Richard Kölch & Sohn GmbH, a family-owned crane contractor based in Fürth, Germany, has taken delivery of a new Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 mobile crane. The 60-tonne machine replaces a 55-tonne crane from a competitor manufacturer and marks the final step in a strategic overhaul: within just two years, Kölch has converted its entire mobile crane fleet to Liebherr equipment. Managing Director Alexander Kölch explains the rationale: "A crane in the 60-tonne load class is, in our opinion, indispensable in today's market. The new crane fits perfectly into our service portfolio and enables us to handle jobs even more efficiently and flexibly."

The move reflects a broader industry trend. Urban crane logistics increasingly demands machines that combine high lifting capacity with compact dimensions—precisely the profile of the LTM 1060-3.1. For contractors operating in tight inner-city environments, precast construction, industrial assembly, and factory machine installations, the 60-tonne class has become the workhorse segment.

What makes the LTM 1060-3.1 stand out on site?

The three-axle Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 features a 48-metre telescopic boom. Thanks to its compact footprint and high manoeuvrability, the crane is designed for confined construction sites and urban environments where space is at a premium. Kölch will deploy the machine primarily in precast concrete construction, general building work, industrial projects, and machine installations in production halls—applications where reach, capacity, and site access all matter.

The decision to replace a 55-tonne competitor crane with a 60-tonner wasn't just about raw lifting capacity. According to Alexander Kölch, the combination of high load capacity and compact design was decisive. In practice, that translates to better reach at higher loads without needing a larger, less agile machine on congested sites.

Fleet standardisation: one control system, faster crew deployment

Beyond the machine specs, Kölch cited operational efficiency as a key driver. With the entire mobile crane fleet now standardised on Liebherr equipment, the company benefits from a unified control philosophy. Liebherr's LICCON control system offers intuitive, consistent operation across different crane models, making it easier for operators to switch between machines and reducing training time when new equipment enters the fleet.

The result: lower downtime, faster deployment, and more efficient maintenance planning. For fleet managers, that means fewer spare-parts inventories, simpler service schedules, and reduced risk of operator error when crews move between jobs.

Alexander Kölch sums up the broader rationale: "We're convinced by the complete package—from competent sales support and high product quality to reliable customer service. Liebherr stands for quality, innovation, safety, and excellent service. These values align with our own commitment to delivering reliable and professional services to our customers at all times."

Kölch's fleet now: four mobile cranes, all Liebherr

With the LTM 1060-3.1 now in service, Kölch operates a four-crane mobile fleet comprising:

  • LTM 1060-3.1 (60 tonnes, three axles)
  • LTM 1090-4.2 (90 tonnes, four axles)
  • LTM 1230-5.1 (230 tonnes, five axles)
  • MK 88-4.1 (mobile construction crane)

The fleet covers a wide load spectrum, from compact urban lifts to heavy industrial assembly. The company's total vehicle inventory stands at around 40 units, reflecting steady growth since its founding in 1977. Next year, Kölch will celebrate its 50th anniversary—a milestone that underscores continuity, experience, and ongoing investment in modern equipment.

Why the 60-tonne class matters for contractors today

The 60-tonne segment sits in a strategic sweet spot. It offers significantly more capacity than the 50–55-tonne machines common a decade ago, yet remains compact enough for road transport and urban access. For contractors working on precast facades, steel erection, and plant installations, the extra capacity often means completing a lift in one cycle instead of two—saving hours of rigging time and site occupation.

From a total-cost-of-ownership perspective, the LTM 1060-3.1's three-axle configuration keeps transport costs manageable while the standardised Liebherr platform reduces training and maintenance overhead. For family businesses like Kölch, where every hour of uptime counts, those operational efficiencies translate directly to profitability.

Market positioning: Liebherr's strength in the mid-tonnage segment

Liebherr has long dominated the European mobile crane market, particularly in the 60–300-tonne range favoured by general contractors and rental fleets. The LTM 1060-3.1, introduced as part of the company's modular crane family, shares components and control architecture with larger models, giving operators and service teams a consistent experience across the range.

For contractors evaluating fleet investments, the LICCON control system is a recurring decision factor. The platform supports advanced load-moment limiting, automatic boom telescope sequencing, and diagnostics—all accessible via a single, familiar interface. That reduces the cognitive load on operators and lowers the risk of costly errors on complex lifts.

The Kölch case also illustrates a broader trend: mid-sized crane contractors are increasingly standardising on a single OEM platform to capture fleet synergies. Whether that's Liebherr, Palfinger, or another manufacturer, the operational logic is the same—unified training, common spare parts, and simplified service relationships pay off over the asset lifecycle.

What this means for your fleet planning

If you're managing a crane fleet or planning a replacement cycle, the Kölch example offers three practical takeaways:

  • Consider the 60-tonne class as a workhorse: The segment offers enough capacity for most precast, steel, and plant work, yet remains agile and cost-effective for daily deployment.
  • Evaluate control-system compatibility: If you already operate machines from one OEM, adding another brand may introduce training overhead and increase the risk of operator confusion on-site.
  • Factor in service and parts logistics: A single-brand fleet simplifies your service relationship and spare-parts inventory, reducing downtime and administrative complexity.

For contractors working in urban environments or on projects with tight access constraints, the combination of compact design, long reach, and high capacity makes the LTM 1060-3.1 a compelling investment. And for fleet managers focused on operational efficiency, the standardisation dividend—unified training, common parts, and consistent control systems—can be just as valuable as the crane's raw lifting specs.

Richard Kölch & Sohn's fleet conversion, completed in just two years, demonstrates how a strategic platform decision can streamline operations and position a contractor for long-term competitiveness. As the company approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, the investment in modern, unified equipment signals both stability and ambition—hallmarks of a family business built to last.