KönningKrane GmbH & Co. KG from Stadtlohn has put a new Liebherr mobile crane of type LTM 1150-5.4 into operation. The 150-tonner fills the gap in the fleet of the Westphalian crane rental company between the 100 and 180-ton classes and thus responds to increased demands from infrastructure and energy projects. "With the new crane, we are expanding our fleet in a meaningful way and creating additional flexibility for our customers," explains managing director Johannes Bendfeld.

Technology and flexibility in focus

The decisive factors for the investment were the innovative technologies of the Liebherr 5-axle crane. The crane features VarioBase, AutoBallast and the new LICCON3 control system. The 66-meter-long telescopic boom offers high flexibility in daily operations. With a total weight of 60 tons and an axle load of 12 tons, 9 tons of ballast can be carried – an advantage for quick location changes without complex rebalancing.

What driver assistance systems does the LTM 1150-5.4 offer?

The LTM 1150-5.4 is equipped with a range of modern driver assistance systems. These include BSIS (blind spot/turning assistant) and MOIS (approach information system). A comprehensive LED lighting package as well as telescopic head and reversing cameras increase safety on the construction site. In the cab, comfort features such as the multifunction steering wheel and an integrated cooler provide work relief – an aspect that, according to management, also plays a role in employee retention.

First deployment under tight conditions

The mobile crane completed its first assignment immediately after delivery, loading a 37.5-ton machine in confined space conditions. "With the new 150-tonner, we are expanding our capabilities alongside our day-to-day business, particularly in infrastructure and concrete construction," says Bendfeld. The high performance and flexibility of the 5-axle crane are expected to be deployed in numerous infrastructure projects in the future.

Continuous fleet expansion with modern technology

The LTM 1150-5.4 is the third Liebherr mobile crane in KönningKrane's fleet of approximately 20 machines. In the two previous years, the company had already put a LTM 1160-5.2 and a LTC 1050-3.1 from Liebherr into operation. This strategy – adding one additional Liebherr annually – aims to continuously expand the fleet with state-of-the-art technology. "We deliberately invest in innovative solutions – this makes our work more efficient and more attractive for our employees," emphasizes managing director Verena Könning.

Service and proximity to the branch

Another decisive factor in the purchase decision was Liebherr's service quality. "Customer service works the way you want it to – fast, reliable and solution-oriented," emphasizes Verena Könning. The proximity to the Liebherr branch in Oberhausen provides the crane rental company from the Münsterland region with additional security for maintenance and spare parts supply – a critical aspect when downtime directly affects profitability.

Broad service portfolio

In addition to classic crane rental, KönningKrane's offering also includes concrete pumps and transport solutions. With the addition of the LTM 1150-5.4, the company expands its capabilities in the mid-tonnage range and positions itself for growing demands in the infrastructure and energy sectors – segments where the need for flexible, high-performance mobile cranes has increased significantly in recent years.

Classification: Fleet modernization as a competitive factor

KönningKrane's strategy of investing in new technology annually reflects an industry-wide trend. Modern assistance systems such as BSIS and MOIS, as well as digital control systems like LICCON3, are no longer luxury features but rather requirements that clients increasingly expect. The integration of telematics and the networking of machines will continue to gain importance in the future – particularly in the context of BIM and the digital construction site, where machine data flows into planning and control processes in real time.

While electrification of the construction site is already progressing with compact machines and aerial work platforms, mobile cranes in the 150-ton class remain dependent on diesel power for now. The requirements for lifting capacity, reach and mobility cannot yet be economically met with current battery technology. This makes it all the more important for rental companies to ensure the efficiency and profitability of their fleet through state-of-the-art engine technology, efficient hydraulic systems and intelligent assistance functions.