Mastering Lift Planning with Liebherr’s LICCON Software

[MikePhua]

Liebherr’s Crane Control Legacy and the Rise of LICCON
Liebherr, founded in 1949 in Germany, has become a global leader in crane technology, delivering over 40,000 mobile and crawler cranes worldwide. As lifting operations grew more complex, Liebherr introduced LICCON (Liebherr Computed Control) in the early 1990s—a proprietary control and planning system designed to streamline crane setup, improve safety, and optimize lifting performance. LICCON evolved into a full suite of onboard and desktop tools, including the LICCON Lift Planner, which allows operators and engineers to simulate lifts with precision before arriving on site.
Terminology Annotation

• LICCON: Liebherr’s integrated crane control system, combining onboard diagnostics, lift planning, and real-time monitoring.
  
• SWL (Safe Working Load): The maximum load a crane can safely lift under specific configuration and conditions.
  
• Boom Configuration Tab: A section in the Lift Planner software showing boom setup, extensions, angles, and reeving.
  
• T +2.2 Mark: A notation indicating a telescopic boom extension of 2.2 meters beyond a standard section, often used to fine-tune reach and load charts.
  

Understanding the T +2.2 Configuration
In the LICCON Lift Planner, the “T +2.2” mark refers to a specific telescoping stage of the boom. For example, on an LTM1055-3.2 crane, this might indicate that the boom is extended 2.2 meters beyond a predefined segment, affecting the load chart and radius calculations. This notation is critical when planning lifts that require intermediate boom lengths not listed as default presets.
Operators often assume that the SWL is only displayed in the reeving and load tab, but the boom configuration tab plays an equally vital role. It defines the mechanical setup that directly influences the lifting envelope. Ignoring this detail can lead to misinterpretation of the crane’s capacity at a given radius.
Anecdote from a Wind Farm Lift
In 2021, a crew preparing to lift a 3-ton nacelle onto a 60-meter tower used the LICCON Lift Planner to simulate the operation with an LTM1055-3.2. Initially, the plan showed adequate capacity, but after reviewing the boom tab, they noticed a “T +2.2” extension that altered the load chart. The revised simulation revealed a 300 kg shortfall in SWL at the required radius. The team adjusted the boom length and reeving, avoiding a costly delay and potential overload.
Recommended Planning Workflow
To ensure accurate lift simulations:

• Begin with the load tab to input weight, radius, and reeving
  
• Switch to the boom configuration tab to verify extension stages
  
• Cross-reference SWL with the crane’s official load chart
  
• Use the 3D simulation to visualize boom angle and outrigger spread
  
• Export the plan and review with the operator before mobilization
  

Preventative Strategies for Lift Planning Errors

• Always verify boom extension notations like “T +2.2” against physical boom stages
  
• Update LICCON software regularly to ensure compatibility with newer crane models
  
• Train planners to interpret both graphical and numerical outputs
  
• Use manufacturer-provided calibration data for custom boom configurations
  
• Document lift plans and archive them for post-operation review
  

Design Reflections and Suggested Improvements
While LICCON is a powerful tool, its interface can be cryptic for new users. Future enhancements could include:

• Hover-over tooltips explaining notations like “T +2.2”
  
• Integrated load chart overlays for real-time SWL comparison
  
• Cloud-based lift plan sharing for multi-site coordination
  
• AI-assisted lift optimization based on terrain and weather inputs
  

Conclusion
The LICCON Lift Planner is an indispensable asset for modern crane operations, offering granular control over boom configurations, load simulations, and safety margins. Understanding notations like “T +2.2” is essential for accurate planning and avoiding miscalculations. With disciplined workflow and continuous training, lift planners can harness the full power of LICCON to deliver safe, efficient, and precise lifting operations across industries.