Liebherr Showcases Crawler Crane Model

Model Assembly and Undercarriage Details

Upon unpacking, the basic crane arrives pre-assembled with crawler frames and the basic boom section. Handrails and walkways are also pre-assembled and can remain on the real machine during transport. The crawler track frames are extendible, providing excellent stability during work and a narrower profile for transport on a flatbed trailer. The Liebherr name is integrated into the casting of the travel motor. Both crawlers can be easily extended for maximum stability or minimum transport width.

The HS 8130.1 model features authentic single dual grouser track pads and moveable bottom and support rollers. The idler is spring-loaded, allowing the crawlers to rotate easily. Two stairs are provided to attach to the back of the walkways, easing access to the upper structure. Two additional counterweight elements attach to the sides of both crawler frames, with the real weight of 3.5 tonnes printed on them. The two jack-up stabilizers located between the tracks are used during self-assembly.

The base crane is transported without track frames on a trailer and can lift itself off the trailer. Once the trailer departs, the crane can pick up its track frames and assemble them. An optional self-assembly hydraulic cylinder is available for the real machine but is not replicated on the model.

Superstructure, Cab, and Counterweight

A Liebherr 768-horsepower diesel engine powers the real machine. The model's superstructure nicely replicates engine exhaust pipes, air filters, and hydraulic hoses. Access ladders with railings on both sides provide safe access to the deck for servicing visible components. All walkways are constructed from perforated plates, offering an authentic look.

The cab is accurately reproduced, featuring an authentic seat, control elements, and sidewalks. Details include front wipers, lights, and a mirror, with the upper window protected by a guard. For operator comfort, the cab can be tilted, with NZG replicating the small hydraulic cylinder underneath. Winches are concealed behind small doors, operated by a small key, which is a cleaner aesthetic than exposed access holes. However, due to the key-operated doors and small gear wheels, caution is advised to avoid overrunning the mechanism when applying high resistance to the winches or A-frame.

The Liebherr name and machine type, HS 8130.1, are clearly printed on the superstructure covers. The counterweight comprises several single pieces with red warning signs. The baseplate has a weight of 12 tonnes, the second slab weighs 6.3 tonnes, and four additional 2.6-tonne slabs are placed on each side, totaling 39 tonnes of counterweight. All weights are printed on each counterweight element.

Boom and Attachments

The boom is supplied with a 3-meter and a 6-meter section, resulting in a total length of 23 meters. Boom segments and pendants are assembled using a common screw and nut system, with a special tool set provided by NZG. The boom head sheaves are fixed by a screw, adaptable to different configurations. The boom pendants are made of real steel wire rope, adding to the authenticity. Walkways on all boom segments are made of perforated plates, contributing to the model's authentic and valuable appearance.

Dragline Attachment

The HS 8130.1 model includes a dragline, also featured on the HS 8100 model. The real crane can be equipped with draglines ranging from 1.5 to 5.7 cubic meters. The dragline has authentic holes to relieve water when digging underwater. A fairlead is attached to the base machine via small screws to guide and protect the pull rope. NZG has accurately replicated the large diameter sheave and rope guidance on the boom head, which protects the rope and reduces wear.

Dynamic Soil Compaction Weight

The second attachment is a dynamic soil compaction weight, used to compact the ground on large construction sites. It is lifted to the top of the boom, and then the free-fall winch brake is released, allowing the weight to fall and compact the surface. While the model's weight is not specified, the real crane's capacity for this attachment is 33 tonnes, with a reach of up to 8 meters.

Slurry Wall Grab

The third attachment is the slurry wall grab, identified as the Stein K 810HD, manufactured by the German company Stein. This grab is the same as used on the former HS 8100 model. Dimensions are accurately reproduced: the clamshells are 6.8 cm long (3,400 mm in reality) and 1.6 cm wide (800 mm in reality), and the real grab weighs an impressive 20 tonnes. Slurry grabs are used for digging deep walls, which are stabilized by a special bentonite slurry to prevent collapse.

The model's slurry grab is made of zinc and features guiding frames on both sides. Both clamshells have massive teeth, including teeth for emptying the grab. Two steel wires connect to the grab, opening or closing it via the two hoist winches of the HS 8130.1 excavator. All sheaves inside the grab are metal.

Slurry Wall Cutter Attachment (Announced)

An additional accessory set, the Liebherr slurry wall cutter, was announced for early 2023 availability. This attachment looks massive and adds significant functionality. It is likely the LSC 8-18L, with the real machine weighing 190 tonnes when equipped. The model features a hose drum system with two devices: a hydraulic connection wheel for the cutter and the cutting wheel hose attached to the superstructure by small screws. These provide hydraulic output for the cutting wheels and material discharge. The rubber material used for the connection lines appears authentic. Railings and walkways complete the details.

The basic model requires exchange with a special boom head, featuring special wheels to guide the bentonite and hydraulic connections. The massive slurry wall cutter itself has many detailed features. Its cutting wheels are 3.4 cm wide (1,500 mm on the real machine), allowing for a slurry wall thickness of 1,500 mm. Each slurry wall has a bite length of 3,200 mm, corresponding to the cutter's width of 6.4 cm on the model. In this configuration, the cutter has an impressive weight of 39 tonnes, making it heavy on the model as well. This setup enables slurry wall cutting to a depth of 120 meters.

All four cutting wheels are 25 cm high (12 m in reality) and feature an authentic profile with casted teeth. Two hydraulic motors are set within the main frame and connected with small hoses. The mud pump is visible in the middle, also connected with small hoses. The Liebherr name is indicated on a perforated plate at the bottom of the cutter. The cutter turning device and top/bottom steering flaps are also detailed. The turning device on the real machine allows continuous cutter rotation for working positions, while steering flaps correct the cutting direction.