Liebherr LTM 1030/2 Planetary Gearbox Restoration: €7,000 saved

Problem: Kessler/Liebherr axle failed – dealer only sells the full assembly for €10,000

Mobile crane Liebherr LTM 1030/2. The rear right axle manufactured by Kessler/Liebherr failed. When the client approached official dealers and the factory, the answer was unambiguous: parts for axle restoration are not supplied separately. Only the full assembly.

• Factory price: over €10,000
• Lead time: lengthy wait due to the size of the unit

Solution: technical audit and component-level restoration

ILIEV Solutions engineers carried out a detailed fault assessment of the unit and identified the specific causes of the failure.

• Diagnostics. Destruction of planetary gearbox elements was identified, along with critical wear of gear wheels and signs of thermal overheating. The cause – a seal failure and oil leak that led to the mechanism running dry.
• Identification from drawings. Using Kessler and Liebherr catalogues, the exact parameters of each part were determined.
• Precise component sourcing. A planetary gearbox was sourced to specification (A=17, B=24, C=67, D=32). Original drive shaft 71.7274.1 was located (length 1200mm, 40T spline connection).
• Mating control. Gear ratios and tooth geometry were verified to ensure smooth operation and long-term durability of the unit.
• Assembly. Parts logistics from multiple sources were coordinated and precision assembly of the gearbox was carried out.

Crane down and the factory says "full assembly only"? Leave a request – we'll assess the restoration options.

Result: crane back in service, 70% savings

The crane was successfully returned to service with a warranty on the work performed.

• Financial benefit. The client saved over €7,000 – 70% of the cost of a new axle.
• Technical integrity. The axle completed its run-in period and is operating normally.
• Logistics. Targeted parts delivery proved faster than transporting a full axle assembly.

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Why work with ILIEV Solutions

Engineering documentation instead of a dealer catalogue

We work with original Kessler and Liebherr drawings and catalogues – this allows us to identify and source every individual part where a dealer sees only the line item "full assembly."

Component restoration instead of full unit replacement

We strip the unit, find the specific cause of failure and restore only what broke. The client does not pay for components that are still functional.

Precision assembly with geometry control

Every restored unit undergoes gear ratio verification, tooth geometry checks and a run-in before being handed over to the client. No compromises on precision.

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Don't pay €10,000 for a new axle when restoration costs a third of the price. Contact ILIEV Solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the planetary gearbox of a Liebherr LTM 1030/2 axle be restored without buying the full assembly?

Yes. ILIEV Solutions carries out a fault assessment, identifies damaged components using original Kessler and Liebherr catalogues and sources them individually. In this case, that saved the client over €7,000 compared to purchasing a new full assembly.

What most commonly causes planetary gearbox failure on Liebherr cranes?

One of the most frequent causes is seal failure, oil leakage and the subsequent operation of the mechanism without lubrication. This leads to thermal overheating, critical gear wear and destruction of gearbox elements. Regular seal integrity checks help prevent such failures.

How does ILIEV Solutions source parts for Liebherr and Kessler axle gearboxes?

Sourcing is based on original engineering drawings and manufacturer catalogues. Exact geometric parameters are determined for every part – in this case, the specifications of the planetary gearbox and drive shaft 71.7274.1. Gear ratio and tooth geometry checks are carried out after sourcing.

How much does Liebherr planetary gearbox restoration cost compared to a new axle?

In this case, component-level restoration cost the client approximately 30% of the price of a new full assembly – savings of over €7,000. The exact cost is calculated after the fault assessment of the specific unit. 

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