The latest generation of Liebherr LB 45.1 drilling rig is designed for all common piling methods in deep foundation work. These include Kelly drilling, continuous flight auger drilling and double rotary drilling. For applications with full or partial displacement equipment, the device can reach a drilling depth of 37 m thanks to the optional lattice boom extension. This corresponds to an increase of 6 m.

The new drilling rig features a new 450 kW diesel engine and a torque of 450 kNm, with a maximum winch line pull of 420 kN and a maximum pull force of 1,000 kN. The working processes of the LB 45.1 can be automated using a variety of assistance systems, thus increasing efficiency as certain work steps are completely taken over by the machine’s control system.

Such examples of automated solutions include the drilling assistant to automate the concreting process during continuous flight auger drilling, slack rope monitoring to prevent undesired loosening of the rope with the help of the winch control, and automatic leader alignment to automatically align the leader to the previously set inclination angle.

The new overload protection of the Kelly winch ensures that the locked Kelly bar automatically stops the crowd winch if the maximum permissible load of the Kelly winch is exceeded. The rope length measurement of the auxiliary winch measures the length of the unwound rope, which is helpful when inserting reinforcement cages, for example. Locking of the Kelly bar’s telescopic sections is made significantly easier due to the Kelly visualisation system in the LB 45.1.

Thanks to the real time display of the Kelly bar’s locking recesses on the cabin monitor, the operator is permanently informed about the actual distance to the next locking recess. Colour indications inform when the bar can be locked. Furthermore, false positioning of the Kelly bar during the shake-off process is indicated through a warning signal.

In the new cabin, the focus lies on ergonomics and operating comfort. This is accomplished with an orthopaedic driver’s seat, individually adjustable monitors and a cool box for food. The new refuelling position of the machine, which is easily accessible from the crawlers, also increases convenience on the jobsite.

LRB 19 rig

The new LRB 19 piling and drilling rig can be used for a wide range of applications in deep foundation work. For piling or vibrating applications, the machine is fitted with the H 6 hammer or the LV 23 and LV 23 F vibrators, all from Liebherr. Drilling with Kelly equipment, double drilling head, full displacement equipment and continuous flight auger or soil mixing are further areas of application. The name LRB 19 reflects the maximum travel distance of the sledge: 19 m.

The various attachments can be easily exchanged using the hydraulic quick connection system. All hydraulic, mechanical and electrical connections are automatically coupled. This significantly reduces the set-up time and prevents connection errors. A new hose sledge ensures that there are no more obstructive hoses during use, which makes the installation of sheet piling much simpler. When drilling, the optional pulling device can increase the pull force of the LRB 19 by 110 kN.

This new piling and drilling rig is the successor to the Liebherr LRB 16 and LRB 18 models. Powered by a 450 kW diesel engine, the LRB 19 is equipped with the BAT 180.1 rotary drive with a maximum torque of 180 kNm, as well as a low transport weight of 48.2 t including 8 t of counterweight and auxiliary winch. The compact design allows for transportation in one piece with the vibrator attached, making mobilisation between jobsites straightforward and more flexible.

The LRB 19 also has a self-assembly system for the counterweight, so no additional crane is required. The all-round platform with railings on the uppercarriage enables high accessibility and safety during maintenance work or inspections on the machine. The optimised arrangement of the LED headlights provides excellent visibility in the work area, even at night.

All Liebherr assistance systems for deep foundation applications are available for the LRB 19. The LIPOS positioning system uses the latest satellite technology to support the operator in precisely aligning the attachment tools during drilling or piling operations. During continuous flight auger drilling, the concreting process is automated thanks to the drilling assistant. The pre-defined parameters are implemented by the control system. These can be adjusted during the drilling process, if necessary. The vibro-replacement process also runs automatically, thanks to the vibro-assistant.

Working area restriction helps the driver to monitor the rotation range, working radius or machine height (height adjustment). As soon as the driver tries to move the machine into the pre-defined restricted area, it stops automatically and thus prevents possible collisions. Other assistance systems, such as ground pressure visualisation or eco-silent mode, increase the efficiency of the machine and the comfort of the operator.