Review:
Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 by Foselev
08-01-2024
CranesEtc. enthusiastic about
Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 by Foselev
The Liebherr 1650-8.1 mobile crane has a maximum capacity of 700 tonnes. The crane can be configured with a TY Guy boom support arrangement and this option is possible with the model. This model is in the colours of the French heavy lifting and transport specialist Foselev.
Packaging
The model comes in a Liebherr-branded box design with the model held within expanded polystyrene trays which are held together with plastic clips. The parts are wrapped. There were no missing parts or defects on the review model. The model has an excellent instruction manual. It includes a parts list, and clear photos and English text describe the model.
Detail
The chassis is very highly detailed with replicated transmission and suspension systems. It also includes the central rear outrigger. The tyres are very good with a fine tread pattern, and branding moulded in the sidewalls. The wheels have different hubs for driven and non-driven axles.
The carrier cab has beacon lights and roof aerials, and at the front there is a hitch for tying a hook whilst travelling. There is a realistic number plate. The door steps are textured and the door handles are highlighted. Interior detailing is also high quality. Behind the carrier cab the engine area is highly detailed with textured surfaces and a mesh grille. Tiny graphics add detail throughout.
The outrigger pads have a working pinning mechanism which allows the pads to be fixed in an offset way so they are within the footprint of the crane when the outrigger beams are retracted. The pistons are smooth with the screw mechanism being internal so they look realistic. Tiny graphics add to the authentic look.
Large metal spreader plates with useable lifting points are also included with the model. The profile of the outriggers under load is very good and they are nice and straight. The rear outrigger box has lifting eyes so it can be posed being installed.
The crane cab has metal handrails with an etched mesh walkway. There is also a silvered mirror and window wipers. The interior detail is very good. Underneath the crane body the toothed slewing ring is visible. The crane body also has a high level of detailing with small graphics, metal handrails and ladders, and textured surfaces.
The counterweight consists of a number of parts. The frame is complex and it includes a winch drum. Two ballast trays are separate parts. The counterweight blocks are nicely decorated including the weight being marked with graphics, and have useable lifting eyes. A ballast block lifting device is included with the model. Securing plates sit on top of the counterweight stacks.
The main boom rams are very nice metal parts with complex hydraulic detailing at the bottom, and the boom sections have very thin walls which provide a realistic profile. Detailing on the lowest boom section includes spooling drums, and pipework within the casting. The boom head is also very good with fine detailing and plastic pulleys which replicate the plastic ones used on the real crane. A long safety hoist cut-off chain and block hangs from the boom top and there is a realistic tying-off point also.
The TY Guying system for the telescopic boom is of heavy construction and is mainly metal. Tiny graphics add detail to the system.
Three metal hooks are supplied, and they are excellent quality with working safety latches. Another nice touch is that a lifting beam, shackles and chains are also included, and these are high quality. The Foselev colour scheme is very attractive and the graphics are very sharp.
Features
All axles have sprung suspension with some connected to form floating groups. Each axle also steers with some very good steering angles being possible. The central rear outrigger can be lowered and this would be used for erection of the crane on site if the rear outrigger box has been transported separately. Handrails on the crane body can be folded up from the transport mode. Four access ladders can be folded down from the carrier deck.
The outrigger beams can extended and the pads lowered, and feature an excellent pad pinning feature with fine wire clips. The range of downward travel on the pistons is very good, and the model can be supported wheels-free.
The operator's cab rotates from the transport position, and can also be tilted. The crane rotates smoothly without rocking.
The counterweight system can be mounted on the carrier deck during self-assembly. The counterweight frame has useable lifting jacks to enable the counterweight to be connected and disconnected from the crane body although this is fiddly to use.
Raising the boom is easy with the locking mechanism on the main boom rams using a key to tighten grub screws on the jacket tops. Telescoping the boom is smooth and easy with a spring lock to clip each boom section. It is possible to lock each section at approximately 46%, 92% and 100% extension.
The TY guy system can be displayed as a transport load with a transport bar included to maintain the shape. When in place the system performs well with each side tensioned by using the key in the smoothly operating winches which have a positive brake. A reasonable tension can be maintained in the system.
The key is also used to operate the main winch. It has a push-in action with a positive brake, and it works very well. However, the plastic pulleys in the boom head. Different hook blocks can be reeved, and they each have rotating hooks and working safety latches. Lifting chains and a lifting beam and shackles can be used. A lifting device for the ballast blocks is also useable.
Quality
This is a high quality model which is made well, and the parts fit together well too. The paintwork and graphics are generally excellent.
Price
It is very good value for a limited edition large crane model.
Overall
This is another excellent version of the LTM 1650 by WSI and the Foselev colour scheme is attractive. It also has some improvements compared to the first versions of the model.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in Liebherr yellow at the Bauma exhibition in October 2022. This version in Foselev colours appeared in December 2023.
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Text and photo's: CranesEtc.