Liebherr tower crane is the centrepiece of a climate research project in Basel
A 150 EC-B 8 Litronic PT Flat-Top crane is the centrepiece of a climate research project in Hölstein near Basel: Currently a simulation is carried out there to find out what would be the effects on our nature if it only rained half as much as today.
Thanks to the Liebherr tower crane optimised for passenger transport, the scientists can study the leaves in cages floating between the treetops. With a scheduled project period of 20 years, the great number of different tree species and the size of the slatted roof, this project is unique in Europe.
By means of the crane, the scientists can reach more than ten different tree species in this woodland and observe them within the next 20 years. The key issue is whether full-grown trees are able to adapt to changes in climate. For this purpose, the Basel University split the more than one-hectare research site into two halves: One area, since 2019, covered by a roof with adjustable slats and thus only exposed to half the rain as well as a control area.
Environmental scientist Prof. Dr. Ansgar Kahmen explains: “The crane enables us to penetrate in all the areas of the treetops. We can work from a gondola, which allows us to conduct studies on the leaves of the trees in the crowns.”
Special crane version for passenger transports
In addition to its unrestricted construction crane mode, the 150 EC-B 8 Litronic PT offers a special passenger transport mode. Its activation allows the transport of the scientists in cages specially approved for this purpose. The total lifting capacity reduced to two tonnes in passenger transport mode makes it possible to lift passengers together with their tools and research utensils. If this mode is activated, travel is only possible with reduced speed ensuring the necessary safety, which is further increased by a secondary brake.
The Liebherr 150 EC-B 8 Litronic PT is type-tested for the European Community. Due to this EC type test, the crane can be used for passenger transport all over Europe – in consideration of the provisions of the respective countries.
The specialists of Liebherr-Baumaschinen AG planned the erection together with crane company Musfeld Kran AG and Heliswiss International AG down to the last detail – aiming not to cause any damage to the dense forest during crane erection. In order to be able to transport the crane parts to the destination, a construction site road was built up to the crane foundation.
The Liebherr LTM 1130-5.1 mobile crane erected the Liebherr 150 EC-B PT tower crane up to the top part of the crane and a helicopter completed the crane assembly. Thanks to LIDAT, the remote diagnosis and fleet management tool from Liebherr, monitoring of the 150 EC-B PT can be ensured. With its specialists, Liebherr-Baumaschinen AG guarantees a reliable service for the tower crane throughout the entire period of the project.
