Liebherr fibre rope

Liebherr, the well-known maker of construction cranes and mobile cranes, has worked with fibre rope maker Teufelberger to bring the first fibre ropes for cranes to market. In some cases they will replace conventional steel ropes.

During the research, more than 100 types of fibre rope were tested, measuring over 70,000 metres in total. The tests took place in different environments, at temperatures from -5 to 80 degrees, in five countries. The ropes were also tested on construction sites in dusty desert conditions and in monsoon rains.

Fibre ropes are much lighter than conventional steel ropes. According to the manufacturer, they are easier to handle, with a minimum of special equipment, and it is much easier to see when they need replacing.

The invention was presented on a tower crane at the Bauma trade fair in 2019.

The advantages of the new ropes:

• higher lifting capacity;
• lower energy consumption in use;
• no guide rollers needed, because friction is minimal;
• much more resistant in different working environments;
• no lubrication needed;
• quick and easy to clean;
• no injuries from broken fibres;
• not sensitive to water.