Built for the Big Lifts: Connor Liddle on Pressure, Precision, and Representing Crane Operators on a Global Stage

30 Second Takeaway

Connor Liddle is a crane operator with Mammoet known for handling some of the industry’s most complex lifts while using his online platform to showcase the realities of crane work to a global audience. From real-time refinery lifts and tandem operations with Liebherr giants to advocating for better communication, safety, and youth engagement, Connor shares what it takes to operate at the top of the game both on site and online.

When the Plan Changes in Real Time

For Connor Liddle, some of the most challenging lifts are the ones that refuse to stay neatly on paper. One that stands out was an emergency job at a refinery involving a 100-tonne beam tandem lift using a Liebherr LTM1750 and LTM1500 in a heavily congested area.

“It was being planned in real time,” Connor explains. “Everyone had to adapt daily.”

The beam had to be navigated between stacks in extremely close proximity, demanding constant adjustment, clear communication, and absolute trust in the team.

Those situations, he says, define the job.

Preparing for the Controls Mind and Body

Connor is refreshingly honest about how he prepares for a shift.

“To prepare mentally, it’s got to be a white Monster and a watermelon ice snus,” he jokes. “The mix of caffeine and nicotine is all a crane op really needs.”

Physically, preparation looks very different.

“With the bigger mobiles, I make sure I do more than enough of the work rigging and building the cranes.”

Staying active during setup helps balance the long hours in the cab.

“If you’re operating for ten hours, there needs to be movement somewhere in the day.”

Blind Picks in Tight Urban Spaces

Executing blind picks in urban environments comes down to one thing above all else.

“Communication,” Connor says. “You’re putting all your trust in the guy at the end of the radio.”

He often relies on multiple spotters to monitor potential clash points and stresses that road closures are usually essential when rigging in city environments.

“With a good crew and excellent communication, you’re golden.”

Fast, Smooth, and Under Control

Connor doesn’t claim to have a unique lift style but he knows where his strengths come from.

Steel erection, he says, is where he truly honed his skills.

“Fast and smooth. If you can do a ten-hour shift erecting steel without getting a socket thrown at you, you must be doing something right.”

That balance of pace and precision defines his approach in the cab.

Staying Ahead of Technology and Safety

Connor stays current by staying connected.

“I speak to so many people in the industry through social media,” he explains. “If someone gets a new crane, I’m messaging them asking how it compares and what the new features are.”

From a safety perspective, he credits Mammoet with staying ahead of the curve.

“They’re always ahead of the game when it comes to safety and keeping us informed on new regulations.”

Making the Call When Safety Comes First

One of Connor’s most important safety calls came not during a lift but while leaving site.

After heavy overnight rain, the temporary access road for a Liebherr 750 was in poor condition.

“I wasn’t happy taking the crane on it,” he says. “The last thing I wanted was the road to give way.”

Although the crane was scheduled at another job the next day, Connor insisted the road be scraped and improved before moving.

“It was a small change in plan, but it saved what could have been a big problem.”

The Liebherr That Stands Above the Rest

When it comes to favorite machines, Connor doesn’t hesitate.

“The LTM1750 no brainer.”

He praises its user-friendly design, strong configurations, and performance on luffer.

“You get a great day building the crane, then operating it. In my opinion, there’s no better crane.”

Showing the World What Crane Work Really Is

If selected for Game of Cranes, Connor says he would do exactly what he already does on his platforms show the real crane world.

“A mixture of serious and funny styles,” he says. “From the very beginning, I wanted to engage people especially young people.”

He sees a growing experience gap in the UK crane industry and wants to help close it.

“There’s a huge lack of young people coming into the game, and I want to change that.”

A Lift He’ll Never Forget

Some moments stay with you forever. For Connor, it was pulling the main boom foot section of the Focus30, a crane that jacks and builds its boom vertically.

“When you pull the foot, you have a ten-metre void on the superstructure,” he explains. “But you look up and there’s 80 metres suspended under thin air.”

“That’s one I’ll never forget.”

About Mammoet

Mammoet is a global leader in engineered heavy lifting and transport solutions, supporting some of the world’s most complex infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects. With a focus on safety, innovation, and operational excellence, Mammoet provides specialized crane, rigging, and transport services that enable clients to build and maintain critical assets. Operating worldwide, Mammoet combines advanced equipment, engineering expertise, and highly skilled professionals to deliver reliable solutions in demanding environments.

Website  https://www.mammoet.com