Maximum performance for modern sites: the UK’s first 620 HC-L is erected

Bennetts Cranes has erected the UK’s first 620 HC L in the heart of the city, working in close collaboration with Liebherr. The tower crane specialist identified the luffing jib model as the optimal solution for constructing a modern 168 room hotel on a highly constrained site with limited access. With the crane required to lift 14 tonne panels within an exceptionally tight footprint, selecting equipment capable of delivering high capacity in such restricted conditions was essential.

Maximum strength and minimum space

Space is constricted on this site, oversailing nearby flats and buildings is not permitted, and the tower crane is positioned four metres away from the building’s edge. For this development, Bennetts Cranes looked to the 620 HC-L, a high-performing solution with a compact footprint, that can operate efficiently. The crane’s design offers a minimum operating position of just 4.1 metres with its full 65m jib, ensuring minimal space is required on site. While a possible minimum out-of-service radius of only 12.3 metres allows the crane to be placed close to the structure and without infringing on neighbouring airspace. On this site Bennetts has configured the unit with a 45M jib, in single fall, so if site conditions require, it can park at 12.9 metres when out of service. The compact footprint makes the 620 HC-L an efficient and highly flexible solution for complex, high-density construction environments.

The 620 HC-L combines increased lifting capacity with minimal space requirements. With a maximum lifting capacity of up to 36 tonnes in two-fall operation, the crane sets new standards in its class. Its Load-Plus function enables lifting capacity to be increased by up to 76 per cent for specific load charts, significantly expanding its range of applications.

A joint approach to innovation

Agreed at Bauma 2025 in Munich, Germany, Bennetts Cranes became the world’s first owner of the 620 HC-L series, demonstrating strong confidence in Liebherr’s quality and innovation. This acquisition also highlights Bennetts’ commitment to its customers and the wider construction industry, delivering market-leading, safe lifting solutions.

Tracey Pockett, Director at Bennetts Cranes, explains: ‘Our investment in the Liebherr 620 HC-L reflects our commitment to expanding Bennetts’ high-capacity tower crane fleet with equipment that meets the demands of modern construction sites. The 620 HC-L gives customers the lifting power needed for complex projects, while helping them work safely and efficiently on sites where space is limited and oversailing must be carefully managed. It also supports more efficient installation and operation, making it a strong addition to our fleet.

‘Liebherr’s support throughout the process has been very good, from enquiry through to build, with their technicians on site during erection to provide familiarisation training to the Bennetts team.’

Engineered for efficiency, safety and sustainability

The 620 HC-L has been designed with efficiency, safety and sustainability in mind, key requirements for this constrained city-centre project. Its intelligent control system can monitor available power and adjust performance accordingly, allowing the crane to operate on mains power where comparable models may require a generator, reducing fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs.

The crane also benefits from a fast and efficient installation process, which is important for this site, which was only able to fit a mobile crane on site; lorries carrying the tower crane were unloaded in a closed lane directly outside the site. Assembly features include a pin-tower system and pre-installed rope reeving helping to reduce on-site assembly time. In operation, functions including level-luffing and Micromove enhance safety and precision, enabling smooth load handling and accurate positioning.