Press releases | 2019/05/29

Ideal Crane Rental taking delivery of three Liebherr LTM mobile cranes

Wisconsin-based company adding LTM 1450-8.1, LTM 1160-5.2 and LTM 1100-5.2
The LTM 1450-8.1, a 550 US ton-class crane, will become the largest crane in Ideal’s fleet

Ideal Crane Rental is expanding its fleet in a powerful way by adding three Liebherr mobile cranes – an LTM 1450-8.1, an LTM 1160-5.2 and an LTM 1100-5.2. When the company takes delivery of the cranes this summer, each will fill a specific need for Ideal, according to President Bob Kalhagen.

“The LTM 1450-8.1 will be our largest crane,” Kalhagen said. “We really liked what we saw with the Liebherr variable counterweights, variable outrigger base and other options.” The LTM 1450-8.1 is a 550 US ton-class 8-axle crane with a 279 foot telescopic boom. Designed for cost effective mobility, the crane can travel on public roads and quickly be setup for use once it reaches a jobsite.

Ideal’s incoming LTM 1160-5.2 is a replacement for an older crane of the same type. “It has been a great, dependable crane, but we liked a lot of new features on the new 1160-5.2,” Kalhagen said. “Those features include the two position counterweight, a rigging jib and not needing cheek weights. There were so many things we liked about the new crane we decided to upgrade.” The LTM 1160-5.2 has a 203 foot telescopic boom. With the VarioBallast system, the crane can deliver high load capacities with a large ballast radius and the crane is a good choice for use on constricted sites with a small ballast radius.

The incoming LTM 1100-5.2 is a replacement for an existing crane made by a different manufacturer. The LTM 1100-5.2 is one of the most compact cranes in the class. It features active, speed-dependent rear axle steering and the ability to carry up to 25,300 pounds of counterweight, along with the swing away jib.

Kalhagen founded the company in 1973 with a 15 ton crane. Today, Ideal provides a full range of lifting services and offers an extensive inventory of equipment for rental and sales including cranes, forklifts, aerial lifts, carrydeck cranes and attachments as well as parts, technician services and trucking. The company has about 100 cranes, including nearly 20 made by Liebherr.

Like Liebherr, Ideal prides itself on being a family owned and operated company. The owners, as well as Ron Kalhagen, Bob’s brother, and Kurt Kalhagen and Kristin Chose, Bob and Lori’s children, are involved in daily operations, as are several other family members. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, the company employs about 100 people and has additional offices across the state, including Milwaukee, Oshkosh and LaCrosse.

Downloads

Press Information English

PDF (1.38 MB)

Images

ZIP (3.85 MB)

Contacts

Ana Cabiedes

Liebherr USA, Co. 4800 Chestnut Ave. Newport News, VA 23607 United States of America

+1 757 240 4250

You might also be interested in

2026/09/17
Press releases
Expansion in the taxi crane segment: Henneberger acquires Liebherr LTM 1100-5.3
The crane and logistics company Henneberger Schwerlast e.K. has acquired a Liebherr mobile crane LTM 1100-5.3. The ability to carry up to 16.9 tonnes of counterweight on public roads and the vehicle’s narrow width of just 2.55 metres were the decisive factors in the purchase.
2026/09/16
Press releases
ESB invests in the future with a new LTM 1055-3.3 and the next generation at the helm
ESB Kranverleih Transport u. Hebetechnik GmbH is has taken another step in the modernise of its fleet with the acquisition of a new LTM 1055-3.3 featuring LICCON3 control. At the same time, the family-run company is also positioning itself for the future in terms of personnel: with Larissa Maurer, the third generation has been represented in the management since the start of the year.
2026/09/15
Press releases
Liebherr showcases solutions for India's growing construction and infrastructure sectors at bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2026
At bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2026, taking place from 15 to 18 September, the Liebherr Group presents engineering excellence through a broad portfolio of machines and technologies. The products at outdoor booth E01 address construction, quarrying, recycling, infrastructure, and industrial applications for the Indian market. Visitors to the 792 m² outdoor booth can explore exhibits from five product segments.