3 minutes - magazine 01 | 2026
Jakob’s dream of a crane – and how it became reality
When Liebherr learnt about a very special project, it was immediately clear: we must get to know this young inventor!
Nine-year-old Jakob Springer from Granheim on the Swabian Alb has achieved something that impresses both crane builders and experienced craftsmen: he built his own crawler crane – inspired by the Liebherr LR 13000, one of the largest and most powerful cranes in the world.
A meeting of crane fans: Jakob with Bernd Boos, Technical Director at Liebherr in Ehingen.
Jakob built a crane out of wood without any building plans, just using ideas and pictures from the internet. Reason enough for us to invite him and his family to the Liebherr plant in Ehingen. A very special surprise was waiting: our Technical Managing Director Bernd Boos personally took the time for an “expert discussion” with the young designer. Jakob is a real hands-on kind of person. It all began with a nativity crib that he built himself. This was followed by a rabbit warren for a friend, a raised bed for mum Marina and even a chocolate marshmallow spinner for the family. But his biggest project to date surpasses everything: a 3.7 metre high crawler crane made of wood.
Break deserved: the chassis is almost complete.
So how did he come up with this idea?
Jakob explains: “The LR 13000 from Lego was too expensive. So mum said build it yourself, then.” The fourth-grader spent four weeks tinkering with his model. Using a tape measure, saws and a cordless screwdriver, he transformed slats and boards into a functioning crane. The crawler tracks provide stability, a crank serves as the drive and weights made of sand maintain the balance. “It works!” says Jakob, proudly. He provided proof of this right away: the crane was even used to erect his self-built wooden house.
Creativity instead of a blueprint
So what’s special about Jakob’s project? He worked without CAD, without ready-made instructions – just with imagination, patience and manual dexterity. Images from the Internet were used as templates. “I’m thinking about how it works best,” he says. Dad Thomas only provided support for tricky jobs. The rest is Jakob’s work – and his passion for building.
Jakob’s professional aspirations are clear: “I want to become a master builder and set up my own construction company.” Until then, he will continue to tinker, as there is plenty of space for new projects in the garden. So what drives him? Curiosity, learning by doing and the joy of turning simple parts into a functioning whole.
Technology inspires people ...
... even the youngest. For Liebherr, it is an honour to experience such passion. Who knows? Perhaps one day we will see Jakob as a real master builder – with a Liebherr crane on his building site.
This article was published in the UpLoad magazine 01 | 2026.
