Scotland’s first 450-tonne Liebherr highlights configuration and outrigger planning
Hugh Simpson Contractors has taken delivery of Scotland’s first Liebherr LTM 1400-6.1, a 450-tonne six-axle all-terrain crane with a 70m boom, Y-Guying and VarioBase variable outrigger system.
450-tonne all-terrain crane joins Scottish fleet
Vertikal reported on 23 October 2026 that Hugh Simpson Contractors had taken delivery of Scotland’s first Liebherr LTM 1400-6.1. The six-axle crane has a 70m telescopic boom and Y-Guying system and was ordered with an 80.5m luffing jib.
The reported configuration provides a maximum tip height of 128m and a maximum radius of 97m, with capacity of up to 2.6 tonnes at that radius.
Configuration governs capacity
The machine also uses Liebherr’s VarioBase variable outrigger system. For lift planners, this reinforces that a headline 450-tonne rating does not describe the permissible duty at a particular site position.
- Use the exact boom, jib, counterweight and outrigger configuration.
- Assess capacity at the actual working radius.
- Check ground-bearing reactions for the selected configuration.
- Coordinate crane position with access, exclusion zones and temporary works.
- Use the applicable OEM load chart rather than generic fleet data.
LiftPlanProUK relevance
Mobile-crane planning should tie configuration, radius, load chart, ground-bearing assessment and lift drawing into one auditable plan.
LiftPlanProUK provides planning and management support. Site-specific information must be checked and every lifting operation approved by a competent person.