“A crane in this load capacity class belongs in every crane fleet,” said Holger Ludewig, owner and managing director of Ullrich Krane Autokran & Schwerlast GmbH, at the handover of the new mobile crane in Ehingen. Together with authorised signatory Michael Ullrich and crane driver Marco Kluge, he personally took delivery of the new four-axle vehicle. Ludewig adds: “We always enjoy coming back to Liebherr because we are always treated as equals here, even as a smaller company.”
Ullrich Krane was founded in 1994. Since then, there has been a well-functioning partnership between the two companies based on mutual trust. “Liebherr has supported us right from the start. Not only is the service excellent, the co-operation with the sales department is also exemplary. From the team to the products to the partnership – everything here is consistently designed for longevity,” continues Ludewig.
Low axle loads as the key to operations in the Ore Mountains
The new LTM 1090-4.2 is replacing an approximately ten-year-old LTM 1090-4.1 from Liebherr. With this investment, Ullrich Krane is purposely focussing on continuity. The high operational capability and performance of the slightly outdated 90-tonne truck convinced the company to invest in its successor.
Another decisive factor in the purchase decision was the crane’s superb mobility. The Chemnitz-based company operates throughout Germany, but often works regionally in the Ore Mountains with its mountainous roads, tight bends and numerous bridges. What for some is an impressive landscape is an enormous challenge for heavy goods transport – both in practice and in planning. The LTM 1090-4.2 can carry a 10-tonne axle load on public roads which is a clear advantage in day-to-day operations. Once on site, the taxi crane with its 60-metre-long telescopic boom is quickly ready for operation.
In addition to its mobility, the compact dimensions of the four-axle vehicle are also impressive. “We regularly transport machines in industrial halls and on confined company premises. In these situations, every centimetre counts. VarioBase® is a crucial advantage for us”, explains Ludewig. The variable supporting base provides additional flexibility and noticeable relief in everyday working life.
Digital planning and end-to-end system philosophy
For precise and safe operations, accurate planning is indispensable. Ullrich Krane previously planned its operations successfully with the LICCON operations planner, but in future the company will be using the innovative planning tool Crane Planner 2.0 from Liebherr. With this modern and comprehensive tool, both complex lifts and seemingly simple operations can be planned safely and optimised.
The crane software itself is also a reason for Ludewig to buy from Liebherr. Thanks to standardised operating logic and identical software, crane operators can work quickly and safely with different cranes. Long-winded familiarisation periods are no longer required for the new LTM 1090-4.2.
The new crane fits perfectly into the company's fleet and is positioned between a 60-tonne and a 100-tonne mobile crane. In total, Ullrich Krane operates five Liebherr mobile cranes, supplemented by two loader cranes and a crawler crane.
Successful first mission immediately after handover
After the briefing in Ehingen, crane operator Marco Kluge sat down in the new cab and set off for the first job in Nuremberg. There, the new 90-tonne crane successfully completed the replacement of a line mast – a successful start for the latest addition to the Ullrich Krane’s fleet.
