Xtreme Engineering takes first Liebherr LTR 1150 in Australia
30 Second Takeaway
Gladstone-based Xtreme Engineering has become the first Australian company to take delivery of a Liebherr LTR 1150 telescopic crawler crane. The 150-tonne crane is intended to simplify weather tower installations, where a second crane has traditionally been needed to control the load. Its 52-metre telescopic boom, construction jib and VarioBase system give the company more lifting options, while retractable tracks help with loading the crane for transport. Xtreme also bought a Drake 5x8 trailer with a 2x8 dolly to move the LTR 1150 and other key fleet equipment.
New crane targets weather tower installations
Weather monitoring tower fabrication and installation make up a significant part of Xtreme Engineering’s work. The company had been looking for a way to reduce the complexity and cost of the lifts, particularly at remote sites that can be eight or nine hours from the nearest crane yard.
General Manager Scott Harrington said installations have traditionally required two cranes: a larger all-terrain or crawler crane for the main lift and a 25- or 40-tonne Franna to assist. Xtreme selected the LTR 1150 to handle the work with a single crane, reducing the equipment and transport required for those projects.
LTR 1150 combines reach and transport flexibility
The LTR 1150 is a 150-tonne telescopic crawler crane with a 52-metre boom, a maximum hoist height of 89 metres and a maximum operating radius of 76 metres.
For transport, the crane weighs 60 tonnes and is 3.5 metres wide. With the crawler carriers removed, its weight is reduced to 38 tonnes and its width to 3 metres. Harrington said the crane can retract its tracks and drive onto the trailer, helping Xtreme move it with a truck and a B-double.
The crane was purchased with a construction jib, which Xtreme plans to use with the main block and winch to “top and tail” weather towers. Harrington said this setup allows the company to carry out the work without bringing in a second crane.
VarioBase supports lifting configuration
The LTR 1150 is the first telescopic crawler crane equipped with Liebherr’s VarioBase system. The crane’s controls calculate the available lifting capacity based on track width and the crane’s angle of rotation.
The variable support system is designed to let operators make use of the crane’s load charts across different configurations. Harrington said the technology allows Xtreme to maximise the crane’s charts at each worksite.
The crane can also be operated remotely from outside the cab, a feature Xtreme’s operators described as a “game changer.” Harrington said crews also valued the familiar layout of Liebherr’s computer systems across its different crane models.
Drake trailer supports fleet transport
Xtreme also purchased a Drake trailer to transport the LTR 1150. The configuration is a 5x8 trailer with a 2x8 dolly. Harrington said the trailer can also carry the company’s 220-tonne all-terrain crane, allowing Xtreme to move key equipment using the same combination.
The investment is intended to make the company more self-sufficient when transporting its cranes around Australia.
Training completed before first major project
Xtreme’s first major project with the LTR 1150 was delayed, giving the company’s crews additional time to learn the machine. Liebherr Australia Field Service Technician Danny Pratt spent nearly a week with the team, and multiple operators completed training before the crane went to work.
Harrington said the handover and training from Liebherr were “absolutely second to none.” Xtreme already operated Liebherr 220-tonne and 70-tonne all-terrain cranes, and Harrington said the company had worked with Liebherr personnel on its earlier purchases.
About Xtreme Engineering
Xtreme Engineering is a Gladstone-based heavy fabrication and engineering company established in 2007. Its work includes fabrication and installation of weather monitoring towers, alongside engineering and construction services. The company’s crane fleet supports its installation projects, including work at remote sites across Australia.
View website: https://www.xtremeengineering.com.au/
About Liebherr
Liebherr manufactures mobile and crawler cranes, including all-terrain cranes and telescopic crawler cranes such as the LTR 1150. The company provides crane technology, operator training and technical support through its international service network. Liebherr Australia supported Xtreme’s LTR 1150 handover and crew training.
View website: https://www.liebherr.com/en-au/
About Drake Group
Drake Group designs and manufactures trailers and heavy transport equipment in Australia. Its product range includes low loaders, dollies and other trailer configurations for heavy machinery transport. Xtreme’s 5x8 trailer and 2x8 dolly combination will be used to move the LTR 1150 and other large cranes in its fleet.
View website: https://www.thedrakegroup.com.au/
Frequently asked questions
What is the lifting capacity of the Liebherr LTR 1150?
The LTR 1150 has a maximum lifting capacity of 150 tonnes.
What are the main specifications of Xtreme Engineering’s LTR 1150?
The crane has a 52-metre telescopic boom, a maximum hoist height of 89 metres and a maximum operating radius of 76 metres. It was also purchased with a construction jib.
How does VarioBase work on the LTR 1150?
VarioBase calculates the available lifting capacity based on the crane’s track width and angle of rotation.
How is Xtreme Engineering transporting the crane?
The company purchased a Drake 5x8 trailer with a 2x8 dolly. The LTR 1150 can also reduce its transport width and weight when the crawler carriers are removed.
