 15%, while maintaining transport efficiencies closer to the 600-tonne class.

Project-Ready Configuration for Maximum Flexibility

Ainscough has specified its LR 1700-1.0 with a configuration optimised for heavy project work, including:

HS boom and derrick
Folding V-Frame®, adjustable between 13 and 21 metres
Maximum counterweight of 375 tonnes for ultimate flexibility in derrick mode
VarioTray, enhancing efficiency and adaptability on site

This specification enables the crane to perform a wide range of heavy-lift tasks while minimising reconfiguration time.

Reduced Emissions and Improved Efficiency with APU

The crane is also equipped with an additional power unit (APU), allowing key systems to operate without running the main engine.

The APU powers:

The operator’s cabin
Air conditioning
Hydraulic oil pre-heating
The LICCON control system

By reducing engine idling time, the APU delivers:

Lower fuel consumption
Reduced emissions
Fewer engine operating hours
Decreased maintenance requirements

Leadership Perspective on the Investment

Commenting on the new addition, Ainscough Crane Hire CEO Peter Gibbs said:

“The Liebherr LR-1700-1.0 represents the latest design technology within the heavy crane industry and by adding one to our fleet it will give us the flexibility to undertake a wider range of projects with a single crane. Our recent open day to showcase the crane’s abilities to our existing customers has been a huge success, with many clients expressing an interest in utilising its outstanding performance on their projects.”

About Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd

Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd is the UK’s largest crane rental company, operating a fleet of more than 400 cranes from 30 locations across the UK. The company delivers lifting solutions across construction, infrastructure, industrial, and heavy-lift sectors.

Through continued investment in advanced crane technology and specialist project equipment, Ainscough supports some of the UK’s most complex and demanding lifting operations.

Website: https://www.ainscough.co.uk

About Liebherr

Liebherr is a global leader in the manufacture of crawler cranes, mobile cranes, and heavy

lifting equipment. Renowned for engineering excellence, innovation, and long-term reliability, Liebherr cranes are widely used in infrastructure, energy, and industrial heavy-lift projects worldwide.

The LR 1700-1.0 represents a key step forward in crawler crane design, combining high lifting performance with improved transport efficiency and advanced operating systems.

Website: https://www.liebherr.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What crane has Ainscough added to its fleet?

Ainscough has taken delivery of a Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane.

Why did Ainscough choose the LR 1700-1.0?

The crane offers 750-tonne-class lifting performance with lower transport costs, making it ideal for heavy-lift project work.

How is the crane configured?

Ainscough specified the crane with HS boom, derrick, folding V-Frame®, 375-tonne counterweight, and VarioTray.

What efficiency benefits does the APU provide?

The additional power unit reduces engine idling, cutting fuel consumption, emissions, and maintenance requirements, while keeping the LICCON system active.