Liebherr LR 11000 Expands Enercon’s Wind Turbine Installation Fleet
30-Second Takeaway
Enercon has added a 1,000-tonne Liebherr LR 11000 crawler crane to its fleet, strengthening its capacity to install increasingly tall onshore wind turbines. Equipped with the wind-specific SL12 boom system, the crane offers lifting heights of up to 190 metres. Delivered in summer 2026, it began work at Germany’s Kakerbeck wind farm, installing Enercon E-160 EP5 turbines. Future assignments will primarily involve the E-175 EP5 E2, a seven-megawatt turbine available with hub heights of up to 175 metres. Enercon says the investment will improve installation flexibility and reduce its dependence on external crane availability.
Liebherr LR 11000
Wind turbine manufacturer Enercon has expanded its installation fleet with a Liebherr LR 11000 crawler crane configured for high-hub-height onshore wind projects.
The crane was delivered in summer 2026 and deployed at the Kakerbeck wind farm in eastern Germany, where it is supporting the installation of several E-160 EP5 turbines. The purchase gives Enercon additional control over a critical part of turbine construction: securing the lifting equipment needed to assemble large components at height.
The LR 11000 has a maximum rated lifting capacity of 1,000 tonnes. Actual capacity depends on the boom arrangement, operating radius, ballast and other configuration requirements.
SL12 Boom System for Tall Wind Turbines
Enercon’s crane is equipped with Liebherr’s SL12 boom system, developed specifically for wind turbine installation. This arrangement provides lifting heights of up to 190 metres.
The configuration addresses the reach required for modern turbines with large rotor diameters and elevated hub positions. For these projects, crane selection must account for both component weight and the capacity available at the required height and radius.
The crane’s 1,000-tonne maximum rating and its 190-metre lifting height describe different performance limits. The maximum rated load is not available at the maximum lifting height.
Supporting the E-175 EP5 E2
Enercon intends to use the LR 11000 primarily for installing its latest-generation E-175 EP5 E2 turbine. The turbine has a rotor diameter of 175 metres, a rated output of 7.0 megawatts and hub heights of up to 175 metres. Those dimensions place substantial demands on installation equipment, particularly when positioning components at the top of the tower.
The crane’s initial work with E-160 EP5 turbines at Kakerbeck puts it into service before its anticipated assignments on the larger turbine platform.
Greater Control over Installation Resources
The investment strengthens Enercon’s own installation resources, helping it coordinate crane availability with turbine deliveries and project schedules.
Enercon Global Logistics Vice President Hendrik Peterburs said:
“By investing in modern installation equipment, we are increasing our independence from external crane availability and enhancing our flexibility as a provider of solutions for the renewable energy ecosystem.”
Adding the crawler crane gives the manufacturer greater flexibility when allocating lifting capacity across its projects. It also supports planning for turbine designs whose dimensions require specialised boom configurations.
Transport and Assembly Designed for Wind Farm Work
Liebherr has developed the LR 11000 around a transport concept with a width of 3.5 metres. The crane travels between projects as separate transport loads before being assembled on site.
The manufacturer says it has continually refined assembly and dismantling processes to support efficient deployment. These processes are important on wind farms, where installation equipment must serve multiple turbine positions and move between projects.
Relocation arrangements depend on the site layout, access routes, ground conditions and crane configuration. Efficient assembly and dismantling can help limit the time spent preparing the crane between lifting assignments.
About Enercon
Enercon is a German onshore wind turbine manufacturer founded by Aloys Wobben in Aurich in July 1984. Its early development included the E-15/E-16 turbine, followed by the introduction of gearless turbine technology that became a defining part of the company’s product development.
The company develops wind energy systems for international markets, with activities spanning turbine technology, project installation and operational support. Its current turbine portfolio includes the E-160 EP5 and E-175 EP5 E2 platforms referenced in the crane’s deployment programme.
In 2012, Wobben transferred his shares to the Aloys Wobben Stiftung. The foundation is the sole owner of UEE Holding, the umbrella organisation for Enercon’s core and supporting businesses.
The LR 11000 investment expands Enercon’s installation equipment fleet as its turbine development progresses towards larger rotors and higher hub positions.
Official website: www.enercon.de
About Liebherr
Liebherr is a family-owned technology and equipment manufacturer founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in Kirchdorf an der Iller, Germany. Its lifting portfolio includes mobile and crawler cranes, tower cranes, maritime cranes and mobile construction cranes.
Its mobile and crawler crane business supplies equipment for construction, infrastructure, industrial lifting and wind energy projects. The LR crawler crane range includes large lattice boom machines with application-specific configurations for heavy loads and substantial lifting heights.
For wind turbine installation, Liebherr develops boom systems and transport arrangements intended to address the combined demands of component weight, hub height and movement between turbine locations. The SL12-equipped LR 11000 supplied to Enercon is one example of this approach.
The wider group also manufactures earthmoving and mining machinery, material handling equipment, components and industrial technologies, supported by international sales and service operations.
Official website: www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Which crane has Enercon added to its fleet?
Enercon has taken delivery of a Liebherr LR 11000 crawler crane with a maximum rated lifting capacity of 1,000 tonnes.
Which boom system is fitted?
The crane uses Liebherr’s SL12 boom system, developed for wind power applications and offering lifting heights of up to 190 metres.
Where did the crane begin work?
Its first deployment for Enercon is at the Kakerbeck wind farm in eastern Germany, installing E-160 EP5 turbines.
Which turbine will it primarily install in future?
Enercon expects to use it primarily for the E-175 EP5 E2, which has a 175-metre rotor diameter, a 7.0-megawatt rating and hub heights of up to 175 metres.
Why has Enercon invested in its own crane?
The company says the purchase increases installation flexibility and reduces dependence on external crane availability.
