Liebherr Showcases First Flat-Top Crane & Luffing Jib Crane with Fibre Rope Technology

New 520 EC-B crane with fibre rope
The largest addition to the ‘Tough Guys’ series: Liebherr is expanding its EC-B series upwards with the 520 EC-B 20 Fibre. The new flat-top crane with fibre rope and a lifting capacity of up to 20 tons was introduced at bauma Munich 2022. Machines with such enormous lifting capacities are in demand as more and more construction sites are using heavy prefabricated concrete components. Residential, plant or bridge construction – this flexible new addition can do it all.


With a maximum jib length of 83 metres, the 520 EC-B 20 Fibre is capable of lifting as much as 2,900 kgs at the jib head and comes equipped with a connection for the 24 HC 420 and 24 HC 630 tower systems. A freestanding hook height of up to approx. 96 metres is also possible. The jib can be flexibly adjusted in 2.5-metre increments depending on site requirements.

“We have had so many positive results with our EC-B series since introducing our fibre rope technology. We’re really happy to be expanding the EC-B series upwards with the help of a new rope diameter,” says Markus Kinateder, Product Manager, Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH. The fibre rope for the 520 EC-B 20 Fibre measures 25 mm in diameter (already available versions measure 20 and 22 mm).

Clever assembly concept: The development process focused on assembly and transport as well as performance in order to meet all the demands faced by a modern crane fleet. A clever assembly concept, including quick assembly connections and a compact head, makes the crane easy to set up. Only five transport units are needed to deliver the slewing section and jib, including counter-ballast, to the site. This saves both time and costs and also helps to reduce emissions. Liebherr is therefore able to offer its customers a high-quality crane that operates safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally responsible way.

EC-B series cranes particularly prove their worth on construction sites where multiple machines are in use at the same time. Their flat-top design enables them to turn above each other without encountering problems, which ensures safe working. The climbable cranes with ergonomic LiCAB cabin, feature intelligent assistance systems that support the crane operator according to the requirements of the job at hand. New to the market as of this year are the 470 EC-B, available as 20 and 16 ton models, the 370 EC-B 16 Fibre, the 300 EC-B 12 Fibre, and the 270 EC-B 12.

First luffing jib crane with fibre rope technology
A newcomer to Liebherr's HC-L series: The 258 HC-L 10/18 Fibre is the first luffing jib crane with high-tensile fibre rope design. It is particularly useful for construction projects in densely built-up inner city areas. Its impressive hook heights, minimal space requirements, and no need for slewing over neighbouring buildings, are all key advantages.

The 258 HC-L 10/18 Fibre achieves comparable hook heights to the 230 HC-L 8/16 steel rope model. At a maximum jib length of approx. 60 metres, the jib head load capacity is still as much as 2,500 kgs. The 230 HC-L 8/16 manages up to 1,900 kgs at the jib head. Liebherr has also increased the maximum lifting capacity of the 258 HC-L 10/18 Fibre by 25 percent to 10 tons in 1-line operation, which meets today’s market demands for this size class. As well as the proven 355 IC tower system for climbing inside buildings, there is also the option of using the 24 HC tower system, starting with the 24 HC 420, which offers efficient assembly with only one taper pin connection per corner post.

Less weight, more power: The crane’s impressive performance is largely due to its use of fibre rope, which is significantly lighter than steel rope of a comparable diameter. The fibre rope ensures that a similar crane design is able to offer greater load capacities and a faster working speed. “When using our Fibre cranes, the greater the hook height is, the more substantial the possible increases in load capacity are,” says Markus Kinateder. Reduced wear of materials and exceptional durability contribute to the machine’s particularly long service life and, therefore, its cost-efficiency.

The HC-L series luffing jib cranes are in a league of their own when it comes to particularly high hook heights, which can be achieved with virtually no restrictions due to the various climbing and rigging systems. Their compact slewing radius and adjustable jib allow them to be used where only limited space is available. Small out-of-service radii ensure that free slewing isn't a problem, even if there are multiple cranes on site or buildings with projecting edges. Intelligent assistance systems ensure efficient and safe crane operation. Level luffing at the touch of a button and the fine positioning mode Micromove enable crane operators to work with precision.

Fibre rope advantages at a glance
The high-tensile fibre rope, which is the result of 10 years of development work by Liebherr and the rope manufacturer Teufelberger, is a groundbreaking technology. Fibre cranes achieve significantly higher performance values compared to their steel rope counterparts. The fibre rope is more durable, easier to handle when reeving due to its lighter weight, and maintenance is less complicated as lubrication isn’t required. And on top of all that, operational safety is also increased; crane operators are able to see at a glance when the fibre rope needs replacing. The components of the rope’s cover wear out at different rates – a red layer indicates that the rope has reached the end of its service life.