Press releases | 2019-12-05

Swiss crane contractor Gyger Levage extends fleet with two new Liebherr mobile cranes

LTM 1040-2.1 and LTM 1450-8.1 upgrade the fleet
The high performance and fast set-up of the LTM 1450-8.1 were major criteria behind the decision
Strategically important – the first 450-tonne crane in French-speaking Switzerland

Swiss crane contractor Gyger Levage has taken delivery of two new Liebherr mobile cranes. An LTM 1040-2.1 will expand the crane fleet in the lower lifting capacity range and an LTM 1450-8.1 with a maximum lifting capacity of 450 tonnes will add to the fleet at the top end of the range.

Eric Gyger, the owner of Gyger Levage said: “The LTM 1450-8.1 is the most powerful crane that we have ever bought. It will significantly extend our lifting capacity range upwards. We actually wanted to replace a 350-tonne crane, but we then decided to keep both cranes as the LTM 1450-8.1 will open up new areas of business for us with its higher performance. And it is also strategically important that it is the first 450-tonne crane in French-speaking Switzerland.”

Gyger Levage will use the new crane, among other things, for erecting tower cranes. The company also ordered a long luffing jib which makes the LTM 1450-8.1 ideal for working with very large radii. Gyger is delighted by the design of the new 8-axle machine: “The LTM 1450-8.1 is the only crane in its class which can be set up so quickly on site. There is nothing comparable on the market. 20 tonnes of lifting capacity on an 85 metre telescopic boom is a fantastic value. I operate this crane myself and I love it.”

Other major reasons behind the decision included the VarioBallast® variable ballast radius VarioBase® variable support base as well as the facility to carry the complete 85 metre telescopic boom and all the outriggers on public roads.

The LTM 1040-2.1 will replace a 15-year-old LTM 1030/2 in Gyger Levage’s fleet. The new crane has a 35 metre telescopic boom, which delivers 5 metres more hoisting height and significantly more lifting capacity. It is a compact, manoeuvrable 2-axle all-terrain crane which will be able to take on jobs on extremely constricted sites.

Family-run Gyger Levage was founded in 1997 and now has a fleet of 28 mobile cranes, including seven MK mobile construction cranes, with a workforce of around 50. 75 percent of the cranes bear the Liebherr name. Eric Gyger said: “We keep deciding to buy from Liebherr as a result of its efficient after-sale service and the reliability and performance of its cranes.” The main areas of operation for Gyger Levage are the construction sector followed by petrochemicals and general industry.