Liebherr LR 1300.2 SX Unplugged Debuts as Zero-Emission Crawler Crane at Bauma 2025
- Meagan Wood
- Feb 19, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 1
30-Second Takeaway
Liebherr is celebrating the 18th anniversary of the LR 1300 crawler crane by unveiling the LR 1300.2 SX Unplugged, the first battery-powered version of the 300-tonne class crawler. Revealed at Bauma 2025, the crane delivers zero-emission operation, up to 13 hours of unplugged runtime, advanced digital safety systems, and enhanced lifting capability through derrick counterweight configurations. Designed for urban, infrastructure, floating, and sensitive job sites, the LR 1300.2 SX Unplugged marks a major step forward in electric heavy lifting.
A Milestone Year for a Proven Crawler Platform
The Liebherr LR 1300 crawler crane reaches a significant milestone in 2025, marking 18 years of service across global infrastructure, industrial, and energy projects. To commemorate the anniversary, Liebherr has introduced a major technological evolution: the LR 1300.2 SX Unplugged, the first fully battery-powered version of the crane.
Unveiled at Bauma 2025 in Munich, the new model retains the performance and versatility of the conventional LR 1300 while eliminating exhaust emissions entirely.
Battery-Powered, Unplugged, and Zero Emissions
The LR 1300.2 SX Unplugged is driven by a 438 kW electric motor and powered by a 392 kWh battery system, enabling up to 13 hours of unplugged operation, depending on application and duty cycle.
Charging time ranges from 4.5 to 8.5 hours, based on jobsite infrastructure, and charging can take place while normal crane operations continue. Whether operating plugged in or unplugged, the crane delivers identical lifting performance.
Key benefits include:
Zero exhaust emissions
Extremely low noise levels
Ideal suitability for urban, indoor, and noise-sensitive environments
Improved working conditions for both operators and surrounding communities
Expanded Lifting Capabilities with Derrick Equipment
For demanding lifts and extended boom configurations, the LR 1300.2 SX Unplugged can be equipped with derrick counterweight systems, significantly expanding its operational range.
A key advantage is the ability to finely adjust the suspended counterweight without an auxiliary crane, improving efficiency and reducing setup complexity.
The crane supports seven boom configurations, with:
Maximum boom length of 169 metres
Bauma display configuration: 20-metre main boom + 20-metre adjustable jib
Lift planning and configuration simulation are supported by Liebherr Crane Planner 2.0, allowing contractors to pre-plan optimal setups for specific jobsite conditions.
Designed for Floating and Marine Lifting Applications
Liebherr has developed a special operating mode for floating units, further extending the crane’s versatility.
This mode includes:
Load curves for inclinations of 0°, 1°, 2°, and 3°
Automatic load moment limitations based on inclination
Continuous monitoring and display of floating unit tilt
Automatic warnings if permissible limits are exceeded
Prevention of excessive boom angles during load placement
The system dynamically adjusts load charts in real time, ensuring safe lifting operations even in marine or floating environments.
Advanced Digital Assistance Systems for Maximum Safety
Safety was a central focus during development of the LR 1300.2 SX Unplugged. The crane integrates a comprehensive suite of digital assistance systems, including:
Vertical Line Finder
Allows operators to eliminate diagonal pulls at the push of a button, particularly useful when the load’s center of gravity shifts during lifting.
Gradient Travel Aid
Calculates the crane’s center of gravity in real time during travel, alerting the operator before exiting the safe operating area. Permissible and actual gradients are continuously displayed.
Ground Pressure Monitoring
A real-time ground pressure display shows whether the crane is approaching critical ground conditions.
The crane can reduce ground pressure by up to 56% using ground pressure reduction plates mounted at the front and rear. These plates can be lowered during lifting operations to significantly increase ground contact area, especially when lifting long booms from the ground.
Boom Up-and-Down Assistant: Safer Erection and Lowering
The boom up-and-down assistant plays a critical role during boom erection and dismantling:
Alerts operators as tipping limits are approached
Automatically stops operations before unsafe conditions occur
Enables controlled jib folding with a single button
Allows boom lowering speed to be managed via one joystick
Eliminates the need to manually coordinate multiple winches
The system determines the safest lowering sequence automatically, reducing operator workload and minimizing risk.
Why It Matters
The LR 1300.2 SX Unplugged represents a significant leap in crawler crane design, combining proven lifting capability with fully electric, zero-emission operation. With extended runtime, advanced digital safety systems, and expanded application flexibility — including floating lifts the crane positions Liebherr at the forefront of sustainable heavy lifting.
About Liebherr
The Liebherr Group is a family-owned global technology company founded in 1949, operating across 13 product segments including construction machinery, cranes, mining equipment, aerospace systems, and advanced industrial technologies.
Liebherr’s crawler crane development and production is led from Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH in Austria, a global center of excellence for lattice boom and duty cycle crawler cranes. With a strong focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability, Liebherr continues to redefine the future of lifting technology.
Learn more: https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LR 1300.2 SX Unplugged?
It is Liebherr’s first battery-powered version of the LR 1300 crawler crane, offering zero-emission operation with full lifting performance.
How long can the crane operate unplugged?
Up to 13 hours, depending on application and duty cycle.
Does the unplugged version reduce lifting performance?
No. Performance and versatility remain identical whether plugged in or operating on battery power.
What is the maximum boom length?
The crane supports boom configurations up to 169 metres.
Is the crane suitable for urban or indoor projects?
Yes. Its zero-emission operation and extremely low noise levels make it ideal for urban, indoor, and environmentally sensitive sites.
Can it operate on floating platforms?
Yes. A dedicated floating unit operating mode includes inclination-based load charts and advanced safety monitoring.
