Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 Strengthens Audubon Engineering’s Wind Turbine Construction and Industrial Heavy Lifting Fleet
- Meagan Wood
- Aug 28, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 14
30 Second Takeaway
AudubonEngineering Company LLC has expanded its heavy lift fleet with an additional Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane, marking its third consecutive unit of this model. The 700-tonne crawler crane was selected for its ability to operate in high wind conditions, lift large wind turbine components, and support long-duration industrial heavy lifting projects across wind energy, petrochemical, and refinery facilities in the United States.erance, heavy component capability, and reliability as key reasons for the fleet expansion.
Third LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane added to Audubon Engineering fleet
Houston-based Audubon Engineering Company LLC has taken delivery of another Liebherr LR 1700-1.0, expanding its in-house crawler crane fleet supporting energy and industrial construction projects.
The latest addition brings AudubonEngineering’s fleet to ten units, including a Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1. The LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane will be deployed on wind turbine construction and maintenance projects, as well as heavy lifting operations at petrochemical plants and refinery facilities supporting the energy and chemical industries.
“The LR 1700-1.0 stands out for our business because it can withstand the highest wind speeds and lift the heaviest components,”
said Travis Cusimano, Vice President of AudubonEngineering’s heavy lift business.
Designed for wind turbine construction and industrial lifting
Projects involving wind turbine erection and maintenance require cranes capable of lifting large components while operating in exposed environments where wind conditions frequently limit lifting windows.
The Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane is positioned within a capacity range commonly used for lifting nacelles, tower sections, and other large wind turbine components, while maintaining a transport and setup profile suited to long-duration projects.
Audubon Engineering deploys its crawler cranes on sites where repeated crane travel, extended mobilisation periods, and consistent lifting performance are essential to maintaining project schedules and minimising weather-related delays.
Crawler crane design focused on durability and site movement
The LR 1700-1.0 incorporates multiple design developments introduced across Liebherr’s crawler crane range in recent years, with a focus on durability and operational reliability.
To reduce wear during site travel, the crane features reinforced crawler carrier steel structures and enlarged track rollers. A standard four-way travel drive supports manoeuvrability and stability when moving the crane between lift locations on wind and industrial sites.
The crane’s derrick system includes the V-frame®, VarioTray®, and M-Wagon® modular ballast wagon, allowing configuration flexibility to match lift requirements without overbuilding the setup.
“When we’re on-site, the functionality and performance of our cranes directly affect execution,”
said Brandon Caddell, AudubonEngineering Director of Operations.
Supporting long-duration energy and industrial projects
Audubon Engineering cited reliability, service support, and consistent on-site performance as key factors behind the continued expansion of its heavy lift fleet.
Wind energy and industrial construction projects often require cranes to remain mobilised for extended periods, with lifting operations closely tied to production schedules, weather windows, and safety planning.
“No matter the project, our focus is safe, reliable, and efficient execution while remaining flexible,” Caddell said. “That drives how we evaluate and select our lifting equipment.”
Cusimano added that the newest LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane is expected to be deployed to active projects as demand for heavy lifting support continues.
About Audubon Engineering Company LLC
Audubon Engineering Company LLC provides engineering, construction, fabrication, and field services for energy, industrial, and infrastructure projects across the United States. The company supports wind turbine construction and maintenance, as well as complex industrial heavy lifting scopes at petrochemical plants and refinery facilities.
Audubon Engineering operates an in-house crawler crane fleet to support projects requiring high-capacity lifts, extended mobilisation periods, and reliable performance in exposed and constrained site conditions. This fleet supports lift planning and execution for projects where crane availability and operational consistency are critical to maintaining schedules
and safety standards.
Website: https://www.auduboncompanies.com
About Liebherr
Liebherr manufactures a broad range of crawler cranes, mobile cranes, and lifting solutions used across wind energy, industrial construction, and infrastructure projects worldwide. The company’s LR crawler crane range, including the LR 1700-1.0, is widely used for wind turbine erection, component replacement, and heavy industrial lifts requiring stability, reach, and configuration flexibility.
Liebherr’s crawler crane designs focus on transport efficiency, jobsite durability, and adaptable ballast and derrick systems to support long-duration projects and demanding operating conditions.
Website: https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifting capacity of the Liebherr LR 1700-1.0?
The Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 is a 700-tonne-class crawler crane designed for heavy lifting applications in wind turbine construction and industrial projects.
Why is a crawler crane preferred for wind turbine construction?
A crawler crane provides high stability, large lifting capacity, and the ability to move on-site while configured, which is critical for wind energy projects involving multiple turbine locations.
What types of projects will AudubonEngineering use the LR 1700-1.0 for?
The crane will support wind turbine construction and maintenance, as well as industrial heavy lifting at petrochemical plants and refinery facilities.
How do high wind conditions affect crane selection?
High wind conditions limit lifting windows. Cranes selected for wind energy projects must maintain stability and lifting performance to reduce weather-related delays.
What features support long-duration crawler crane mobilisation?
Durable crawler carriers, enlarged track rollers, flexible ballast systems, and reliable travel drives help support extended mobilisation and repeated site movement.
