Last year, it was announced that City Lifting had agreed a deal to take delivery of a 195 HC-LH tower crane. This milestone was subsequently celebrated in April on the Liebherr stand at Bauma with Trevor and Sam Jepson from City Lifting, as well as Liebherr employees from across the Group. The mobile and tower crane hire specialists are headquartered in Purfleet (Essex) and are highly-regarded throughout London, delivering a diverse range of high-profile projects, from tight inner-city jobs to assisting some of the capital's greatest landmarks.
The perfect fit
The Liebherr 195 HC-LH will integrate seamlessly into the fleet and specialised offering of City Lifting, thanks to its ability to operate at a minimum working radius of just three metres, achieve an out-of-service position of under 10 metres, and provide flexible configuration options to suit constricted sites.
In addition, the crane is equipped with advanced technology designed to meet the demands of modern construction sites. These features include a powerful hydraulic luffing system, enabling fast and precise luffing movements in under 90 seconds to optimise safety and efficiency. They also include Load-Plus, which temporarily increases lifting capacity by up to 25 per cent; and Liebherr’s Tower Crane OS operating system, delivering intuitive control and enhanced operational oversight.
Moreover, to suit the logistical demands of busy city-centre environments, the unit can be transported to site on just four vehicles, streamlining delivery and reducing disruption. Once on site, assembly is both efficient and safe: with individual components weighing no more than eight tonnes, smaller assist cranes can be utilised, while pre-assembled elements further accelerate the erection process.
Connected through innovation: Liebherr and City Lifting
Ahead of its first project, Liebherr delivered a comprehensive week-long familiarisation programme to ensure smooth assembly and operation of the Liebherr 195 HC-LH. During this time, City Lifting’s technicians were guided through the crane’s key systems and components in detail, providing the opportunity to address questions early and gain first-hand knowledge directly from the manufacturer, helping to mitigate potential challenges often associated with commissioning new equipment.
Furthermore, Liebherr remains committed to delivering a high standard of after-sales support, ensuring that technical information and assistance are provided promptly to minimise downtime and keep the crane operating at maximum efficiency.
City Lifting’s Managing Director, Trevor Jepson, comments: ‘Several standout features of the crane influenced our decision to acquire the unit. The hoist winch is positioned inside the first jib section, which saves transport and time. Its generously sized drum also means fewer layers of rope are needed for tall buildings. In addition, the winch mounting allows safe and easy access to the brake and gearbox from the fixed working platform for maintenance, whatever the angle of the jib.’
The hydraulic luffing cylinder is designed to be taken apart easily for maintenance as it is bolted together rather than threaded end caps. The crane also comes with a standard system for self-removal of the cylinder, further improving serviceability.
The 1.6-metre tower width makes the crane ideal for lift-shaft installation or internal climbing applications. Counterweights are quick, safe and intuitive to fit, as they are transported and installed in the same orientation.
‘Liebherr’s support has been excellent, providing detailed loadings and technical guidance throughout. We look forward to continuing our work with the team in the future.’
