Liebherr Nenzing Expands Heavy Lift Capability with Advanced LR 1400 SX Crawler Crane

30-Second Takeaway

Liebherr-Werk Nenzing has strengthened its heavy lift portfolio with the introduction of the LR 1400 SX, now the largest crawler crane at the site. Succeeding the LR 1300, the 400-tonne-class crane combines exceptional boom reach, advanced self-rigging technology, and industry-leading ground pressure reduction. Designed for efficiency, safety, and operator comfort, the LR 1400 SX highlights Liebherr’s continued innovation in crawler crane engineering for demanding infrastructure, industrial, and energy projects.

Liebherr LR 1400 SX: Setting a New Benchmark for Multipurpose Crawler Cranes

Liebherr-Werk Nenzing has taken a major step forward in crawler crane development with the introduction of the LR 1400 SX, now the largest and most advanced crawler crane operating at the Nenzing facility. Designed as a true multipurpose heavy lift solution, the LR 1400 SX responds directly to evolving market demands for greater lifting capacity, enhanced safety, simplified transport, and maximum on-site flexibility.

With lifting capacities of up to 400 tonnes (441 USt), the LR 1400 SX expands Liebherr’s crawler crane portfolio into a new performance class, bridging the gap between compact site cranes and larger heavy-lift machines, while retaining exceptional mobility and efficiency.

Engineered for Mobility and Efficient Transport

Despite its impressive lifting performance, the LR 1400 SX has been engineered with transport efficiency firmly in mind. With a compact transport weight of just 46 tonnes (50.7 USt), the complete crane can be moved easily between jobsites, significantly reducing logistics complexity and cost.

Key transport advantages include:

• Platforms and railings remain attached to the uppercarriage during transport and only need to be folded down

• No auxiliary crane required for assembly or disassembly thanks to the integrated self-assembly system

• Boom sections, crawler frames, hoist winches, and carbody counterweights can all be handled by the crane itself

  
  

A standout feature is the crane’s ability to hydraulically lift, lower, and secure its own rear counterweight, weighing up to 150 tonnes (165.3 USt), without external assistance. The modular rear counterweight system allows the crane to be configured with 5- or 10-tonne slabs, enabling operators to tailor the setup precisely to project requirements.

Designed for Tight Jobsites and Maximum Maneuverability

The LR 1400 SX excels where space is restricted. Its four independent crawler drives provide exceptional maneuverability on congested sites, while adjustable track widths simplify access on narrow roads and confined project areas.

These features make the crane particularly well suited to:

• Wind farms with limited access roads

• Urban infrastructure projects

• Industrial facilities with tight laydown areas

• Bridge, tunnel, and stadium construction

  
  

Advanced Safety Through Intelligent Assistance Systems

Safety was a core focus throughout the LR 1400 SX’s development, resulting in a comprehensive suite of intelligent assistance systems designed to support operators during both lifting and travel operations.

Gradient Travel Aid

This system ensures safe travel on slopes by continuously calculating the crane’s center of gravity. The operator receives real-time feedback on:

• Actual vs. permissible gradient

• Crane center of gravity position

  
  

If the crane approaches a critical limit, the system warns the operator and can prompt adjustments including modifying the boom angle to keep the machine within a safe operating zone.

Ground Pressure Visualization

The LR 1400 SX calculates ground bearing pressure in real time, displaying this data directly in the operator’s cab. The system compares actual pressure against defined safety limits for the crane’s position, ensuring the operator always knows whether the crane is approaching critical ground conditions.

For sensitive terrain, ground pressure reduction plates can be deployed hydraulically to significantly increase the crane’s footprint. When activated, these plates can reduce ground pressure by more than 50%, a major advantage when:

• Working on soft soil

• Lifting long boom systems from ground level

• Operating in environmentally sensitive areas

Boom Up-and-Down Assistant

During boom erection and dismantling, this assistant:

• Monitors proximity to the tipping boundary

• Automatically stops operations before unsafe conditions occur

• Coordinates controlled folding of the luffing jib at the push of a button

The operator no longer needs to manage multiple winches independently. Instead, the system selects the safest method and controls the movement via a single joystick, reducing complexity and operator workload.

Flexible Operation with Radio Remote Control

The LR 1400 SX offers radio remote control operation, giving operators greater flexibility and improved site visibility. Operating the crane from outside the cab allows:

• Better line of sight to the load

• Reduced blind spots

• Enhanced safety during complex lifts

In many applications, this capability eliminates the need for a second person to provide hand signals, streamlining operations and improving communication.

A True Multipurpose Crane for Diverse Applications

Designed around customer feedback, the LR 1400 SX supports easy boom configuration changes and remains compatible with fixed and luffing jibs from the LR 1300, offering existing Liebherr customers added flexibility and value.

As a multipurpose crawler crane, the LR 1400 SX is suited for a wide range of projects, including:

• Wind energy installation and maintenance

• Infrastructure projects such as bridges and tunnels

• Industrial construction and factory assembly

• High-rise building construction

• Precast concrete and steel erection

• Barge and floating crane applications

A Strategic Step Forward for Liebherr Nenzing

With the LR 1400 SX, Liebherr-Werk Nenzing demonstrates its continued leadership in crawler crane innovation. By combining high lifting performance, advanced safety systems, self-assembly technology, and exceptional mobility, the LR 1400 SX delivers a future-ready solution tailored to the real-world demands of modern construction, energy, and infrastructure projects.

About Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH

Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH is a global center of excellence for crawler crane and foundation equipment engineering within the Liebherr Group. Located in Nenzing, Austria, the facility specializes in the development, manufacturing, and continuous innovation of lattice boom crawler cranes, telescopic crawler cranes, and deep foundation machines used on some of the world’s most complex construction, infrastructure, energy, and maritime projects.

The Nenzing plant is renowned for its modular crane concepts, advanced self-assembly systems, and industry-leading safety and assistance technologies. These include features such as Ground Pressure Visualization, Boom Up-and-Down Assistants, and Gradient Travel Aid, all designed to improve operational safety, efficiency, and flexibility on demanding jobsites.

With a strong focus on customer-driven engineering, Liebherr Nenzing develops machines that perform reliably in confined spaces, sensitive terrain, wind farms, urban infrastructure, and offshore or barge-based applications. Its crawler cranes are widely used across wind energy, heavy civil construction, industrial assembly, port handling, and offshore projects worldwide.

As part of the family-owned Liebherr Group, Liebherr-Werk Nenzing combines Austrian engineering precision, long-term investment in R&D, and close collaboration with contractors to deliver future-ready lifting solutions that set global benchmarks for performance, safety, and versatility.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.liebherr.com/en/int/products/construction-machines/crawler-cranes/crawler-cranes.html

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the LR 1400 SX different from previous Liebherr crawler cranes?

The LR 1400 SX is Liebherr’s largest multipurpose crawler crane produced in Nenzing and introduces a new balance of 400-tonne lifting capacity, compact transport dimensions, and advanced assistance systems. It bridges the gap between smaller site cranes and larger heavy-lift crawlers, while offering exceptional mobility and flexibility.

How is the LR 1400 SX transported between jobsites?

Despite its lifting power, the LR 1400 SX features a compact transport weight of just 46 tonnes (50.7 USt). Platforms and railings remain attached to the uppercarriage during transport and simply fold down, minimizing disassembly time. The crane’s self-assembly system eliminates the need for an auxiliary crane during setup.

Does the LR 1400 SX require external cranes for counterweight installation?

No. One of the standout features of the LR 1400 SX is its ability to hydraulically lift, lower, and secure its own rear counterweight, weighing up to 150 tonnes (165.3 USt). The modular counterweight system allows operators to configure the crane with 5- or 10-tonne slabs, depending on project requirements.

How does the crane perform on soft ground or sensitive terrain?

The LR 1400 SX is equipped with Ground Pressure Visualization, which calculates ground bearing pressure in real time and displays it in the operator’s cab. Additionally, hydraulic ground pressure reduction plates can be deployed to increase the crane’s footprint, reducing ground pressure by more than 50% ideal for soft soil, environmentally sensitive sites, or barge-based operations.

What safety systems are included on the LR 1400 SX?

Liebherr integrated several advanced assistance systems, including:

• Gradient Travel Aid for safe movement on slopes

• Boom Up-and-Down Assistant to prevent tipping during boom erection or lowering

• Ground Pressure Visualization for real-time soil load monitoring

Together, these systems significantly enhance operational safety and reduce operator workload.

Can the LR 1400 SX be operated remotely?

Yes. The crane supports radio remote control operation, allowing operators to control the crane from outside the cab. This improves visibility, reduces blind spots, and can eliminate the need for additional signal personnel during certain lifts.

What types of projects is the LR 1400 SX best suited for?

The LR 1400 SX is designed as a true multipurpose crane and is well suited for:

• Wind energy installation and maintenance

• Infrastructure projects (bridges, tunnels, rail)

• Industrial construction and factory assembly

• High-rise building construction

• Port, maritime, and barge-based lifting operations

Is the LR 1400 SX compatible with other Liebherr crane components?

Yes. The LR 1400 SX supports fixed and luffing jib systems from the LR 1300, offering fleet compatibility and added flexibility for contractors already operating Liebherr crawler cranes.