Liebherr has expanded its roster of deep foundation equipment with the introduction of two new drilling rigs. 

Both the LRB 355.1 and the LB 45 made their public debuts at ConExpo in Las Vegas in March. 

Both machines are immediately available worldwide. 

Prior to its first public appearance at ConExpo, several LRB 355 piling and drilling rigs were successfully working on jobsites. 

Whether drilling with Kelly equipment, full displacement tools or working with vibrators or hydraulic hammers, the LRB 355.1 offers numerous application possibilities in deep foundation work. 

The overall design of the LRB 355.1 focuses on the handling of the machine – both on and off the jobsite. 

For transportation, the crawler can now be removed from both types of undercarriage. This reduces the maximum transport weight by about 14 metric tonnes. To minimize the transport length, the leader can be folded. For the longer leader version with 27 metres, this saves 7 metres in length. 

As well, the drill rig may be transported with a mounted leader, sledge and ropes. This allows the machine to be mobilized quickly on the jobsite. 

The core of the LRB 355.1 is a new 1,005 hp Liebherr diesel engine that complies with Tier 4 and Stage V emissions regulations. The new BAT 450.1 with a torque of 331,903 foot-pounds serves as the rotary drive and has automatic torque regulation, continuous speed optimization and four electronically adjustable speed ranges.

The new LB 45 drilling rig, the successor to the LB 36, delivers higher torque for a wider range of applications.

The name of the new LB 45 is derived from its torque of  331,903 foot-pounds, or 450 kNm. That is an increase of about 10 per cent in comparison to the performance of the LB 36. 

Both the counterweight and the leader are modularly constructed, which enables quick and easy assembly and flexible application. 

The leader top is designed for different drilling axes and is suitable for all applications. Through the enhancement of the drilling axes by 50 cm, the LB 45 can be applied for drilling diameters up to a maximum of 3.3 metres. 

At the same time, the maximum drilling depth for Kelly drilling with 5-fold Kelly bar has been increased to 100 metres. The strong winches with a maximum pull force of 42 metric tonnes enables the highest performance even under the most difficult conditions. Furthermore, noise emissions are considerably reduced thanks to their elastic mounting. 

The ground load-bearing capacity and the monitoring of the ground pressure are critical for the safe operation of a drilling rig. 

Both the LRB 355.1 and the LB 45 are equipped with numerous features to ensure easier and safe operation.

For example, Ground Pressure Visualization calculates the current ground pressure of the machine in real time and compares it with the specified safety limits of the relevant jobsite. The ground pressure is displayed in the operator’s cab and the operator is consistently aware of whether the machine is situated in, or is approaching, a critical area. This also allows dangerous work manoeuvres to be avoided. 

Locking of the Kelly bar’s telescopic sections is made significantly easier due to the Kelly Visualization system in the LB 45. Thanks to the real-time display of the Kelly locking recesses of the Kelly bar on the cabin monitor, the operator is constantly informed of the distance to the next locking recess. As well, 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. 

During continuous flight auger drilling, the concreting process is automated via Drilling Assistant. The remote control simplifies the loading process for transportation as well as the assembly of the machine. 

All assistance systems contribute to time savings, higher availability of the machine as well as an increase in safety during operation. 

The LB 45 and the LRB 355.1 are both equipped with a new operator cab concept, which refreshes the drill rig’s appearance and focuses on increased operator comfort. This is achieved through a modern air conditioning system with improved airflow, an optimized field of vision and reduced noise protection, as well as an ergonomic operator’s seat with integrated heating and cooling. 

Further features for the operator are an optional cooler for snacks as well as a USB port for charging mobile phones.