Liebherr LR 1800-1.0 X3 Upgrade Expands Gertzen’s Wind Turbine Capability
30-Second Takeaway
Gertzen Kranlogistik has upgraded its Liebherr LR 1800-1.0 with the X3 boom system, extending the 800 tonne crawler crane’s wind turbine capability to hub heights of up to 175 metres. Its first deployment was at Germany’s Heiden wind farm, where it erected ENERCON E-160 EP5 turbines with 166 metre towers. The crane handled a 131 tonne generator using a 166 metre main boom and 12 metre fixed jib, subsequently extending the jib to 24 metres for blade installation. Wider lower boom sections increase lateral stiffness, while a split-section transport design keeps their transport width to 3.5 metres.
Liebherr LR 1800-1.0
Gertzen Kranlogistik has expanded the working capability of its 800 tonne Liebherr LR 1800-1.0 crawler crane through an X3 boom system retrofit.
The upgrade enables the crane to undertake wind turbine installations previously requiring a larger machine, giving Gertzen additional options for projects involving tall towers and heavy components.
Its first assignment with the new system took place at the Heiden wind farm in Germany, installing ENERCON E-160 EP5 turbines. The retrofit expands the crane’s capability in specific long-boom configurations while retaining its 800 tonne maximum capacity classification.
First Deployment Handles a 131-Tonne Generator
At Heiden, the turbines had tower heights of 166 metres. For generator installation, Gertzen configured the LR 1800-1.0 with a 166 metre main boom and a 12 metre fixed jib.
The generator was the heaviest individual component, with a net weight of 131 tonnes. The nacelle weighed 82 tonnes. For rotor blade installation, the fixed jib was extended to 24 metres, adapting the crane configuration to the next stage of turbine assembly.
Wider Boom Sections Increase Lateral Stiffness
The X3 boom system incorporates three lattice sections in the lower part of the main boom.
Each section is 12 metres long and six metres wide. The increased width improves lateral stiffness, an important consideration when operating long boom systems at substantial lifting heights.
The arrangement strengthens the boom configuration for the demands of modern wind turbine erection, where tower height and component weight influence equipment selection.
For Gertzen, the resulting capability extends to turbine hub heights of up to 175 metres, depending on the installation requirements and crane configuration.
Split Sections Reduce Transport Width
Each X3 section comprises two halves bolted together at the centre.
For transport, the halves can be separated, offset lengthways and nested together. This reduces the transport width to 3.5 metres.
The design addresses the logistics of moving the wider boom sections between projects, combining additional operational stiffness with a more compact transport arrangement.
Taking on Work Previously Assigned to the LR 11000
According to the project account, installing the E-160 EP5 in this tower configuration previously required a Liebherr LR 11000. The X3 retrofit enables Gertzen’s smaller LR 1800-1.0 to perform that installation, broadening the range of projects it can cover.
Wolfgang Gertzen, managing director of Gertzen Kranlogistik, said:
“With the X3 boom of the LR 1800-1.0, we can erect both current and future turbine types for which the LR 11000 was previously required. With the new update, the crane has become really powerful and our service portfolio has been greatly expanded.”
The comparison applies to these turbine installation requirements and configurations; the upgrade does not make the two crane models interchangeable across all lifting applications.
Retrofit Responds to Taller Wind Turbines
The investment responds to demand for higher turbine installations and heavier components. By upgrading an existing crane, Gertzen gains additional deployment flexibility within its fleet. The X3 system combines the stiffness required for long-boom work with a transport concept designed around movement between wind farm sites.
The Heiden assignment provides the first operating reference for the company’s upgraded configuration.
About Gertzen Kranlogistik
Gertzen Kranlogistik forms part of the Gertzen Group, a family-owned crane and transport business with more than 55 years of experience. The group provides mobile and crawler crane services, heavy transport and project logistics. Its crane activities serve customers across northwestern Germany, while its tractor units and specialised trailers undertake transport work throughout Europe.
The combination of lifting and transport resources allows the group to support projects requiring equipment mobilisation alongside component movement and installation. Wind turbine erection is one application of its heavy crawler crane capability.
Official website: www.gertzen-gruppe.de
About Liebherr
Liebherr is a family-owned equipment and technology manufacturer founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in Kirchdorf an der Iller, Germany. Its lifting portfolio includes mobile and crawler cranes, tower cranes, mobile construction cranes and maritime cranes.
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH, established in 1969, develops and manufactures telescopic and lattice boom cranes on mobile and crawler chassis. Its equipment serves construction, industrial installation, infrastructure, energy and heavy lifting projects worldwide.
The manufacturer’s crawler crane development includes specialised boom systems for wind turbine installation. Systems such as X3 expand the configuration options available to crane owners, alongside technical support, spare parts, training and planning services.
Official website: www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Which crane has Gertzen upgraded?
Gertzen has retrofitted its 800 tonne Liebherr LR 1800-1.0 with the X3 boom system.
Where was the upgraded crane first deployed?
It erected ENERCON E-160 EP5 turbines at the Heiden wind farm in Germany.
What was the heaviest component lifted?
The generator weighed 131 tonnes, excluding any additional rigging weight.
What does the X3 system change?
Three wider lower boom sections increase lateral stiffness for long-boom configurations and high wind turbine installations.
How are the six metre-wide sections transported?
Their two halves separate and nest together, reducing the transport width to 3.5 metres.
