Construction machines are definitely among our favorite category of LEGO Technic models, with their large sizes, complex functionalities, and precise detailing. They just make for awesome toys to build and play with. If you’re a fan like us, then you’ll definitely want the new LEGO Technic Liebherr Crawler Crane LR 13000.
Designed to recreate one of the world’s most powerful cranes, the model gives you a fully-functional version of the gigantic crane they use to build power plants, refineries, and other facilities that require moving extreme amounts of weight. And it’s massive, being one of the biggest sets ever in the Technic range, which means it will likely take you an unholy number of hours to put this whole thing together.
The LEGO Technic Liebherr Crawler Crane LR 13000 is a detailed model of Liebher’s most powerful crane, whose real-world version can lift 3,000 tons and hoist objects to heights of up to 774 feet. Yep, it’s a monster of a construction machine. It recreates every part of the original rig, from the treads that allow it to move around on the ground and the main revolving body to the complex boom system that allows it to handle those extreme loads.
Like other Technic sets, this is designed to mechanically resemble the original machine. As such, it has working treads that allow it to crawl, a working steering system that allows it to navigate its way, and a working turntable that allows it to turn its body towards any direction. The actual boom works, too, including the jib and the winch, while 24 weight elements on the body serve as counterweight similar to actual crawler cranes. Do note, the counterweight on the model only totals two pounds, so don’t expect to use this to haul any objects of actual significant weight. Plus, it’s LEGO, so the parts will probably fall apart if you try to lift anything too heavy.
The LEGO Technic Liebherr Crawler Crane LR 13000 is powered with six large motors that will allow you to operate it like actual construction equipment. It comes with two smart hubs that communicate with the companion CONTROL+ app, where you can manage the various motorized features remotely, see vehicle stats, and do challenges to add a game layer to your play. Sadly, they didn’t include a rechargeable battery, so you’re going to have to load it with a dozen AA batteries to get all those motors running.
A total of 2,883 pieces are included in the set, including the various electronic components, so expect to invest a good load of time and effort assembling the whole thing. Once put together, the model measures 43 x 39 x 11 inches (length x height x depth), so you’ll need to clear some shelf space to accommodate this thing. Then again, given how much fun it sounds like it’s going to be to play with a working crawler crane, it may not end up spending so much time out on display.
The LEGO Technic Liebherr Crawler Crane LR 13000 comes out in August, priced at $699.99.