Expansion in the taxi crane segment: Henneberger acquires Liebherr LTM 1100-5.3

“We can use the LTM 1100-5.3 very flexibly as a ‘taxi crane’, as it can carry a large proportion of its counterweight whilst maintaining an axle load of 12 tonnes. This means we can already take on many jobs without having to use a separate vehicle for transporting ballast,” explains company owner Mario Henneberger. “The lightweight design of the LTM 1100-5.3 makes it easier for us to obtain driving permits – even across federal states, as we operate in Thuringia, as well as in Bavaria and Hesse. The ballast concept even allows for axle loads of less than 9 tonnes and a gross vehicle weight of less than 45 tonnes. This is sometimes an advantage, particularly on bridges with weight restrictions. This issue is set to become even more acute.”

Advantages on the road and on site

Another key factor in Henneberger’s decision to choose the LTM 1100-5.3 was the vehicle’s width of just 2.55 metres. This is a major advantage, particularly in the rural areas of Thuringia with their narrow roads and tree-lined avenues. The LTM 1100-5.3 is the only 5-axle all-terrain crane on the market with such a narrow design.

The company, based in southern Thuringia, plans to use the new crane for a wide range of tasks: from roof and hall construction, through the erection of electricity and radio masts, to machine relocation and the assembly of precast elements. “The 62-metre length of the telescopic boom is excellent in this class. Furthermore, the LTM 1100-5.3 offers outstanding lifting capacities, particularly at long reaches,” says Henneberger.

The LTM 1100-5.3 is the first crane with LICCON3 control in the Henneberger crane fleet. “The feedback from our crane operators during the training session in Ehingen was very positive. They got to grips with it straight away. In fact, the transition was easier than they had feared.” Henneberger also highlights new features: “RemoteDrive – that is, the remote-controlled operation of the undercarriage – is a major advantage on tight building sites and is also an important safety feature. The same applies to the new driver assistance systems.”

The use of a radio remote control for crane operations is very helpful in many situations: “The crane operator has a much better view of the assembly situation. The work becomes more precise and safer. That’s why we also use boom cameras. The LTM 1100-5.3 is already our third crane with this feature, alongside an LTM 1250-5.1 and an LTM 1300-6.3.”